Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists can become certified in neonatal therapy, earning the CNT qualification that is recognized throughout the world.
What is neonatal therapy?
Neonatal therapists work in the NICU and are engaged in an advanced area of practice, which requires specific expertise. CNTs have extensive experience, education, and knowledge needed to effectively serve high-risk infants and families.
Why become a CNT?
Infants and families deserve to have therapists who have demonstrated competency and commitment to advancing the practice of neonatal therapy. Originating in 2014, neonatal therapy certification was created to validate and standardize the necessary experience, education and knowledge to work in the NICU setting.
This certification is easily recognized by hospitals, therapists and other medical professionals.
Employers value CNT certification
- AOTA, APTA, and ASHA all recognize neonatal therapy as 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 to provide safe and competent care to high-risk infants in the NICU.
Applying for Neonatal Certification
The credential Certified Neonatal Therapist is awarded by the Neonatal Certification Board (NTCB). Applicants must meet all the following criteria to receive certification from the NTCB:
- Complete at least 3 years as a credentialed physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist
- Attain 3500 hours of experience in the NICU. Up to 1000 hours of that time can come from service in other areas of a hospital or clinic in direct work with infants less than 3 months old
- 40 hours of education about NICU-specific content within the last 3 years
- 40 hours of mentored experiences
- A passing score on the Neonatal Therapy Certification Examination
International CNT Scholarship
The Neonatal Therapy Certification Board (NTCB) offers a scholarship program exclusively for Certified Neonatal Therapist™ applicants from World Bank-designated lower-income countries who may lack the means to pursue the CNT certification.
ERI Neonatal Courses
Education Resources, Inc. offers live webinar, on-demand, and in-person courses that support neonatal certification for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. We also offer live webinar and on-demand Birth to Three conferences for therapists.
ERI values the CNT credential held by many of our speakers and faculty, including:
- Tara DeWolfe, CLC, CNT, DPT, PT
- Kristy Fuller, CLC, CNT, OTR/L
- Anjanette Lee, MS, CCC/SLP, CNT, NTMTC
- Holly Schifsky, CBIS, CNT, NTMTC, OTR/L
- Shanna M. Semmler, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC
- Trisha Thorne, PT, DPT, PCS, c/NDT, CNT, NTMCT
Don’t miss our upcoming Birth to Three Conference in March!
Birth to Three Conference
For OTs, PTs, and SLPs
LIVE WEBINAR
March 26 & 27, 2026
Earn up to 12 contact hours
Looking for neonatal courses on-demand! Here’s just a few of the courses to choose from:
Neonatal Therapy – Establishing Skills for Independent Practice Part 1 – Fundamental Knowledge
Led by Anjanette Lee, MS, CCC/SLP, CNT, NTMTC
5.5 contact hours
$199
Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: Bridging the Clinical Decision-Making Gaps with Interactive Case Studies
Led by Anais Villaluna, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC and Dana Kizer, MS, OTR/L, BCP, NTMTC, CLC
1.5 contact hours
$79
Motor Learning and Plasticity for the Infant: Encouraging Respiration and Movement for Function
Led by Bethanne Mazurczak, SLP & Leslie Paparsenos, PT
3 contact hours
$99
Breathe, Baby Breathe: Developmental Interventions for Infants with Tracheostomy Tubes
Led by Holly Schifsky, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC, CBIS
8.5 contact hours
$249