Top 11 Rehabilitation Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for rehabilitation technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill in the field. A certification can help distinguish a technician from others who may not have specialized training. Certifications also show potential employers that the technician is dedicated to their profession and is committed to continuing their education, which can be attractive in a competitive job market. Additionally, many employers require certifications as a prerequisite for hiring or promotion, so having one may help open up more job opportunities. Finally, certifications can increase earning potential since they often come with higher salaries and bonuses.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the value of the top certifications for Rehabilitation Technicians, and how they can help further their career.

What are Rehabilitation Technician Certifications?

Rehabilitation technician certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder's knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing rehabilitation services to individuals with physical or mental disabilities. This certification is offered by various organizations across the United States and is designed to improve the quality of care provided to those with disabilities. The certification ensures that technicians have received appropriate education and training in order to provide effective rehabilitative care.

Rehabilitation technicians can help individuals with disabilities develop and maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health. They assist in activities such as exercise therapy, mobility training, cognitive retraining, social skills development, communication training, nutritional counseling, and many other therapeutic interventions. Rehabilitation technicians also provide support for caregivers of those with disabilities. By obtaining rehabilitation technician certification, professionals are showing their commitment to providing compassionate care and helping individuals maximize their potentials.

Certified rehabilitation technicians can greatly benefit patients who require special attention due to an injury or illness. With their expertise in rehabilitative techniques and therapies they can work closely with therapists and physicians to create individualized treatment plans that are tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Additionally, certified technicians understand how important it is for patients to have a safe environment during recovery; they are able to use specialized equipment safely while providing emotional support throughout the process.

In short, rehabilitation technician certification can help ensure that individuals receive high-quality rehabilitative care tailored specifically for them while also supporting caregivers in providing the best possible support system for those they love.

Pro Tip: When considering rehabilitation technician certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for each program. Additionally, look into any continuing education opportunities that may be available to you after certification. This will help ensure that you remain up-to-date on the latest advances in rehabilitation technology and techniques.

Related: What does a Rehabilitation Technician do?

Top 11 Rehabilitation Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Rehabilitation Technicians today.

1. Certified Rehabilitation Technician (CRT)

A Certified Rehabilitation Technician (CRT) is a professional who specializes in providing rehabilitation services to individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or psychological disabilities. This certification is offered by the National Board for Certification of Rehabilitation Technicians (NBCRT). The CRT credential is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the delivery of rehabilitation services.

To become a Certified Rehabilitation Technician, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and pass an examination administered by the NBCRT. To be eligible for the CRT exam, applicants must possess either a high school diploma or its equivalent; or at least two years of post-secondary education in a human service field; or at least one year of experience working with people with disabilities in a supervised setting.

The CRT exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as: medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, psychosocial aspects of disability, patient assessment and treatment planning, therapeutic activities and interventions, assistive technology, communication techniques, and professional ethics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CRT exam is $225 USD. Once certified, individuals must renew their credentials every five years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the CRT exam.

2. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals. CRCs use a variety of counseling techniques to help clients understand their disability, develop self-advocacy skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

The process of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor typically takes between two to four years. To become certified, you must first complete an accredited master’s degree program in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. After completing the educational requirements, you must then pass the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination. Finally, you must also meet any state-specific requirements that may apply.

The cost of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor varies depending on the specific program and institution you choose. Generally speaking, tuition costs for master’s programs range from around $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the length of the program and other factors. In addition to tuition costs, there are also fees associated with taking the NBCC examination which can range from around $300-$500.

3. Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

A Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) is a professional who has been trained to provide specialized care and support to individuals living with brain injuries. CBIS certification is granted by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS).

To become a CBIS, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program that includes courses in rehabilitation counseling, medical aspects of brain injury, psychosocial aspects of brain injury, and legal/ethical issues related to brain injury. The program also includes supervised fieldwork experience in which candidates gain hands-on experience working with individuals living with brain injuries. Upon successful completion of the training program and fieldwork experience, candidates are eligible to take the ACBIS Certification Exam.

