CMSK Certification for PTAs
Musculoskeletal Certification for Physical Therapist Assistants
Advance your clinical judgement and develop hands-on manual therapy skills with NAIOMT's Certified Musculoskeletal (CMSK) program. Master therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, and joint mobilization techniques.
Why Choose CMSK Certification?
Elevate your PTA practice with specialized musculoskeletal skills
Therapeutic Exercise Mastery
Enhance your clinical judgement in utilizing and progressing therapeutic exercises for spine and peripheral regions.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Master neuromuscular re-education interventions for cervicothoracic, lumbopelvic, and extremity regions.
Manual Therapy Skills
Develop hands-on skills including traction, graded joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization techniques.
Flexible Learning Format
Each course combines 8 hours of intensive in-person lab with 3 hours of asynchronous online learning.
Case-Based Approach
Learn through real-world case studies that prepare you for diverse patient presentations.
CMSK Credential
Earn your Certified Musculoskeletal credential, demonstrating advanced expertise to employers and patients.
CMSK Course Pathway
Four courses plus a virtual practical exam lead to your CMSK certification
Therapeutic Exercise & Neuro Re-ed: Spine
Enhance your clinical judgement in utilizing and progressing therapeutic exercises and neuromuscular re-education for the cervicothoracic and lumbopelvic regions.
Therapeutic Exercise & Neuro Re-ed: Peripheral
Progress therapeutic exercises and neuromuscular re-education interventions for the shoulder girdle, hip, knee and ankle/foot regions.
Joint/Soft Tissue: Spine
Improve hands-on manual therapy skills including traction, graded joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization for the cervicothoracic and lumbopelvic regions.
Joint/Soft Tissue: Peripheral
Master manual therapy skills including traction, graded joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization for shoulder girdle, hip, knee, and ankle/foot.
Virtual Oral Practical Exam
Demonstrate your mastery through a comprehensive virtual oral practical examination. Successfully passing earns you the CMSK credential.
CMSK Certification for PTAs
Upon successful completion of all courses and the virtual practical exam, you'll earn your Certified Musculoskeletal (CMSK) credential.
Upcoming CMSK Courses
Register for upcoming PTA courses
C-302 PTA Therapeutic Exercise/Neuro Re-Ed: Spine
This course is designed for the Physical Therapist Assistant to enhance their clinical judgement in utilizing and progressing... View Full Description
C-303 PTA Therapeutic Exercise/Neuro Re-Ed: Peripheral
This course is designed for the Physical Therapist Assistant to enhance their clinical judgement in utilizing and progressing... View Full Description
C-304 PTA Joint/Soft Tissue: Spine
Access complete course syllabi here. Course Details This course is 1 day on-site (8 hours) plus 3 hours... View Full Description
C-305 PTA Joint/Soft Tissue: Peripheral
Joint/Soft Tissue Peripheral: This course is designed for the Physical Therapist Assistant to enhance their clinical judgement and... View Full Description
Meet Your Instructor
Learn from an experienced FAAOMPT clinician and educator
Kat Burns, PT, DPT, COMT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist | Fellow of AAOMPT
Hello! My name is Kat Burns and I graduated with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014 from Ithaca College. I became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) through Therapeutic Associates' residency program in Eugene, OR, and went on to complete my Fellowship through NAIOMT, becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT).
As part of my specialty, I pursued further breathing education and became a Certified Breathing Behavioral Analyst through Breathe Your Truth (BYT). I have also done certification through the International Schroth Three Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy (ISST). I really enjoy working with patients one-on-one, teaching continuing education courses, and mentoring therapists.
2025-2026 CMSK Schedule
Portland, OR Location
Current Cohort Schedule
Your Complete Pathway to Mastery in Physical Therapy
NAIOMT provides a complete, seamless post-professional education pathway for physical therapists wanting to become experts in clinical reasoning. From individual courses to certification programs, residency, and fellowship—we help manual physical therapists achieve the highest standards of clinical practice.
Questions about your pathway? Contact us here
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COURSE LOCATIONS & CLINICAL PARTNERS
