How to Become a Physical Therapist in Texas

Texas has one of the highest demands for Physical Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapists in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of every 1,000 employees there are 1.05 practicing therapists in Texas. This rate is much lower than the United States standard which is 1.50 practicing therapists out of 1,000 employees. Due to the high demand for practitioners in Texas, the median salary for a Physical Therapist is higher than average at $90,890; the average wage for a Physical Therapy Assistant is $68,730. There are 11,460 Physical Therapists and 5,300 Physical Therapy Assistants that serve the 26.06 million people of Texas. The projected growth within this sector in the United States is 36% within the next ten years.

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In order to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant in Texas, the following is required:
Physical Therapy Assistant:

• Applicants are required to:
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to attending courses.
• Submit a Physical Therapy Assistant essay.
• Carry health care insurance while taking clinical coursework.
• Obtain an Associate’s Degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program from an accredited school. The school should be accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Take the National Physical Therapy Assistant examination. This examination is overseen by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
• Receive a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE).

Physical Therapist:

Applicants are required to:

• Graduate from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at an accredited university. The university should be accredited from the Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Pass the National Physical Therapy examination. The examination is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
• Receive a Physical Therapy License issued by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE).

To become a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant in Texas, applicants need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet or Exceed Minimum Education Requirements

Physical Therapy Assistant:
An Associate’s Degree for a Physical Therapy Assistant is required that is issued by an accredited school from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Texas-based schools that offer this program include:

• Amarillo College
• Austin Community College
• Blinn College
• Community College of the Air Force
• Del Mar College
• El Paso Community College
• Houston Community College System
• Kaplan College – Dallas
• Kilgore College
• Laredo Community College
• Lone Star College – Montgomery
• McLennan Community College
• Northeast Texas Community College
• Odessa College
• Pima Medical Institute – Houston Campus
• San Jacinto College South
• South Plains College
• South Texas College
• St Philip’s College
• Tarrant County College
• The Victoria College
• Western Technical College
• Wharton County Junior College

Physical Therapist:
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited school is required to receive licensure.

Texas universities that offer this program are:

• Angelo State University
• Hardin-Simmons University
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Texas Woman’s University
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
• University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
• University of St Augustine for Health Sciences
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
• US Army-Baylor University

Step 2: Take the National Physical Therapy Examination

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

Step 3: Obtain a License

In order to practice, both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants must obtain a license. To obtain a license, applicants must:

1. Fill out and submit the proper application to the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE).
2. Provide evidence of attending an accredited educational program.
3. Submit examination results from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
4. Provide an endorsement if the applicant has practiced in any other jurisdiction.

Step 4: Maintain Proper Licensing

Physical Therapy Assistant:

License renewal is required every two years. Completion of 20 continuing education credits must be completed, including two hours of laws and ethics study.

A passing score on the Texas Jurisprudence examination is also required.

Physical Therapist:

License renewal is required every two years. Completion of 30 continuing education credits must be completed, including two hours of laws and ethics study.

A passing score on the Texas Jurisprudence examination is also required. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners for more information on becoming a become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant.