How to Become a Physical Therapist in South Dakota
Rolling landscapes and prairie lands dominate much of South Dakota, as it is the fifth least populated state in the country. With industry and manufacturing on the rise, South Dakota’s population is growing along with the demand for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. With only 833,354 people in the entire state, there is a proportional 600 Physical Therapists and 280 Physical Therapy Assistants to serve the populace. The typical salary for a Physical Therapist is $69,660; the average wage is $34,070 for Physical Therapy Assistants.
The Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners handle all licensing for interested applicants. The following steps must be fulfilled to practice as a Physical Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistant:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
- Receive an A.S. as a Physical Therapy Assistant from a school accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam. This test is run by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Apply for a Physical Therapy Assistant License with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
Physical Therapist:
- Receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree from a university accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam. This test is run by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Apply for a Physical Therapy Assistant License with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
To be eligible for licensing, applicants must follow these specific steps:
Step 1: Earn a Degree from and Accredited Physical Therapy Program
Physical Therapy Assistant:
The Physical Therapy Assistant Program must be completed to receive the required degree prior to applying for a license. The one school that offers the curriculum in South Dakota is the Lake Area Technical Institute.
Physical Therapist:
A Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) must be received prior to obtaining licensure. The one university in South Dakota that offers the courses is the University of South Dakota.
Step 2: Pass the Required Examination
The National Physical Therapy Examination must be passed for licensing eligibility. The applicant has to register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Step 3: Receive a License to Practice Physical Therapy
The application process is the same for both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants:
- Submit the necessary forms to the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
- Send in a certificate of passing the National Physical Therapy Exam from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Request that all related transcripts be mailed to the board.
- Have any physical therapy licenses held in any other state sent in to the board.
- Pay the $60 fee.
Step 4: Maintain License Renewal Requirements
Continuing education must be completed annually to maintain the practitioner’s licensing.
Applicants can find more information about becoming a Physical Therapist or Assistant at the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners website.
http://www.sdbmoe.gov/?q=content/physical-therapist-pt
http://www.sdapta.org/?page=2
http://doh.sd.gov/boards/medicine/
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://legis.sd.gov/
http://www.apta.org/Licensure/StatePracticeActs/
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958#SD