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ATU credential

Aquatic Therapy Credentials: Two Tiers of Advanced Recognition

Earn a certificate of advanced recognition from Aquatic Therapy University through live seminars and online study. Tier I takes 36 hours. Tier II takes 84 hours.

Start with the BootcampSee what each tier requires

Questions? Request more information or email info@swimatu.com.

What is the ATU credential?

The ATU credential is a certificate of advanced recognition that Aquatic Therapy University awards at the end of training to clinicians who complete a set number of hours of ATU aquatic therapy education, through live seminars and online study. Tier I (Associate) is 36 hours. Tier II is 84 hours. ATU does not offer ongoing certification or recertification.

Important: ATU credentials recognize your training. They do not give anyone the right to practice aquatic therapy if aquatic interventions are not already in their scope of practice.

What is each tier called?

Tier I · 36 hours

ATU Clinical Aquaticist Associate™

For PTs, PTAs, OTs and OTAs

Tier II · 84 hours

ATU Clinical Aquaticist™

For PTs, PTAs, OTs and OTAs

What does each tier require?

Online parts can be bought on this site; live classes are ATU seminars that range from two-day courses to 10-day programs (see the class schedule for dates and current pricing).

Tier I · 36 hours

ATU Clinical Aquaticist Associate™ (PT/PTA, OT/OTA)

4 hrs

Generalist Bundle

Online, on this site.

16 hrs

Any live 2-day ATU class

See live classes

16 hrs

Tier I total

36 hrs

Tier II · 84 hours

ATU Clinical Aquaticist™ (PT/PTA, OT/OTA)

Tier I (all of the above)

36 hrs

2 additional in-person ATU classes

See live classes

32 hrs

One more 16 hours, either:

a Pediatric, Musculoskeletal or Geriatric Bundle online
OR
1 additional in-person ATU class

16 hrs

Tier II total

84 hrs

What do I send to receive each tier?

For Tier I, send proof of your current license and your course completion certificates. For Tier II, along with the 84 hours, ATU asks for verification of your diploma, your license and 250 hours of pool experience.

Tier I: ATU Clinical Aquaticist Associate™

  • Proof of current licensure (PT, PTA, OT or OTA)
  • Your ATU course completion certificates for the 36 hours

Tier I does not require a diploma or proof of pool hours.

Tier II: ATU Clinical Aquaticist™

  • Proof of current licensure (PT/PTA, OT/OTA)
  • Proof of a university or college diploma (PT/PTA, OT/OTA)
  • Proof of 250 hours of practice in aquatic therapy, as a therapist or assistant

Who are ATU courses for?

  • ATU courses assume at least an entry-level degree, or equivalent experience. No time is spent on the underlying principles of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
  • ATU offers therapy professionals a tiered, evidence-based progression of continuing education.
  • Aquaticist™ training is open only to PTs, PTAs, OTs and OTAs.
  • Allied health professionals may attend ATU seminars, on the understanding that each professional applies the knowledge only within their own scope of practice.

Start your credential

Most people begin with the 4-hour online Bootcamp, the first step of Tier I.

Start with the BootcampBrowse bundlesSee live classes

Questions? Request more information or email info@swimatu.com.

Last updated October 19, 2026. For current pricing, see each course page or the class schedule. © 2026 ATU Educational Services, LLC.

Aquatic Therapy University

Aquatic Therapy Certifications

Aquatic Therapy Credentialing (2 Tiers)

Aquatic Therapy University offers 2 credentials for Aquatic Therapy providers and Aquatic Specialists. Through a combination of live seminars and digital distance learning clinicians can achieve certificates of advanced recognition. ATU credentials provide recognition of training; they do not confer the right to practice aquatic therapy if the clinician does not have aquatic interventions in their scope of practice.   

ATU Clinical Aquaticist™

Available to PT/PTA/OT/OTAs. The AquaticistTM Certification will be granted to physical and occupational therapy professionals who earn a minimum of 84 hours in aquatic therapy education through ATU. To receive this recognition, therapists must provide verification of their diploma and state license and 250 hours of pool experience as a therapist/assistant prior to obtaining recognition.

IMPORTANT: This Certificate recognizes your dedication to obtaining training in aquatic therapy through continuing education; it does not permit individuals to use aquatic therapy in their practice if they are not already permitted to do so.

ATU Aquatic Specialist™

Available to other allied health providers who are legally permitted to provide aquatic interventions. The ATU Aquatic Specialist™ will be granted to other allied health professionals who earn a minimum of 84 hours in aquatic therapy education through ATU. To receive this recognition, therapists must provide verification of their diploma and state license and 250 hours of pool experience prior to obtaining recognition.

IMPORTANT: This Certificate recognizes your dedication to obtaining training in aquatic therapy through continuing education; it does not permit individuals to use aquatic therapy in their practice if they are not already permitted to do so.

ATU Clinical Aquaticist Associate™ (Tier I)
(PT/PTA, OT/OTA)
36 Hrs		 ATU Aquatic Specialist Associate™ (Tier I)
(Other Licensed Providers, e.g. TR, ATC)
36 Hrs
Purchase online Aquatic Therapy Essentials: Bootcamp (4 Hrs)Purchase online Aquatic Therapy Essentials: Bootcamp (4 Hrs)
Attend any live 2-day ATU Class (16 Hrs) Attend any live 2-day ATU Class (16 Hrs)
Purchase online Generalist Bundle (16 Hrs) Purchase online Generalist Bundle (16 Hrs)
 ATU Clinical Aquaticist™ (Tier II)
(PT/PTA, OT/OTA)
84 hrs		 ATU Aquatic Specialist™ (Tier II)
(Other Licensed Providers)
84 Hrs
ATU Clinical Aquaticist Associate (Tier I) PLUS the following: ATU Aquatic Specialist Associate (Tier I) PLUS the following:
Attend 2 additional in-person ATU classes (32 Hrs) Attend 2 additional in-person ATU classes (32 Hrs)
Purchase Pediatric, Musculo, or Geriatric Bundle (16 Hrs)
OR 
Attend 1 additional ATU in-person class (16 Hrs)		 Purchase Pediatric, Musculo, or Generalist Bundle (16 Hrs)
OR
Attend 1 additional ATU in-person class (16 Hrs)
Proof of current licensure (PT/PTA, OT/OTA) Proof of current licensure
(Profession must have scope of practice which includes
hands-on aquatic interventions) 
Proof of university/college diploma (PT/PTA, OT/OTA) Proof of university/college diploma (allied health)
Proof of 250 Hrs of practice in aquatic therapy  Proof of 250 Hrs of practice in aquatic interventions
ATU courses are taught with the assumption that attendees have at least an entry-level degree or its equivalent in experience. No time is spent on the underlying principles of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. ATU offers therapy professionals a tiered, evidence-based progression of continuing education.

Aquaticist™ training is open only to PTs/PTAs and OTs/OTAs. However, other professionals who are legally permitted to perform aquatic therapy may earn the ATU Aquatic Specialist™ designation.

Allied health professionals may attend ATU's seminars with the assumption that each professional is required to only apply knowledge within his or her scope of practice. 

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