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Best physical therapy aide certifications
Physical therapy aide certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an physical therapy aide to employers. However, not all physical therapy aide certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a physical therapy aide are Advanced First Aid & CPR, Massage Therapy Certification (MT), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Below is a list of the best physical therapy aide certifications. Obtaining an physical therapy aide certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for physical therapy aides
| Rank | Physical therapy aide certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced First Aid & CPR | NSC |
| 2 | Massage Therapy Certification (MT) | Moving on Cen... |
| 3 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 4 | Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | NHA |
| 5 | First Aid Certification | American Red ... |
| 6 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 7 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 8 | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | NBCOT |
| 9 | Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED | American Red ... |
| 10 | Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA) | NHA |
| 11 | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | NHA |
| 12 | Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C) | NCCPA |
| 13 | Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) | PMI |
| 14 | Dental Assistant (RDA) | AMT |
14 best physical therapy aide certifications
1. Advanced First Aid & CPR
- 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? Every 1 year(s)
2. Massage Therapy Certification (MT)
- 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? No
3. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
4. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.
- 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)
5. First Aid Certification
Designed for individuals with a duty to respond to emergencies, this program combines discussions, video and hands-on training. Real-life rescue scenarios reinforce decision-making skills. Free quarterly refreshers. Course covers how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over.
- 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? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- 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 2 year(s)
7. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- 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 5 year(s)
8. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.
- 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? Every 5 year(s)
9. Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Participants learn the importance of AEDs, and how to use an AED properly.The professional rescuer courses are designed for people with job-related duties in emergency preparedness and response. This includes nurses, law enforcement and EMS personnel, fire fighters, business and industry response teams, lifeguards, flight attendants, and others who must take action in emergency situations.
- 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? Every 3 year(s)
10. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.
- 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)
11. 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)
12. Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C)
A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and the uniformed services.
- 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? Every 6 year(s)
13. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- 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?
14. Dental Assistant (RDA)
A Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental health team, competent via education, experience, and understanding of patient welfare. The Dental Assistant is qualified to provide support in administrative duties: chairside, laboratory, and radiological procedures, as defined by existing state laws. As an agent of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant strives to cultivate good will and confidence within the dental practice.
- 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 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a physical therapy aide?
The best physical therapy aide certification is Advanced First Aid & CPR. The Advanced First Aid & CPR is awarded by the National Safety Council.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this physical therapy aide certification:
- To become a certified Advanced First Aid & CPR, 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 therapy aides?
The most in-demand physical therapy aide certification is Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this physical therapy aide certification will give you access to more physical therapy aide jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a physical therapy aide career and salary?
The Massage Therapy Certification certification will help you to secure a massage therapist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A massage therapist's average salary is $45,742 whereas physical therapy aides make an average salary of $31,160.
The most common combination of physical therapy aide certifications include: Advanced First Aid & CPR, Massage Therapy Certification (MT), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Online courses for physical therapy aides to earn certifications
1. Colombian Wood Therapy Course - Maderoterapia
Learn how to use Colombian Wood Therapy to help your clients reduce cellulite and melt fat...
2. 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!...
3. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate
Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective form of Deep Tissue Massage for pain relief (2 CEUs)...
4. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy
Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...
5. Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy Course 101...
6. Art Therapy: Art Therapy Exercises For Healing In Life
35 Art Therapy exercises for life happiness & stress management. Art therapy with paintings, art & affirmations...
7. Sound Therapy Full Certification Course
Become a holistic professional who knows both Western and Eastern approaches to Sound Therapy!...
8. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
9. Professional Cupping Therapy & Massage
Professional and comprehensive course of cupping techniques and applications...
10. Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self Healing with Art
Arts Therapy heals ! Improve your Mental Health with 30 Art Therapy Exercises ...
11. Oxford Diploma: Art Therapy:create books; run (4) workshops!
All you need to a) create a book and b) run FOUR Art Therapy workshops (including the Art Therapy exercises)!...
12. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learn ACT: Use cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness to increase psychological flexibility...
13. Ashiatsu or Shiatsu Barefoot Sports Massage Therapy
Let your feet do the work for you!...
14. Colour Therapy Practitioner Certification
Learn to use the power of colour to promote health and wellbeing...
15. Deep Tissue Massage: Trigger Point Therapy Certificate
Deep Tissue Trigger Point Massage Therapy is a proven approach for the relief of soft-tissue pain and dysfunction (2CEU)...
16. (Oxford) Diploma in Art Therapy (Extended Master Course)
Art Therapy : detailed (116 hours) course to help: interpret, express and resolve emotions - in detail...
17. Reiki and Colour Therapy
Expanding Your Awareness...
18. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
19. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate
Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...
20. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...