Top 10 Physical Therapist Certifications

Certifications are important for physical therapists in the job market because they provide evidence of specialized skills and knowledge that employers value. They demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a dedication to staying current with industry standards and best practices. Certifications can help physical therapists stand out amongst other applicants, especially when applying for higher-level positions or jobs with greater responsibility. Additionally, certifications are often required for certain types of positions, such as those requiring direct patient care or working with specialized populations. Having these credentials can make it easier for physical therapists to find employment, as well as increase their chances of securing a job and advancing in their careers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Physical Therapists and explains how they can help physical therapists advance their careers.

What are Physical Therapist Certifications?

Physical therapist certification is a process by which physical therapists demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide safe and effective physical therapy services. Physical therapists can become certified in various specialties such as orthopedics, sports medicine, geriatrics, neurology, pediatrics, and more. Certification shows that a physical therapist has achieved a certain level of expertise in their field.

Certification can help physical therapists differentiate themselves from other practitioners and also help them build credibility with patients. Patients may be more likely to trust a certified physical therapist because it indicates that the individual has taken the time to study and become knowledgeable about their specialty area. Additionally, certification may provide access to certain job opportunities or promotions within the field of physical therapy. Lastly, having certification allows physical therapists to stay abreast of current trends in the profession and receive continuing education credits needed for licensure renewal.

Pro tip: Before pursuing a physical therapist certification, be sure to research the requirements and make sure the program you are considering is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This will ensure that your certification will be recognized and accepted by employers.

Related: What does a Physical Therapist do?

Top 10 Physical Therapist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Physical Therapists today.

1. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who use evidence-based methods to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for athletes, active adults, and the general population. CSCSs have a comprehensive understanding of exercise science principles, nutrition, biomechanics, motor learning, program design, periodization, testing and evaluation, injury prevention, rehabilitation strategies, sport psychology, and more.

To become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These include having a bachelor’s degree in an exercise-related field from an accredited college or university; being certified in CPR/AED; having at least four years of experience as a strength coach or personal trainer; passing the NSCA’s CSCS exam; completing the NSCA’s continuing education requirements; and maintaining a current membership with the NSCA.

The CSCS exam is administered by Pearson VUE Testing Centers throughout the United States. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $300-$400. The exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, you will be awarded your CSCS certification. This certification is valid for two years before needing to be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses offered through the NSCA.

2. Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT)

Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) is a certification program designed to provide physical therapists with advanced knowledge and skills in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The COMT program is offered by the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM). It requires completion of a minimum of 200 hours of instruction in manual therapy techniques, including hands-on practice and clinical application.

The COMT program takes approximately 18 months to complete. It consists of three courses: Foundations, Specialization, and Advanced Practice. Each course is divided into four modules that cover topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, patient assessment, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization techniques, joint mobilization techniques, and orthopedic manual therapy principles.

To become certified as an Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), you must successfully complete all three courses and pass the COMT Certification Exam administered by IAOM. The cost for the entire program ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on the location you choose to attend classes.

3. Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a physical therapist or occupational therapist who has been specifically trained to evaluate and treat patients with hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries. The CHT credential is the highest level of specialization for therapists working in the upper extremity field.

To become a CHT, one must have at least five years of clinical experience in the field of hand therapy, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice. In addition to this experience requirement, applicants must pass an exam administered by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC). The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, biomechanics, wound care management, splinting techniques and patient evaluation/treatment protocols.

The cost to take the CHT exam is $450 USD for HTCC members and $550 USD for non-members. Additionally there is an annual renewal fee of $125 USD for HTCC members and $175 USD for non-members.

4. Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)

A Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) is a healthcare professional who has completed an advanced certification program in the field of lymphedema management. Lymphedema is a condition that results from an impaired lymphatic system, leading to swelling and other symptoms in the affected area. CLTs specialize in providing comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with lymphedema, which may include manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, exercise, and education about self-care.

The certification process typically requires applicants to have a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in the field of lymphedema management as well as passing a comprehensive exam. The certification is offered by several organizations including the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABCOP), and the National Lymphedema Network (NLN).

The cost of obtaining CLT certification varies depending on the organization offering it; however, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD. The time required to complete the certification process also varies depending on each applicant’s individual circumstances; however, it typically takes at least 6 months to 1 year to complete all requirements.

In order to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), applicants must meet certain educational requirements and demonstrate knowledge and competence in their chosen field. Applicants must possess either an associate or bachelor's degree in physical therapy or occupational therapy from an accredited institution as well as have completed additional coursework related to lymphedema management. Once all educational requirements are met, applicants can apply for CLT certification through one of the aforementioned organizations.

5. Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS)

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) is a certification that recognizes physical therapists who have advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions. This certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

It typically takes two to three years of post-professional study to become eligible for OCS certification. This includes completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care in an orthopaedic setting as well as passing the OCS exam.

To get certified, physical therapists must first complete the required coursework and clinical experiences. They must then apply to take the OCS examination, which consists of both written and practical components. After successfully completing the exam, they will receive their certification.

The cost for taking the OCS exam is $800 for members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and $1,000 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or attending conferences related to orthopaedic physical therapy.

6. Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy (NCS)

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy (NCS) is a certification offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) that recognizes physical therapists with advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the area of neurological physical therapy. The NCS credential is designed to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, as well as a higher level of competency and expertise than what is typically required for entry-level practice.

In order to become an NCS, one must have completed a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience post-graduation from an accredited physical therapy program, have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and meet additional requirements set forth by the ABPTS. These requirements include completion of a minimum number of hours in direct patient care and specialty practice areas, completion of continuing education courses related to neurological physical therapy, and passing the NCS examination.