The cost for the ACBIS Certification Program varies depending on the type of course chosen. Most programs range from $2,000-$4,000 USD. The cost for the exam itself is $295 USD.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the ACBIS Certification Program.

4. Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVRC)

Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVRC) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of counselors who specialize in helping people with disabilities achieve their employment goals. CVRCs provide career counseling, job placement, and other services to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment.

To become certified as a CVRC, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The educational requirements include a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, such as psychology or social work. You must also have at least two years of full-time experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling.

The CRCC exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as assessment techniques, case management strategies, job development and placement skills, legal issues related to disability rights, and ethical considerations. The cost of taking the exam is $250 for members of the CRCC and $350 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from the CRCC. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits every two years.

Overall, it can take up to two years to become a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVRC).

5. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who specializes in the management of disability, return-to-work, and other related services. The CDMS certification is an internationally recognized credential that is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is designed to demonstrate expertise in disability management and provides evidence of knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of disability management.

To become a Certified Disability Management Specialist, applicants must have at least two years of experience in disability management or a related field. Additionally, they must pass an exam that covers topics such as legal aspects of disability management, medical case management, return-to-work programs, and job analysis/accommodation.

The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It costs $395 to take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must also complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification status.

6. Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)

A Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) is a specialty certification for nurses who provide care to individuals with disabilities or chronic illness. This certification recognizes the nurse’s expertise in providing rehabilitation services and indicates that they have achieved a level of knowledge and skill in this area.

To become certified, a nurse must meet certain requirements, including having a current RN license in the state where they practice, at least two years of experience as an RN in the field of rehabilitation nursing, and completion of 30 hours of continuing education related to rehabilitation nursing within the past three years. Additionally, the nurse must pass an exam administered by the American Board for Certification in Rehabilitation Nursing (ABCRN).

The cost for taking the exam is $350. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CRRN certificate from ABCRN.

Overall, it may take several months to complete all of the requirements for becoming certified as a CRRN.

7. Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO)

A Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO) is a health care professional who specializes in the design, fabrication, and fitting of custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. Prosthetics are artificial limbs used to replace missing or damaged body parts, while orthotics are devices used to support weakened or deformed body parts. CPOs work with patients to assess their needs and develop customized solutions that meet their individual requirements.

To become a CPO, individuals must complete an accredited program in prosthetics and orthotics, which typically takes two years of full-time study. After completing the program, they must pass both written and practical exams administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABCOP). The ABCOP also requires CPOs to complete continuing education courses every three years in order to maintain their certification.

The cost of becoming a CPO varies depending on the program chosen, but can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. In addition to tuition costs, students may need to pay for textbooks, materials, equipment, and other expenses associated with the program.

8. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to provide rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. COTAs help patients develop, recover, and maintain their daily living and work skills. They also help them improve their ability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing, and using the toilet.

It typically takes two years to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). To become certified, you must complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The NBCOT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, therapeutic interventions, patient assessment and evaluation, safety and infection control, professional ethics and responsibilities, legal issues related to practice settings, and communication skills.

The cost of becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) varies depending on the educational institution you attend. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited program ranges from $15000-$25000. Additionally there are fees associated with taking the NBCOT exam which range from $415-$475 depending on when you register for it.

9. Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA)

A Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to help patients with their physical rehabilitation. A CPTA will typically provide services such as exercise instruction, therapeutic modalities, and patient education.

To become a CPTA, an individual must complete an accredited physical therapist assistant program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and clinical decision making.

The length of time it takes to become a CPTA depends on the individual's educational background. For those who have already completed an associate's degree or higher in physical therapy or another related field, the process may take as little as one year. For individuals without any prior education in this field, it may take up to two years to complete all of the necessary coursework and clinical hours required for certification.

