i've been interested in getting my PT certification for a while, and am curious as to what organization is beest to certify under?
in briefly looking around the internet, ISSA seems to have the most educational courses listed, but ACE seems like the most commonly listed organization.
any ideas?
Where do you want to work? Call 10 different places and ask them what their requirements are. You'll probably get one or two certs that keep coming up.
Hopefully Taku will share some wisdom on this subject.
Good Ideas from Eel.
I always say if you are planning on working for someone else, do what Eel suggests and call them up. Ask which certifications they value the most (and why).
If you plan on working privately at home or in home, then get whatever one(s) you want.
Location also influences certs. Certain locals seem to lean more heavily towards certain certs.
My top choices:
NSPA
I.A.R.T.
TAKU
P.S. IMHO do not waste any time or money on anything from the ISSA.
awesome, thanks for the input!
while i'm trying to develop some plans for the future, right now the certification is more or less for my own knowledge and continuing education. however, i would like it to be aplicable if i pursue employment...
BshMstr - awesome, thanks for the input!
while i'm trying to develop some plans for the future, right now the certification is more or less for my own knowledge and continuing education. however, i would like it to be aplicable if i pursue employment...
oh yeah, and be paid by my GI Bill...
Taku - Good Ideas from Eel.
I always say if you are planning on working for someone else, do what Eel suggests and call them up. Ask which certifications they value the most (and why).
If you plan on working privately at home or in home, then get whatever one(s) you want.
Location also influences certs. Certain locals seem to lean more heavily towards certain certs.
My top choices:
<a href="http://www.nspainc.com/">NSPA</a>
<a href="http://www.exercisecertification.com/">I.A.R.T.</a>
TAKU
P.S. IMHO do not waste any time or money on anything from the ISSA.
What are the problems with ISSA? Lack of curriculum? Customer support?
A friend of mine has signed up for ISSA, and it looks like it's a do it yourself course with an open book online test at the end. He's a physical therapist with a great deal of knowledge on sport science & nutrition. He wanted to do PT on the side (mainly post rehab clients) and needed a quick cert for "credibility". When he received his study material in the mail he didn't even go through it. He just went straight through and aced the online exam. Is ISSA like the University of Phoenix of PT certs?
I went through the ISSA it was pretty basic and easy to accomplish. I feel it is perfect for somebody just getting into the industry. I plan on getting one through another organization as well. 
Im currently studying for my NSCA cert right now. Seems to be highly regarded in the industry.