How to Become a Physical Therapist in Oklahoma, OK
Oklahoma is known for its rich oil and natural gas grounds which made the state successful. The need for health practitioners in Oklahoma is growing as the state’s population flourishes. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Oklahoma has 1,730 Physical Therapists and 920 Physical Therapy Assistants practicing for 3.815 million residents, leaving lots of room for job growth. BLS information also shows that the average wages are $76,920 for a Physical Therapist and $50,700 for a Physical Therapy Assistant in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision distributes licenses to individuals who have met the state requirements to become a physical therapy practitioner. Temporary licenses are made available to graduates that are waiting to sit in on the national examination. To practice physical therapy in Oklahoma, follow the requirements below:
Physical Therapy Assistant Requirements:
- Pass a background check and drug screen prior to enrolling in courses.
- Earn an Associate’s Degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Accreditation for the school needs to come from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Complete 160 hours of clinical fieldwork.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Become licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision.
Physical Therapist Requirements:
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a university that is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Become licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision.
More details on becoming a part of the physical therapy field are in detail below:
Step 1: Obtain a Physical Therapy Degree
Physical Therapy Assistant:
To practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Oklahoma, it is a requirement to obtain an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. The college must possess accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Colleges offering the degree are:
- Carl Albert State College
- Murray State College
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Oklahoma City Community College
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University – Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center
- Tulsa Community College
Physical Therapist:
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a requirement in order to practice physical therapy. The university must be a Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited school. Langston University and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offer this degree.
Step 2: Take the National Examination for Physical Therapy
The National Physical Therapy Examination must be passed in order to obtain licensure for both Physical Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapists. The exam is overseen by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Step 3: Obtain State Licensure
The process to receive a State license is the same for both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants.
- Fill out the proper application and send in to the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision.
- Produce exam results of the National Physical Therapy Examination.
- Have all educational transcripts sent into the licensing board.
- Request any licensure verification from other states.
Step 4: License Renewal Requirements
To keep the practitioner’s license active, continuing education requirements need to be met every two years. Physical Therapy Assistants need to complete 30 hours of continuing education. Physical Therapists are required to have 40 hours of continuing education.
Look for more information about the process to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant at the Oklahoma Medical Board.
http://www.okmedicalboard.org/physical_therapists
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.apta.org/Licensure/StatePracticeActs/
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958#OK
http://www.occc.edu/pta/