Certifications while in school

[EmmaLee]

Hey there,

I am currently finishing up my first year in PT school and I need some advice. I want to get a couple certifications before I graduate to give my resume an edge.

I wanted to know what certifications you all would suggest?

I know I'm going to get my CSCS. But, there are some certifications that I cannot get until I graduate (i.e. diabetes educator certification, Lymphedema management, etc). Any suggests would be much appreciated!

Thanks

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[jdaniels360]

In my undergrad program it's mandatory that we take the Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) exam by ACSM. Just a thought...

 

[SPTCSCS]

CSCS will do more as your PT certification than a Health Fitness Specialist. But if you just want to add alphabet soup to your last name then by all means go for it. But a CSCS will distinguish you from other DPTs...

 

[noyceguy]

You can get 10% off the Maitland certs while a student, then sit for the exam when you get your license. Source: personal correspondence with Maitland administration.

 

[Azimuthal]

I'm getting none and I'll still be highly employable.

 

[NewTestament]

The CSCS is great if you want to be a personal trainer on the weekends or work with athletes but otherwise it's not worth the expense.

 

[EmmaLee]

Thanks!

 

[NewDPT31]

Yeah a CSCS will add 4 letters to the end of your title. That's about it.

 

[ammonihah99]

I have also been curious about this. I can understand that from a clinical perspective that these certifications may not directly raise the quality of care you can provide, but will it not give a competitive edge in getting a good job? If two applicants fresh out of school apply for a job, and the only visible difference is an extra certification, won't it help?

 

[NewDPT31]

I have also been curious about this. I can understand that from a clinical perspective that these certifications may not directly raise the quality of care you can provide, but will it not give a competitive edge in getting a good job? If two applicants fresh out of school apply for a job, and the only visible difference is an extra certification, won't it help?

not really. an OCS or SCS, heck yeah that matters. But a CSCS..most OP PT's could take that test tomorrow(from what all my friends who took it say) and pass. I even bought the book and started looking at the questions and realized that the stuff was pretty basic(kinesiology, muscle makeup, etc), and decided not to waste my time or money with the test. There are never 2 applicants who are exactly the same. Credentials matter much less than how a person fits with the company. Jobs aren't offered in a vacuum.

 

[jesspt]

I have also been curious about this. I can understand that from a clinical perspective that these certifications may not directly raise the quality of care you can provide, but will it not give a competitive edge in getting a good job? If two applicants fresh out of school apply for a job, and the only visible difference is an extra certification, won't it help?

The interview will matter, not the initials.

 

[WarriorPT]

I agree with @jesspt . A solid resume and cover letter will get you an interview. From there it is up to the candidate. The CSCS doesn't do much in most circles. However, in my area I'm now seeing sport PT clinics starting to place the CSCS or ATC as a minimum requirement for an interview. I should clarify that these are sport "only" clinics that work primarily on contracts with professional teams. Not ortho clinics that also treat sport injuries.

 

[PrePT2011]

not really. an OCS or SCS, heck yeah that matters. But a CSCS..most OP PT's could take that test tomorrow(from what all my friends who took it say) and pass. I even bought the book and started looking at the questions and realized that the stuff was pretty basic(kinesiology, muscle makeup, etc), and decided not to waste my time or money with the test. There are never 2 applicants who are exactly the same. Credentials matter much less than how a person fits with the company. Jobs aren't offered in a vacuum.

NewDPT31 I highly doubt most OP PTs could take the CSCS tomorrow and pass it. Now if you were to alter your statement to most OP PTs that actually lift weights, properly periodize their training program, and have a good background in exercise physiology then I would take you seriously.

 

[NewTestament]

NewDPT31 I highly doubt most OP PTs could take the CSCS tomorrow and pass it.

Maybe, maybe not. The point we're making is CSCS is a waste of time and money. Only take the exam if you can pass it with minimal preparation time.

 

[questionmark32]

So what would be the best to have before you graduate? I personally think the best you can do from a clinical standpoint is ATC/CSCS