How to Become a Physical Therapist in Virginia
Virginia has strong historical value tied to the settlement of America and has a growing economy. With swift economic growth, Virginia is experiencing a growing demand for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 8.186 million residents are served by 4,920 Physical Therapists and 1,810 Physical Therapy Assistants within the state. The forecasted job growth for both professions is approximately 36% over the next ten years in the United States. The median salary for a Physical Therapist is $83,090 in Ohio; the average wage for a Physical Therapy Assistant is $54,780.
The Virginia Board of Physical Therapy oversees the process to obtain licensure to practice in the physical therapy field. Temporary licensing is available after receiving a degree.
In order to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
Applicant Criteria:
- Attend an accredited college and receive a Physical Therapy Assistant Associate’s Degree. The school’s accreditor should be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Obtain a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (VBPT).
Physical Therapist:
Applicant Criteria:
- Graduate from an accredited school with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). The school’s accreditor should be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Obtain a Physical Therapy License issued by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (VBPT).
To become a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant in Virginia, applicants are required to follow these steps:
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Education Requirements
Physical Therapy Assistant:
Graduate with an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant issued by a college that is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Colleges in Virginia that offer this course are:
- Jefferson College of Health Sciences
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Riverside School of Health Careers
- Tidewater Community College
- Wytheville Community College
Physical Therapist:
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is required from a Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited school. Virginia colleges that offer this degree are:
- Hampton University
- Lynchburg College
- Marymount University
- Old Dominion University
- Radford University
- Shenandoah University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
Step 2: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
To be eligible for a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant license, The National Physical Therapy Examination must be passed. The exam is administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Step 3: Receive a License to Practice
Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants have the same application process for licensing:
- Submit the appropriate application to the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (VBPT).
- Verification of passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.
- Provide educational transcripts including completion of study.
- Submit verification of licensure if candidate has practiced in any other jurisdiction.
- Submit appropriate fees.
Step 4: Continuing Education
Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants must meet minimal requirements for license renewal. License renewal is required of each even numbered year. A total of 30 continuing education hours are required along with 160 hours of active practice.
Virginia candidates can find more information at the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy website for Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant requirements.
http://www.capteonline.org/Programs/Accredited/
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958#VA
http://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/LicensingAuthoritiesContactInformation.aspx
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/physicaltherapy/pt_faq.htm#Continuing%20Education:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC54010000034000010000000
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm