How to Become a Physical Therapist in South Carolina, SC
South Carolina is a beautiful state that boasts lakes, coastlines, and estuaries. With a GDP growth rate of 3 percent year-over-year, South Carolina is experiencing population expansion. The opportunity to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant has great potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that there are 2,390 Physical Therapists and 1,050 Physical Therapy Assistants earning a living of $76,480 for Physical Therapists and $51,108 for Physical Therapy Assistants. With a forecast of 36% growth rate in America, becoming employed in the physical therapy sector is promising.
The South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy offers licensing for qualified applicants. Temporary licenses are available to applicants that have completed the associated coursework. This is allowed under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. The following steps need to be fulfilled in order to practice physical therapy in South Carolina:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
Requirements for the applicant are:
- Provide immunizations and health records prior to enrolling.
- Pass a background check and drug screen.
- Graduate from an accredited school with an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. The accreditation for the school is the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the required National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination which is held by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Apply to receive a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist:
Requirements for the applicant are:
- Graduate from an accredited university with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree. The accreditation for the school is the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the required National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination which is held by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Apply to receive a Physical Therapy License issued by the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy.
The following steps provide more information on how to become a practitioner in the field of physical therapy:
Step 1: Graduate with the Required Degree
Physical Therapy Assistant:
The Physical Therapy Assistant Associate’s Degree is required to receive a license. Attend an accredited school that offers the proper degree:
- Greenville Technical College
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College
- Midlands Technical College
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Trident Technical College
Physical Therapist:
The Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree is required to receive licensure. Medical University of South Carolina and University of South Carolina – Columbia offer the required degrees for licensure.
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 a South Carolina State License
In order to practice physical therapy, both Physical Therapists and Assistants must have state licensing:
- Fill out and submit the necessary paperwork to the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy.
- Send in proof of passing the National Physical Therapy Examination from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Have all schools attended send transcripts to the board.
Step 4: License Renewals
Both Physical Therapists and Assistants need to renew their license every other year according to South Carolina regulations. The requirements are to complete 30 hours of continuing education.
To find more information about the requirements and steps to become a practitioner in the physical therapy field, please visit the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy.
http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/physicaltherapy/
http://www.scpta.org/
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958#SC