1. Why should I become a CNT™?
- A neonatal therapy certification was created to validate and standardize the necessary experience, education and knowledge to work in the NICU setting.
- The standards set for certification were established to ensure a minimum standard for independent practice as a neonatal therapist who is responsible for evaluating, treating, and reassessing infants and families in the NICU.
- This certification will elevate our profession to an even platform, which will be easily recognized by hospitals, therapists and other medical professionals.
- Infants and families deserve to have therapists who have demonstrated competency and commitment to advancing the practice of neonatal therapy by demonstrating and maintaining minimum competency.
2. How do I get my employer to value this certification?
- AOTA, APTA, and AHSA all recognize neonatal therapy to be an advanced practice area.
- The NTCB has established criteria for certification that are in line with each professional organization’s recommendations.
- The certification requirements are intended to define the minimum reasonable knowledge and experience in order to provide safe and competent care to high risk infants in the NICU.
“The Neonatal Therapy Certification process has made me a more well rounded developmental care specialist. It has forced me to step out of my feeding/dysphagia bubble and I have been able to apply my new knowledge every time I interact with a baby and their caregivers.”
After the exam:
“The test was a challenging yet fair representation of what an advanced NICU therapist should know. I strongly encourage every NICU therapist to pursue certification. You owe it to your patients to be the best therapist you can be!”