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Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.

We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for physical therapist assistants. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

3 Best Certifications For Physical Therapist Assistants

RankCertificationOrganization
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 Medical Assistant certification is most common among physical therapist assistants. This certification 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. To become a certified physical therapist assistant with 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?

We analyzed online job postings to determine the most commonly asked-for certifications. The most popular certification requirement is Medical Assistant. By holding this certification, you will gain a more-competitive resume that will look impressive to potential employers.

Best Certifications

Physical therapist assistants are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Master Therapist (MTAPA).

online courses for Physical Therapist Assistants that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

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1. Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise

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Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise will introduce learners to the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise. Over six weeks learners will explore: Why physical activity and exercise are important, Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease, Exercise and Osteoporosis, Exercise and Cancer, Common Sports Injuries, Exercise and Arthritis...

2. Foundations for Assisting in Home Care

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5. Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review

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6. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care

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This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...

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9. Trauma Emergencies and Care

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Welcome to Trauma Emergencies and Care. In this course, you will learn about some of the mechanics and physics of trauma on the human body, and how this can cause injury. You will continue to expand your new vocabulary with medical terminology, and learn how to describe the different injuries you may see. You will also learn about the trauma system itself- and when it is important to transport patients to a trauma center. Then we will dive into specific injuries based on what part of the body...

10. Symptom Management in Palliative Care

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This course should be taken after the Essentials of Palliative Care course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support and goals of care. You will learn how to screen, assess, and manage both physical and psychological symptoms. You will explore common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress and learn specific treatments. You will continue to follow Sarah and Tim’s experience and learn cultural competencies critical for optimal...

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Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...

13. Advanced Practice Provider/Physician Assistant: Opioid Use Disorder Medication Assisted Treatment Waiver Training (24hr)

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This online course opportunity is made possible through a joint partnership with University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVASOM) and Nursing (SON) and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), Data 2000 sponsor for this MAT waiver training. This content was created by the AAAP and has been used with permission. This course is designed to highlight important issues affecting prescribing clinicians regarding the new requirements and guidelines in opioid prescribing and management...

14. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes

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COURSE 3 of 7. This course is designed to introduce you to critical office-based processes that a value-based practice must manage in the drive towards improved patient outcomes. In Module 2, we’ll focus on office-based and clinical patient-based supporting functions. At every level in healthcare, guidelines, processes, and functions exist to improve outcomes, and following a consistent process will return the best effect. Refine your understanding of value and learn strategies to provide real...

15. Fully Accredited Professional Colour Therapy Diploma Course

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16. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification

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17. Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers

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The course is a comprehensive set of didactic lectures surveying fundamentals of transgender medical and surgical treatment. The material is meant to provide the student with core knowledge that is essential for current primary care providers caring for transgender patients. There are 10 modules led by the expert clinical faculty from the pioneering Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, located within the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New...

18. Gua Sha- Tool Assisted Massage Technique Certificate Course

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