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 staff physical therapy assistants. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

7 Best Certifications For Staff Physical Therapy Assistants

7 Best Staff Physical Therapy 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. Massage Therapy Certification (MT)

Certification Details
  • 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
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Massage Therapy
udemy
4.6
(996)

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.

Certification Details
  • 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. Certified Personal Trainer

The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.

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 3 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Personal Trainer
Certifying Organization
Cooper Institute for Aerobics...

6. 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.

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 5 year(s)

7. 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).

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 2 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.6
(2,138)

What is the best certification for a Staff Physical Therapy Assistant?

The Medical Assistant certification is most common among staff physical therapy 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 staff physical therapy 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 Staff Physical Therapy 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

Staff physical therapy assistants are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Massage Therapy Certification (MT).

online courses for Staff Physical Therapy 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.

Advertising Disclosure

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

coursera

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. Massage Therapy

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Massage Therapy Course 101...

3. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course

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Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...

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Become Professional Art Therapist with this Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...

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Professional and comprehensive course of cupping techniques and applications...

6. Sound Therapy Full Certification Course

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Become a holistic professional who knows both Western and Eastern approaches to Sound Therapy!...

7. Art Therapy: Art Therapy Exercises For Healing In Life

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35 Art Therapy exercises for life happiness & stress management. Art therapy with paintings, art & affirmations...

8. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...

9. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches

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Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...

10. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification

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International EMDR Training for Self-Healing, Trauma Therapy, Childhood Healing, PTSD, Grief, and Counseling...

11. Bowen Therapy NO MASSAGE Healing Certificate Course (8CEU)

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An incredible NO MASSAGE remedial therapy for massage therapists or anyone else that wants to learn how to heal people...

12. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy

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

13. (Nov. 2022)The MOST Extensive, Accredited, Art Therapy.

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Everything you need to heal yourself - and heal others. Workbooks. hundreds of Art Therapy exercises. active Q/A...

14. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Associate Life Coach

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CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Life Coaching Associate Coach Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching...

15. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Course

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Become a Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner and elevate your understanding of human behaviour...

16. Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self Healing with Art

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Arts Therapy heals! Improve your Mental Health with 30 Art Therapy Exercises. With Certificate Upon Completion...

17. Learn Chinese Cupping Therapy: Release Muscle Tension Fast

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Easy To Understand, Quick To Learn, Clear Instruction, Lifetime Access...

18. Fully Accredited Professional Colour Therapy Diploma Course

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Fully Accredited Diploma Course - Using the power of Color For Positive & Strong Effects In Your Or Your Clients Life!...

19. Dyslexia Therapy for Self Help or as a Career

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Dyslexia Therapy as a Self-Help Model for Dyslexics & Dyslexia Therapy as a Career...

20. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE

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How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...

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