How to Become a Physical Therapist in Ohio

The need for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants is growing in Ohio. Projected job growth for both professions is roughly 36% through 2022. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there are 7,150 Physical Therapists and 4,940 Physical Therapy Assistants who serve 11.54 million residents within the state. The average salary for a Physical Therapist is $81,370 in Ohio; the median wage for a Physical Therapy Assistant is $56,480.

Candidates must meet the following criteria in order to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant:

Physical Therapy Assistant:

Applicants are required to:

  • Pass a criminal background check prior to applying for any Physical Therapy Assistant program. This is required under the various sections of the Ohio Law and Regulations for Certification and Licensure Board.
  • Complete 50 hours of volunteering in Physical Therapy; 25 hours must be spent with inpatients, and 25 hours spent with outpatients.
  • Have at least an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school. The school’s accreditor should be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Pass the Ohio Laws and Rules Examination, as well as the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam. The latter is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
  • Receive a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board.

Physical Therapist:

Applicants are required to:

  • Obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a nationally accredited college. The school’s accreditor should be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Pass the Ohio Laws and Rules Examination, as well as the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam.
  • Receive a Physical Therapy License issued by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board.

In order to become a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant in Ohio, candidates need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet or Exceed Minimum Education Requirements

Physical Therapy Assistant:

Obtain at least an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistantissued by an accredited school from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Ohio-based schools that offer this program include:

  • Bradford School
  • Clark State Community College
  • Cuyahoga Community College
  • Edison Community College, Hocking College
  • James A Rhodes State College
  • Kent State University – East Liverpool
  • Kent State University – Ashtabula
  • Lorain County Community College
  • Marion Technical College
  • North Central State College
  • Owens Community College
  • Professional Skills Institute
  • Remington College – Cleveland West
  • Shawnee State University
  • Sinclair Community College
  • South University – Cleveland
  • Stark State College of Technology
  • Terra State Community College
  • UC Clermont College
  • Washington State Community College
  • Zane State College

Physical Therapist:

Physical Therapists must obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited school.

Ohio colleges that offer this degree are:

  • Cleveland State University
  • Mount St. Joseph University
  • The Ohio State University
  • Ohio University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Dayton
  • The University of Findlay
  • University of Toledo
  • Walsh University
  • Youngstown State University

Step 2: Pass the Ohio Laws and Rules Examination

Applicants interested in becoming a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant must pass the Ohio Laws and Rules Examination. This examination is verify that the examinee has the proper skillset and knowledge according to the states latest laws and regulations.

Step 3: Take the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the National Physical Therapy Examination and the National Physical Therapy Assistant examinations.

Step 4: Apply for a License

Both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants must obtain a license to practice. To obtain a license, candidates must:

  1. Fill out and submit the proper application to the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board.
  2. Request criminal record check from the Ohio BCI and the FBI.
  3. Submit verification of license from any other jurisdiction, if applicable.
  4. Pay the $100 license filing fee.

Step 5: Maintain Proper Licensing

Physical Therapy Assistant

License renewal is required every two years. 12 hours of continuing education must be completed before the license is renewed.

Physical Therapist:

License renewal is required every two years. 24 hours of continuing education must be completed before the license is renewed.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board for additional information on how to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant.