Top 11 Physical Therapy Aide Certifications

Certifications are important for physical therapy aides in the job market because they show potential employers that the aide is knowledgeable and qualified to work in the field. Certifications demonstrate that an aide has completed the necessary training and hands-on experience to be successful in their role, which can give employers confidence that they are making a wise hiring decision. Additionally, certifications can help physical therapy aides stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as they demonstrate a commitment to their profession and dedication to professional development.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most important certifications for Physical Therapy Aides and how they can help further their career in physical therapy.

What are Physical Therapy Aide Certifications?

Physical therapy aide certification is an educational program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a physical therapy aide. Physical therapy aides help physical therapists by providing assistance with patient care, such as preparing treatment rooms, helping patients with exercises and stretching, setting up equipment, and cleaning up after treatment sessions.

The certification program typically includes courses in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, rehabilitation techniques, medical terminology, and patient care procedures. Upon completion of the coursework, students must pass a written exam in order to obtain their certification.

Having physical therapy aide certification can be beneficial to those seeking employment as a physical therapy aide. It demonstrates the individual’s understanding of the subject matter and their commitment to providing quality care to patients. Additionally, some employers may require applicants to have their certification prior to being hired. Furthermore having this certification can open up more opportunities for career advancement within the realm of physical therapy aiding.

Pro Tip: Make sure that your physical therapy aide certification is up-to-date and includes courses in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. These courses will help you better understand the human body, which is essential for providing effective physical therapy services.

Related: What does a Physical Therapy Aide do?

Top 11 Physical Therapy Aide Certifications

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

1. Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA)

Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to assist physical therapists in providing quality patient care. This certification is designed for those who want to work in a physical therapy setting, such as in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or private practice.

The CPTA program typically takes three months to complete. During this time, students will learn about anatomy and physiology, therapeutic exercise and modalities, patient safety and handling techniques, communication skills, and professional ethics. Upon completion of the program, students must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certification of Physical Therapists (NBCPT).

To become certified as a CPTA, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You must also complete an accredited physical therapy aide training program and pass the NBCPT exam. The cost of the CPTA certification varies depending on the program you choose to take; however, most programs range from $500-$1000.

Once certified as a CPTA, you will be eligible to work in any physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

2. Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPT)

Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPT) is a professional credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide physical therapy services. It is awarded by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

To become a CPT, individuals must first complete an accredited physical therapist assistant program. These programs typically take two years to complete, although some accelerated programs may be completed in as little as 18 months. After completing the program, applicants must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

The cost of becoming a CPT varies depending on factors such as tuition costs for the physical therapist assistant program and fees associated with taking the NPTE. However, it is estimated that total costs can range from $2,000 to $4,000.

3. Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist (COMPT)

Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist (COMPT) is a certification offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). This certification is designed to recognize physical therapists who have achieved advanced proficiency in the practice of orthopedic manual physical therapy.

To become a COMPT, you must first be licensed as a physical therapist. You must also complete an accredited post-professional residency program and pass the COMPT examination. The exam consists of both written and practical components that test your knowledge of orthopedic manual physical therapy principles and techniques.

The process of becoming a COMPT usually takes between two and three years to complete. After completing the residency program, you will need to register for the COMPT examination with ABPTS. Once registered, you will receive study materials from ABPTS which will help you prepare for the exam.

The cost to become a COMPT varies depending on the residency program chosen and other associated costs such as travel expenses, textbooks, etc. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 or more to become certified as a COMPT.

4. Certified Sports Physical Therapy Aide (CSPTA)

Certified Sports Physical Therapy Aide (CSPTA) is a certification program designed to give physical therapy aides the knowledge and skills necessary to assist physical therapists in providing quality care to athletes. The CSPTA program is offered by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

The CSPTA program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site examination. The online course covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, sports injuries, rehabilitation, nutrition, and safety. The online course must be completed within six months of registering for the exam.

The on-site examination is a written test that includes multiple choice questions and case studies. Candidates must pass both parts of the exam in order to become certified. The exam must be taken at a NATA-approved facility and can take up to three hours to complete.