The process to become an NCS typically takes around 1-2 years depending on how quickly you can complete all the necessary requirements. To get started, you will need to submit an application packet to the ABPTS which includes documentation verifying your eligibility criteria such as your degree, NPTE score, and clinical experience. Once you are approved for candidacy, you will need to register for and pass the NCS examination within 3 years or else your application will be denied.

The cost for becoming an NCS varies depending on several factors such as where you live and how quickly you complete all the necessary requirements. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD including fees for registration for the NCS exam and associated materials such as study guides.

7. Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) is a certification that recognizes physical therapists who have advanced knowledge, experience and skills in the area of sports physical therapy. The SCS certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) and requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in sports physical therapy within the past five years.

In order to become an SCS, a physical therapist must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by ABPTS. These include: having a current license to practice physical therapy; completion of an accredited Doctorate or Masters degree program in physical therapy; completion of at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in sports physical therapy within the past five years; and successful completion of an examination administered by ABPTS.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on when you register and whether or not you are a member of APTA. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 to take the exam. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee for obtaining your certificate which ranges from $200-$300.

The process to become an SCS can take several months depending on when you register for the exam and how quickly you can complete all necessary components such as submitting documentation and completing any required courses. It typically takes around 6-12 weeks from start to finish to become certified as an SCS.

8. Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

A Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS) is a healthcare professional who has achieved a higher level of training and certification in the field of women’s health. WCSs specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions related to women’s health, including gynecological issues, reproductive health issues, and menopause. The WCS credential is offered by the National Board for Certification of Women's Health Specialists (NBC-WHS).

The certification process typically takes about two years to complete. To become certified as a WCS, you must first meet the eligibility requirements established by NBC-WHS. These include having an advanced degree in nursing or other healthcare discipline from an accredited program; at least one year of experience working with women's health patients; and completion of an approved clinical training program. You must also pass the WCS certification exam administered by NBC-WHS.

The cost to take the exam is $400 for members of NBC-WHS and $500 for non-members. After passing the exam, you must renew your certification every three years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.

9. Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification (PCS)

Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification (PCS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of pediatric clinical specialists. This certification is offered by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The PCS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge in pediatric-specific areas such as nutrition, growth and development, immunizations, infectious diseases, mental health, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a PCS, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a current license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada, completing an accredited pediatric residency program within the last five years, passing the PCS examination with a score of at least 70%, and successfully completing post-residency training in pediatrics.

The cost for taking the PCS exam is $1,500 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to pay an additional fee of $200 USD for your certification certificate. The certification must be renewed every five years by taking continuing education courses or retaking the PCS exam.

10. Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor in Physical Therapy (ACCI-PT)

Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor in Physical Therapy (ACCI-PT) is a credential that recognizes the expertise of physical therapists who demonstrate excellence in clinical instruction. It is an advanced-level certification for those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in teaching physical therapy skills and techniques to students, interns, and other professionals. The ACCI-PT credential is offered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The process of obtaining the ACCI-PT credential involves completing an application form, submitting documentation of professional experience and education, passing a written examination, and providing evidence of current professional practice. The entire process typically takes several months to complete.

To be eligible for the ACCI-PT credential, applicants must hold a valid physical therapy license in their state or jurisdiction of practice; have at least five years of full-time clinical experience; have completed at least 200 hours of approved clinical instruction activities within the past three years; and have completed at least 40 hours of approved continuing education related to clinical instruction activities within the past three years.

The cost to apply for the ACCI-PT credential varies depending on whether you are an APTA member or nonmember. For APTA members, it costs $150 to apply for the credential plus a $50 examination fee. For nonmembers, it costs $250 to apply for the credential plus a $50 examination fee.

Do You Really Need a Physical Therapist Certificate?

Physical therapy is an important and growing field in the healthcare industry. As such, many people are considering entering this profession and are asking if they need a physical therapist certificate. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of job you are seeking, the requirements of the particular program you are applying for, and the level of experience and expertise that you possess.

If you are looking for employment as a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic setting, then it is likely that you will need to obtain a physical therapist certificate. This is because most employers require their employees to be certified in order to provide quality care to their patients. Even if you have extensive experience working with patients in other settings, it may not be enough to satisfy the requirements of some employers. Certification also demonstrates your commitment to professional development and provides potential employers with evidence of your qualifications and abilities.

On the other hand, if you are pursuing a career as an independent practitioner or private practice physical therapist, then certification may not be required depending on the state or region where you live. In some states, there may be laws that require certain types of practitioners to be certified before they can practice; however, these laws vary from state to state so it’s important to research your local area’s regulations before making any decisions about whether or not certification is necessary for your career path.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual person to decide whether or not obtaining a physical therapist certificate is worth the effort and cost involved. If certification will help you secure better job opportunities or increase your chances of success as an independent practitioner then it may very well be worth pursuing; however, if certification isn’t necessary for your specific situation then it might make more sense financially and logistically to invest time and money into gaining additional skills and experience rather than focusing on certification alone.

Related: Physical Therapist Resume Examples

FAQs About Physical Therapist Certifications

1. How do I become a certified physical therapist?

Answer: To become a certified physical therapist, you must complete an accredited physical therapy program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

2. What type of certifications are available for physical therapists?

Answer: The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers nine different certifications in various specialties such as orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, and pediatrics.

3. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Your certification must be renewed every 10 years by completing continuing education credits and passing the NPTE again.

4. Are there any special requirements for certification?

Answer: You must have completed an accredited physical therapy program and have at least two years of professional experience prior to taking the NPTE exam.

5. What is the cost of obtaining certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on your state requirements but typically includes fees for the application process, examination fee, and continuing education credits.