Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best physical therapist certifications
The best certifications for a physical therapist are Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT).
Physical therapist certifications demonstrate your competency as a physical therapist to employers. However, not all physical therapist certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best physical therapist certifications. Obtaining a physical therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for physical therapists
| Rank | Physical therapist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | NSCA-CC |
| 2 | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | American Red ... |
| 3 | Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) | IAOM-US |
| 4 | Certified Program Evaluator (CPE) | NCRA |
| 5 | Pediatrics | ABMS |
| 6 | Wound Care Certified (WCC) | NAWC |
| 7 | Master Therapist (MTAPA) | APA, DAPA |
| 8 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
| 9 | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | NHA |
9 best physical therapist certifications
1. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Learn more about becoming a strength and conditioning coach with the NSCA certification! Visit NSCA.com for more information on strength and conditioning jobs, strength and conditioning internships, continuing education and CEUs.
- 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 3 year(s)
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.
- 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?
3. Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT)
To become certified through the IAOM-US in Orthopedic Medicine and Manual Therapy, an individual must successfully complete any of the following examinations:Upper Extremity Certification (3 three day courses: Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Thumb); Lower Extremity Certification (3 three day courses: Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot); Complete Extremity Certification (6 three day courses: Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Thumb, Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot); Upper Spine Certification (3 three day courses: Upper Cervical & Headache, Lower Cervical, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervico-Thoracic Junction); Lower Spine Certification (3 three day courses: LSI-Acute Lumbar &Sacro-iliac Joint, LSII-Recurrent and Chronic Low Back Pain, Thoracic & Ribs); Complete Spine Certification (6 three day courses: Upper Cervical Spine, Lower Cervical Spine, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction, LSI-Acute Lumbar & Sacroiliac Joint, LSII Recurrent and Chronic Low Back Pain, Thoracic Spine & Ribs); UE Track Certification I (3 two day courses: UE Hand, UE Wrist Level I, UE Wrist Level II); UE Track Certification II (3 two day courses:(UE Elbow, UE Shoulder, UE TOS/CTJ) Successful completion of certification for a minimum of three courses (67.5 contact hours) results in a "COMT" Certification. The Certification will become official within two months of the examination date. You will then be entitled to use the initials "COMT" following your name and credentials.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Certified Program Evaluator (CPE)
A CPE is an individual trained to evaluate and certify undergraduate court reporting programs. The CPE assists the school through the rigorous certification process and performs the official evaluation. If you are committed to helping shape the future of the reporting and captioning professions, consider becoming a CPE. Only CPEs may participate in the NCRA Program Certification Process. NCRA has simplified the process of obtaining certification by reconfiguring the program as a Web-based online course of study. The two seminars that you are required to take can be found in NCRA's E-Seminars catalog on this Web site.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Pediatrics
A physician specializing in Pediatrics is concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 10 year(s)
6. Wound Care Certified (WCC)
The NAWC offers the Wound Care Certification Examination to measure the academic and technical competence of eligible candidates in the area of Skin and Wound Care Management. Upon obtaining a passing score on the Certification examination, candidates may use the initials WCC, Wound Care Certified, to designate their status.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
7. Master Therapist (MTAPA)
- 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
8. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreation therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. NCTRC supports quality human service and health care standards and maintains recognition by the Joint Commission and the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). NCTRC provides credential verification services to employers and health care agencies. These services are strongly encouraged by NCTRC to monitor personnel adherence to the standards of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a physical therapist?
The best physical therapist certification is Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is awarded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certification Commission. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this physical therapist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for physical therapists?
The most in-demand physical therapist certification is Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this physical therapist certification will give you access to more physical therapist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a physical therapist career and salary?
The Master Therapist certification will help you to secure a staff physical therapist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A staff physical therapist's average salary is $70,689 whereas physical therapists make an average salary of $73,070.
The most common combination of physical therapist certifications include: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT).
Online courses for physical therapists to earn certifications
1. Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale
Acute stroke is a time-dependent medical emergency. In acute ischemic stroke, the first objective is to restore brain flow using sistemic thrombolytic treatment and, in patients with large vessel occlusion, by endovascular treatment. In hemorrhagic stroke there are also specific treatments that can improve the clinical outcome. The sooner the initiation of all these therapies the higher the clinical benefit. Thus, the organization of Stroke Code systems coordinated between emergency medical...
2. Trauma Emergencies and Care
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...
3. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...
4. Colombian Wood Therapy Course - Maderoterapia
Learn how to use Colombian Wood Therapy to help your clients reduce cellulite and melt fat...
5. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
6. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...
7. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate
Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective form of Deep Tissue Massage for pain relief (2 CEUs)...
8. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
9. Colour Therapy Practitioner Certification
Learn to use the power of colour to promote health and wellbeing...
10. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy
Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...
11. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE
Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...
12. Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Therapy & Sound Healing Training
Learn How To Become A Sound Healing Therapist Using Tibetan Bowls. Learn How To Work One-On-One With Clients...
13. Professional Cupping Therapy & Massage
Professional and comprehensive course of cupping techniques and applications...
14. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
15. Bowen Therapy NO MASSAGE Healing Certificate Course (8CEU)
An incredible NO MASSAGE remedial therapy for massage therapists or anyone else that wants to learn how to heal people...
16. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
17. Fully Accredited Crystal Therapy Healing Diploma Course
An In Depth Diploma Course Understanding & Learning About Crystals & Their Powerful Healing Abilities...
18. Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self Healing with Art
Arts Therapy heals ! Improve your Mental Health with 30 Art Therapy Exercises ...
19. Certification in Sound Therapy & Sound Healing - Accredited
Become professional therapist / healer Fully Accredited Professional Sound Healing / Sound Therapy Certificate...
20. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU)
Manual lymphatic drainage massage will change your massage practice. Learn how to do this powerful massage technique...