The cost of the CSPTA certification program varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $200-$400 USD.

5. Certified Rehabilitation Therapist Technician (CRTT)

Certified Rehabilitation Therapist Technician (CRTT) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of rehabilitation therapy. CRTTs provide direct patient care services, including assessment, treatment planning, implementation of interventions, and evaluation of outcomes for individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.

The CRTT certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). To become certified as a CRTT, applicants must have at least an associate's degree in physical therapy or related field from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must have completed at least one year of full-time clinical experience in the practice of physical therapy or rehabilitation therapy.

To obtain the CRTT certification, applicants must pass the ABPTS written examination and demonstrate mastery of knowledge in areas such as patient assessment, therapeutic exercise prescription and implementation, neuromuscular re-education techniques, functional mobility training, assistive technology use and application, and documentation standards.

The cost to take the ABPTS written exam is $450 USD. The exam fee includes a study guide and access to online practice tests. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD to maintain your certification status.

6. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is a certification offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). It is designed for professionals who work in the strength and conditioning field, such as coaches, trainers, physical therapists, and athletic directors. The CSCS certification demonstrates a mastery of knowledge in exercise science, program design, testing and evaluation, nutrition, anatomy, biomechanics, sport psychology and other related topics.

The CSCS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, program design and implementation. Applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree in an exercise science-related field or have completed a NSCA-approved course in strength training.

To get certified as a CSCS you must first apply to take the exam at the NSCA website. You will need to submit your application along with proof of education or course completion. Once your application is approved you will be able to register for the exam which costs $300 USD. The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center located throughout the United States.

Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded your CSCS certification which is valid for four years from date of issue. To maintain your certification you must complete continuing education credits every two years or retake the exam after four years.

7. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is a non-profit organization that provides credentialing services to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. NBCOT certification is the gold standard of professional licensure within the field of occupational therapy. It is designed to ensure that all certified practitioners have met rigorous standards of excellence and have demonstrated a commitment to their profession.

To become certified, applicants must first pass the NBCOT exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, physical assessment, and therapeutic interventions. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and costs $495.

Once an individual has successfully passed the NBCOT exam, they can apply for certification by completing an application form provided by NBCOT. This form requires information about the applicant's educational background and work experience in the field of occupational therapy. Applicants must also submit documentation verifying their successful completion of the NBCOT exam. Once all materials are received by NBCOT, they will review them and make a decision on whether or not to grant certification.

The entire process from taking the exam to receiving certification usually takes 4-6 weeks depending on how quickly all paperwork is submitted and processed by NBCOT. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will receive their official certificate from NBCOT along with a wallet card indicating their status as a Certified Occupational Therapist (COT).

In addition to passing the exam and submitting an application form with supporting documentation, individuals seeking certification must also pay an initial fee of $395 plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registration for the examination or renewal of certification every five years ($95).

8. American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification (ACE-PTC)

The American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification (ACE-PTC) is a nationally recognized certification program for personal trainers. It is designed to provide aspiring personal trainers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become successful in the field. The ACE-PTC is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The ACE-PTC typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. To get certified, individuals must first pass the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam. This exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, exercise science, nutrition, and professional practice. After passing the exam, individuals must also complete a practical skills assessment in order to demonstrate their ability to safely and effectively apply their knowledge of exercise science in a real-world setting.

The cost of the ACE-PTC varies depending on where you take it and what materials you use for study purposes. Generally speaking, the total cost can range anywhere from $400-$800 including the exam fee ($399), study materials ($100-$500), and any other associated costs such as registration fees or travel expenses.

Overall, obtaining an ACE-PTC certification provides individuals with an excellent foundation for becoming successful personal trainers in today’s competitive fitness industry.

9. National Association of Sports Medicine Personal Training Certification (NASM-PTC)

The National Association of Sports Medicine Personal Training Certification (NASM-PTC) is a comprehensive certification program designed to help personal trainers become more knowledgeable and proficient in the field of exercise science. The program consists of both a written exam and practical application, which can be taken either online or in a classroom setting.

In order to become certified through NASM-PTC, individuals must first complete an accredited course that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise programming. After completing the coursework, individuals must then pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once the written exam is passed, individuals must then complete a practical application portion where they demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as strength training and cardiovascular conditioning. After successful completion of both the written exam and practical application portions, individuals will receive their NASM-PTC certification.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete depending on the individual’s schedule and availability. The cost for taking the course and exams varies depending on where you take them but generally ranges from $400-$800 USD.

10. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to medical emergencies. It is designed to help people recognize, respond to, and manage medical emergencies in a safe and effective manner. The certification covers a wide range of topics including how to recognize signs and symptoms of common illnesses, how to provide basic first aid care for injuries, how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and how to prevent disease transmission.

The certification typically takes about 4-6 hours of instruction time to complete. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days depending on the provider. To get certified, individuals must attend an American Red Cross class taught by an authorized instructor. The classes are offered at local chapters of the American Red Cross or through other organizations that have been approved by the American Red Cross.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100 per person.

11. American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists Certification (AAOMPT).

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes physical therapists who have achieved advanced levels of clinical expertise in orthopedic manual physical therapy. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates the highest level of knowledge and skill in manual physical therapy.

To become certified, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience in orthopedic manual physical therapy and pass a rigorous exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions, case studies, and practical demonstrations. Applicants are also required to complete continuing education courses every two years to maintain their certification status.

The process typically takes between two and four years to complete depending on the individual's experience and educational background.

To get started, applicants must first apply for membership with AAOMPT by completing an application form and paying the associated fee. Once accepted as a member, applicants can then begin the certification process by submitting their credentials for review by the AAOMPT Credentialing Committee. After review, applicants will be given access to the online exam portal where they can register for the exam and pay any associated fees.

The cost of becoming certified through AAOMPT varies depending on factors such as membership fees, exam registration fees, and continuing education costs. In general, it is estimated that it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 to become certified through AAOMPT.

Do You Really Need a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate?

Whether or not you need a physical therapy aide certificate to become a physical therapy aide will depend on the individual employer and state regulations. In some states, employers may require that potential aides have completed an approved training program as well as hold certification from an accredited organization. Additionally, some employers may require that their physical therapy aides have completed specific courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, medical terminology, and other topics related to the field of physical therapy.

In order to determine if a physical therapy aide certificate is necessary for the position you are interested in, it is best to research the requirements of the employer or state regulations. Many employers provide information about job requirements on their websites or in their job postings. It is also beneficial to contact organizations that offer physical therapy aide certification programs and ask them about any additional prerequisites or qualifications they may require before issuing a certificate.

When considering whether or not you need a physical therapy aide certificate, it is important to remember that having one can be beneficial in several ways. A certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge of the field of physical therapy and show potential employers that you take your career seriously and are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified aides because they are more likely to be aware of safety protocols and possess a better understanding of how to perform certain tasks correctly.

Overall, whether or not you need a physical therapy aide certificate depends on both your individual circumstances and those of your prospective employer. It is important to research both state regulations and employment requirements before making any decisions about pursuing certification.

Related: Physical Therapy Aide Resume Examples

FAQs About Physical Therapy Aide Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Physical Therapy Aide?

Answer: To become a Physical Therapy Aide, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a state-approved physical therapy aide training program.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Physical Therapy Aide?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a Physical Therapy Aide will vary depending on the program you choose and your individual learning style. Generally, most programs can be completed within one year or less.

3. Do I need to pass an exam to become certified?

Answer: Yes, most states require physical therapy aides to pass either the Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA) examination or the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Additionally, some states may also require an additional state certification exam.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for physical therapy aides?

Answer: Yes, most states require physical therapy aides to complete at least 8 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification status.

5. Are there any online physical therapy aide certifications available?

Answer: Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer online physical therapy aide certifications that can be completed from home or at your own pace.