Wyoming Physical Therapy License/Physical Therapy Assistant Certification and Licensure
Wyoming is a mostly rural state with many visiting tourists to the majestic national parks. Although Wyoming is a sparsely populated state, the increase for professionals in the physical therapy field is prominent. According to the BLS, there are 360 Physical Therapists and 120 Physical Therapy Assistants that offer their services to the 576,412 residents of Wyoming. Wages are strong for both occupations as Physical Therapists earn an average of $78,990 and Physical Therapy Assistants earn around $47,860 per year.
The Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy offers licensing and regulatory services for the physical therapy occupation. A temporary practitioner’s license can be offered for graduates sitting for the National Examination. The graduate must practice under the guidance of a licensed Physical Therapist while holding a temporary license.
Physical Therapy Assistant:
Instructions:
- Pass a background check and drug screen.
- Earn a Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant from an accredited school. The required accreditation the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Take the required National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination. The exam is implemented by the by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Submit the Physical Therapy Assistant License application to the issued by the Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy.
Physical Therapist:
Instructions:
- Graduate from an accredited university from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program. The required accreditation the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Take the required National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination. The exam is implemented by the by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Submit the Physical Therapy License application to the issued by the Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy.
Details on the above steps to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant are listed below:
- Step 1: Earn the Proper Educational Requirements
Physical Therapy Assistant:
An Associate’s Degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program is required to practice. The accredited school that offers this program is Laramie County Community College.
Physical Therapist:
The Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree is mandatory to practice in Wyoming. Currently there is no university located in Wyoming that offers the program. - Step 2: Pass the National Exam
The applicant 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: Obtain the Wyoming State License
The steps are the same for both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants to obtain state licensing:
- Send completed application to the Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy.
- Request proof of passing score for the national examination from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
- Request that transcripts from all attended school be sent into the board.
- Pay license fees.
Step 4: Renew Physical Therapy License
Physical Therapists and Assistants must submit license renewals every other year according to Wyoming legislation. 20 hours of continuing education is required. The jurisprudence exam must be taken and counts for two of the 12 hours that are required for renewal. A fee of $50 must be submitted with completed application.
Wyoming Physical Therapy and Assistant candidates can visit the Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy for more information.
http://plboards.state.wy.us/ptherAPy/renewal.asp
http://plboards.state.wy.us/ptherAPy/PDF%5Crenewal%5CPaperRenewalInstructionsAndForm.pdf
http://www.atsu.edu/transitional-doctor-of-physical-therapy-degree
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title33/T33CH25.htm
http://www.apta.org/Licensure/StatePracticeActs/
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958#WV