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Best physical therapist assistant certifications

The best certifications for a physical therapist assistant are Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Master Therapist (MTAPA).

Physical therapist assistant certifications demonstrate your competency as a physical therapist assistant to employers. However, not all physical therapist assistant certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best physical therapist assistant certifications. Obtaining a physical therapist assistant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

3 best certifications for physical therapist assistants

RankPhysical therapist assistant certificationOrganization
1Medical AssistantASPT
2Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)American Red ...
3Master Therapist (MTAPA)APA, DAPA

3 best physical therapist assistant certifications

1. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...

2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Nurse Assistant

3. Master Therapist (MTAPA)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No

What is the best certification for a physical therapist assistant?

The best physical therapist assistant certification is Medical Assistant. The Medical Assistant is awarded by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this physical therapist assistant certification:

  • To become a certified Medical Assistant, you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 1 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for physical therapist assistants?

The most in-demand physical therapist assistant certification is Medical Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this physical therapist assistant certification will give you access to more physical therapist assistant jobs with higher salaries.

Best certifications

The most common combination of physical therapist assistant certifications include: Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Master Therapist (MTAPA).

Online courses for physical therapist assistants to earn certifications

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