How to Become a Physical Therapist in West Virginia, WV

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Physical Therapist in West Virginia

West Virginia is known for its historically significant role in the creation of America. West Virginia is thriving in most occupational sectors, including the physical therapy division. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy assistants are in demand in West Virginia as the population grows. According to the BLS, there are 1,230 practicing Physical Therapists and 770 Assistants that serve West Virginia’s population of 1.8 million. Wages are encouraging at a rate of $81,900 for Physical Therapists and $45,740 for Physical Therapy Assistants per year.

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In order to become a Physical Therapist or Assistant in West Virginia, licensing is required which is distributed and regulated by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. Temporary licensing is available to qualified applicants under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. There are specific steps that must be taken to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant in West Virginia:

Physical Therapy Assistant:

Applicant Requirements:

Graduate with a Physical Therapy Assistant Associate’s Degree from an accredited program.
Successfully pass National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination.
Apply to receive a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. The application must be notarized prior to submittal.

Physical Therapist:

Applicant Requirements:

Receive a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
Successfully pass National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination.
Apply to receive a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. The application must be notarized prior to submittal.

The following steps to practice in the physical therapy occupation are described in detail below:

Step 1: Earn a Degree in Appropriate Program

Physical Therapy Assistant:
Receive a Physical Therapy Assistant Associate’s Degree from an accredited school. The accreditor needs to be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). There are 3 accredited schools in West Virginia that offer the program:

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Mountwest Community & Technical College
Pierpont Community & Technical College

Physical Therapist:

Receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree from an accredited university. The accreditor needs to be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). The two universities in West Virginia that offer the program are West Virginia University and Wheeling Jesuit University.

Step 2: Take the National Examination
All applicants are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) provides the exam through the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.

Step 3: Receive the West Virginia State License
Both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants are required to obtain state licensing:

Submit the appropriate forms to the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
Verify a passing score for the National Physical Therapy Examination from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Request official transcripts from educational institution.
Request endorsements from any other states holding a practicing license.
Pay the required fee.

Step 4: Maintain License to Practice

Both Physical Therapists and Assistants need to renew their license every other year according to West Virginia regulations. The requirements are to complete 30 hours of continuing education and have 160 hours of active practice in order for license renewal.

Forms, applications, regulations and requirements for the physical therapy field can be found at the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy website.