Wisconsin Physical Therapy/Physical Therapy Assistant License and Certification
Wisconsin has an array of outdoor adventures that draw tourists in from all over the country. Wisconsin is also known for its strong economy that is boasting rapid growth. The physical therapy field is in high demand from the rising economic and population boom. There are 5.7 million residents across the state that has access to 4,130 Physical Therapists and 1,370 Physical Therapy Assistants. The wages hold strong at as Physical Therapists have an average salary of $78,660 and Physical Therapy Assistants at $49,480 per year. With a forecasted 36% growth across the nation, physical therapy is a great career choice.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees all licensing and regulatory practices for the physical therapy occupation. Temporary licensing can be accessed for individuals coming from other states with prior licensing, or if an applicant is waiting to take the National Examination. In order to practice with a temporary license, the applicant must be under direct oversight by a licensed Physical Therapist. These steps must be followed in accordance to Wisconsin’s regulations for becoming a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
- Complete minimal education requirements by receiving an Associate’s of Science in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
- Receive a passing score for the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination.
- Take an open book exam on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code.
- Submit all appropriate application forms for a Physical Therapy Assistant license to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Physical Therapist:
- Complete educational requirements by receiving a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.
- Receive a passing score for the National Physical Therapy Examination.
- Take an open book exam on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code.
- Submit all appropriate application forms for a Physical Therapy license to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
To learn more about receiving a Physical Therapist or Assistant license, read the steps listed below:
Step 1: Graduate from a CAPTE Accredited School
Physical Therapy Assistant:
In order to practice physical therapy as an assistant, The Physical Therapy Assistant Associate’s Degree must be issued by an accredited school. The accreditation is issued by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Schools with the proper accreditation in Wisconsin are:
- Blackhawk Technical College
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Gateway Technical College
- Madison Area Technical College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Western Technical College
Physical Therapist:
The Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree is mandatory to practice as a Physical Therapist. The university must be accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Accredited Universities in Wisconsin that provide the program are:
- Carroll University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Step 2: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
The National Physical Therapy Examination must be taken with a passing score. Registration can be achieved directly with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Step 3: Pass the Wisconsin Administrative Codes Test
This test is to ensure that the applicant is knowledgeable about administrative laws and codes. This is an open book examination.
Step 3: Receive a Wisconsin License
State licensing is required to practice in the physical therapy occupation.
- Complete and submit all appropriate forms 30 days before taking the national exam.
- Provide official passing score to the National Physical Therapy Examination from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Request a verification of transcripts from the attended college.
- Provide official endorsements if transferring in from another state.
- Pay all appropriate fees.
Step 4: Maintaining Wisconsin License Renewal
The license renewal requirements are the same for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. License renewal must be performed every odd year. 30 continuing education hours are required along with the $75 fee. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services offers more information on the steps to become a professional Physical Therapist or Assistant.
http://dsps.wi.gov/Home
http://www.wpta.org/home-page.cfm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/448.pdf
http://www.apta.org/Licensure/StatePracticeActs/
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958#WI