How to Become a Physical Therapist in Massachusetts
Physical Therapy employment levels are high in Massachusetts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this state had the third highest concentration of Physical Therapist jobs in the country in 2013. The 7,230 practicing Massachusetts Physical Therapists earned an average of $81,810 a year in 2013.
In particular, the Boston area had high levels of employment with over 25% of the state’s Physical Therapists practiced there. It had the fourth highest employment level of Physical Therapists of any metropolitan area in the country. In addition, the northwest nonmetropolitan area of Massachusetts had the fifth highest concentration of Physical Therapist jobs of any nonmetropolitan area in the country.
In 2013, 2,260 Physical Therapy Assistants practiced in Massachusetts and earned an average of $53,340 a year. New Bedford had the fourth highest concentration of Physical Therapy Assistant jobs of any U.S. metropolitan area.
The Board of Registration in Allied Health Professionals regulates all healthcare professions in Massachusetts including the field of Physical Therapy. However, Professional Credential Services, Inc.,
(PCS) processes all of the PT licensure for Massachusetts.
Here are the steps you need to complete to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant in Massachusetts:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
- Earn a Physical Therapy Assistant Associate’s degree from an accredited program.
- Apply for your Massachusetts Physical Therapy Assistant license.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Renew your Massachusetts Physical Therapy license.
Physical Therapist:
- Earn a Physical Therapy Doctoral degree from an accredited program.
- Apply for your Massachusetts Physical Therapist license.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Renew your Massachusetts Physical Therapy license.
Step 1: Complete Your Physical Therapy Degree
Physical Therapy Assistant
The state of Massachusetts requires that you have a degree from a school approved by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to become a Physical Therapy Assistant in the state. The APTA approves schools through its Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE). You can get an approved Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, or Associate in Physical Therapy Assistant degree from the following Massachusetts colleges:
- Bay State College
- Berkshire Community College
- Mount Wachusett Community College
- North Shore Community College
- Springfield Technical Community College
Physical Therapist
To become a Physical Therapist in Massachusetts, you must have a Doctoral degree from an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved school. You can get this type of degree from the following Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE) approved Massachusetts schools:
- American International College
- Boston University
- MCPHS University
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Northeastern University
- Simmons College
- Springfield College
Step 2: Apply for Your Massachusetts Physical Therapy License
As long as you are of good moral character, you can apply for your Massachusetts Physical Therapy license once you have earned a degree from an accredited program. You must fill out an application with the PCS to obtain your Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant license. You can fill out the form with a typewriter or by printing in black or blue ink. You must sign the application in the presence of a Notary Public for it to be processed.
If you do not yet have your degree, but expect to get it soon, you must have the Registrar of your school complete the application form’s Certification of Completion of Educational Requirements.
You must pay a fee of $226 to be able to get your license processed. You cannot pay with a personal check, but you can pay with a money order, cashier’s check, Visa or MasterCard. You should allow three to four weeks for your application to be processed.
Step 3: Undergo a Criminal Background Check
If you have marked that you are of good character on your application, you will have to send a notarized copy of the Criminal Offender Record Information Request form. Your signature gives permission to the Board to conduct a criminal background check on you for convictions, non-convictions, and pending criminal cases. They may also check other federal and professional records. If you do have criminal information in your background, you will have an opportunity to appear before the Board to explain your situation.
Step 4: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
Your next step in getting certification to be a PT professional in Massachusetts is to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). You cannot sign up to take the PT or PTA exam until you get PCS approval. They will review your academic credentials and then contact you with an authorization to test. You will also receive instructions on scheduling the exam. You must schedule it within 60 days of receiving your Authorization to Test Notice.
The PCS will send you a letter notifying you of your score. You must score 600 on a scale of 200 to 800 to pass the NPTE. Your education should have given you excellent preparation to pass the exam. All of the Physical Therapy graduates from four of the Massachusetts approved school passed their exam in the 2010-2012 period. The lowest passing rate for PT graduates from the other schools during this period was 98.32%. The passing rates for Physical Therapy Assistant graduates ranged from 89.74% to 100% in 2010-2012.
You will receive an official letter with your license number along with the notification of your passing score. The PCS sends your license information to the Massachusetts Board. The Board will then post your license number on its website within a week of the approval date. You will receive a wallet-sized license within six weeks.
Step 5: Renew Your Massachusetts Physical Therapy License
Your license to practice Physical Therapy in Massachusetts is good for two years. It expires on your birthday, and you will have to pay $100 to get it renewed. If you renew it past your expiration date, you will have to pay an additional $57. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail with instructions on the process.
Massachusetts does not have any continuing education requirements to get your license renewed. However, it will benefit you professionally to continually work on improving your Physical Therapy skills. One way you can do this is by joining the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts that has about 2,000 members.
Sources:
http://www.state.me.us/