How to become a Physical Therapist in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the sixth most populous state in America. This brings heavy demand to the healthcare industry for licensed practitioners. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants are in high demand across the state. There are 12.76 million residents who are being assisted by 10,340 Physical Therapists and 4,660 Physical Therapy Assistants according to the BLS. In Pennsylvania, The Physical Therapist makes around $79,010 whereas the typical income for a Physical Therapy Assistant is $43,980.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy regulates all physical therapy practices and provides licensing for Physical Therapy and Assistants. Out-of-state practitioners must obtain a Pennsylvania license before resuming practice. A temporary license is available to those candidates and also graduates waiting to take the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Requirements to practice physical therapy in Pennsylvania are as follows:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
- Complete 20 hours of observation in two or more physical therapy facilities.
- Submit two reference forms to the applicant’s school of choice.
- Complete two seven-week internships while attending the Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
- Receive an A.S. in a Physical Therapy Assistant Program from a school with accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant examination which is overseen by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Obtain a Physical Therapy Assistant Licensing that is issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy (PSBPT).
Physical Therapist:
- Enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program from a nationally accredited college from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy examination. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Obtain a Physical Therapy License issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy (PSBPT). Listed below are the above steps with more detailed information on becoming a Physical Therapist or Assistant:
Step 1: Achieve Educational Requirements
Physical Therapy Assistant:
Obtain an A.S. in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. The degree is issued by an accredited school from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Accredited schools in Pennsylvania with the required courses are:
- Butler County Community College
- Central Penn College
- Community College of Allegheny County – Boyce Campus
- Harcum College
- Lackawanna College
- Lehigh Carbon Community College
- Mount Aloysius College
Physical Therapist:
Physical Therapists are required to complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program from an accredited school.
Accredited Pennsylvania universities are:
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Mercyhurst University
- The Pennsylvania State University Eberly
- The Pennsylvania State University Hazleton
- The Pennsylvania State University Mont Alto
- The Pennsylvania State University Shenango
- University of Pittsburgh at Titusville
Step 2: Take the National Physical Therapy Exam
Candidates for becoming a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. The application for the examination requires registration with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Step 3: Apply for Official Licensing
The application process is the same for both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants:
- Submit the required paperwork to the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy (PSBPT).
- Submit a Request for Certification of Licensure if applicant has practiced in any other state.
- Verify certification from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Provide all transcripts from attended schools.
- Pay all required fees.
Step 4: License Renewals
Physical Therapy Assistant
License renewal is required every two years. At least 30 hours of continuing education must be completed including at least 2 hours in applicable the law or ethics division and 4 hours in emergency health conditions identification and response.
Physical Therapist
License renewal is required every two years. At least 30 hours of continuing education must be completed with at least 2 hours in applicable the law or ethics division.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy has plenty of helpful information on how to become licensed in physical therapy.