In order to become certified as a CPTA, individuals must submit an application for certification through the FSBPT website. This application includes submitting proof of graduation from an accredited PTA program and passing scores on the NPTE exam. The cost for certification varies depending on where you live but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

10. Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)

A Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) is a health and fitness professional who has specialized knowledge and experience in exercise physiology. They are certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to design, implement, and supervise safe and effective exercise programs for healthy individuals as well as those with chronic medical conditions. CEPs have expertise in cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility, nutrition, weight management, stress management, lifestyle modification, and other areas related to exercise science.

It takes approximately two years of study to become a CEP. To qualify for certification you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field from an accredited college or university; have completed at least 20 hours of ACSM-approved continuing education courses; pass the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) exam; and hold current CPR/AED certification.

To get certified as a CEP you must first meet the educational requirements outlined above. You then need to register for the exam through the ACSM website. Once registered you will be able to access study materials online or purchase them from the ACSM store. After studying for the exam you can take it at any approved testing center throughout the United States.

The cost of becoming a CEP varies depending on your educational background and whether or not you choose to purchase additional study materials from the ACSM store. The cost of registering for the exam is $300 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. Additional costs may include travel expenses if taking an approved test center away from home, textbooks or other study materials purchased from the ACSM store, and any applicable taxes or fees associated with these purchases.

11. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of qualified therapeutic recreation specialists. The NCTRC was established in 1981 to promote the professional development of therapeutic recreation specialists and to ensure that they are providing quality services.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field, as well as at least one year of supervised experience in the field. They must also pass an exam administered by the NCTRC.

The process of becoming certified typically takes several months. After submitting an application and meeting all the requirements, applicants will be scheduled to take the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $375 for members of NCTRC and $450 for non-members. Once applicants have passed their exam, they will receive their official certification within 2-4 weeks.

The cost of maintaining certification varies depending on membership status with NCTRC; members pay an annual fee of $75 while non-members pay $125 annually. In addition to this fee, certified professionals must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Rehabilitation Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and needs. For some people, a Rehabilitation Technician Certificate may be necessary to gain employment in the field or advance their career. For others, it may not be as important.

If you are considering a career in rehabilitation therapy, having a Rehabilitation Technician Certificate can help open doors and provide you with an edge over other applicants seeking the same positions. It is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to the field of rehabilitation therapy. This certificate can also provide you with additional credibility when applying for higher-level positions or advancing your career within the field.

On the other hand, if you are already employed or working toward a degree in rehabilitation therapy, it may not be necessary for you to obtain a Rehabilitation Technician Certificate. Your current credentials may be enough for employers to consider you for positions within the field. However, if you are looking to switch careers or break into the field of rehabilitation therapy from another profession, then having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Rehabilitation Technician Certificate depends on your personal goals and interests. If it is something that will help further your career aspirations in the field of rehabilitation therapy, then it is definitely worth pursuing!

Related: Rehabilitation Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Rehabilitation Technician Certifications

1. What is a Rehabilitation Technician Certification?

Answer: A Rehabilitation Technician Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have met certain criteria related to providing rehabilitative therapy services for people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. The certification process usually involves completing an accredited training program and passing a written exam.

2. How do I become certified as a Rehabilitation Technician?

Answer: To become certified as a Rehabilitation Technician, you must complete an approved training program and pass a written examination administered by an accredited certifying agency. The specific requirements vary by state, so it is important to research the requirements in your area before beginning the certification process.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Rehabilitation Technician?

Answer: Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites for becoming certified as a Rehabilitation Technician; however, some states may require applicants to have prior experience working with disabled individuals before being eligible for certification. Additionally, most certifying agencies require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Rehabilitation Technician?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as a Rehabilitation Technician varies depending on the individual's prior experience and educational background; however, typically it takes between 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the written exam.

5. Where can I find more information about becoming certified as a Rehabilitation Technician?

Answer: You can find more information about becoming certified as a Rehabilitation Technician through your local Department of Health Services or by contacting an accredited certifying agency such as the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS). Additionally, many online resources provide detailed information about the certification process and requirements.