WVU alum earns post-professional board certification in neonatal therapy

Patricia Holt, Doctor of Physical Therapy and West Virginia University School of Medicine graduate, became the first and only physical therapist in the state of West Virginia to earn certification as a neonatal therapist, according to the Neonatal Therapy National Certification Board.

To achieve this certification, therapists must have at least three years of clinical experience. Additionally, therapists need 3,500 hours of experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 40 hours of mentored experience and 40 hours of continuing education about NICU-specific content. Therapists also need to pass a national certification exam.

“I believe having this certification helps justify my knowledge of the NICU and reinforces that I am practicing at the top of my field,” Holt said. “My hope is to continue to serve my patients by providing them with the most up-to-date and evidenced-based care.”

Holt is a 2015 graduate of the WVU Physical Therapy program. She practices at the Charleston Area Medical Center.