How to Become a Physical Therapist in Missouri

The state of Missouri has been experiencing a significant growth in the number of physical therapist and physical therapy jobs in the past six-eight years. Missouri is home to at least 2% of the total number of physical therapists throughout the United States, and as such, there is an opportunity for qualified individuals to enter into the physical therapy field. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average annual earnings are $74,710 for a physical therapist and $50,220 for a physical therapy assistant.

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In Missouri, the Advisory Commission governs physical therapists and physical therapy assistants for Professional Physical Therapists. The Commission was established in 1989 and is responsible for setting the requirements and regulations of becoming a physical therapist/physical therapy assistant and advising the Board of Healing Arts on the licensure of both professions.

In order to become a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, the following steps must be fulfilled:

Step 1 – Complete Your Degree in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists:

• Colleges and universities in state of Missouri no longer offer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy, only a doctorate in physical therapy
• There are seven universities in Missouri that offer a degree in physical therapy:
  • Maryville University of St. Louis
  • Rockhurst University
  • Missouri State University
  • Saint Louis University
  • Southwest Baptist University
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Washington University of St. Louis
• Some of these universities require that you earn a bachelor’s degree before applying separately to the physical therapy program.

Physical Therapy Assistant:

There are five colleges and universities in Missouri that offer degrees as physical therapy assistants:

• Ozarks Technical Community College
• Linn State Technical College
• Missouri Western State University
• Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley
• Saint Louis Community College-Meramec

In order to work as a physical therapy assistant, you must complete at least an associate’s degree at an accredited college or university

Step 2 – Finish Clinical Experience

In order to finish your degree in physical therapy, you must complete the clinical requirements for your specific degree. These clinicals are designed to introduce you to the world of physical therapy and to allow you to utilize the knowledge you have already gained. The duration of clinicals are dictated by your college or university.

Step 3 – Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is responsible for overseeing the NPTE. Both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants must take this examination. The minimum passing grade for each test is a 600/800. Testing days and registration deadlines can be found on the FSBPT’s website. The fee for both the PA and the PTA tests is $370.

Physical Therapists

• Test contains 250 multiple choice questions
  • 200 are graded and 50 are pretest questions for other exams
• The most recent national pass rate for the PT NPTE was 89%

Physical Therapy Assistant

• Test contains 200 questions
  • 150 are graded and 50 are pretest questions
• The most recent national pass rate for the PTA NPTE was 85%

Step 4 – Take the Missouri State Board Examination

In order to apply for licensure as a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant in Missouri, you must pass the state examination for physical therapy

• There is a $50 fee for taking this exam
• The lowest passing score for this exam is a 75%

Step 5 – Apply for licensure

Physical Therapists

In order to apply for your physical therapist license, you must complete the following requirements:

• Submit an application for licensure
  • The application must be notarized and include a recent photograph no more than 3”x5”
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
• You must submit an activities statement with your application for licensure

Physical Therapy Assistant

In order to apply for your physical therapy assistant’s license, you must complete the following requirements:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
• Submit an application for licensure
  • The application must be notarized and include a recent photograph no more than 3”x5”
• You must submit an activities statement with your application for licensure

Step 6 – Maintain licensure

If you have a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant license, you must renew your license every even numbered year, regardless of when your license was conferred. During the two-year period starting on January 1st and ending on December 31st, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education.

Congratulations! By following these steps you are now a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant in the state of Missouri.