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How to Become a Physical Therapist in Utah

There is a growing need for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants in Utah. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there are only 1,570 Physical Therapists and 340 Physical Therapist Assistants statewide, serving approximately 2.8 million residents. The median wage of a Physical Therapist in Utah is $81,470. The average salary of a Physical Therapist Assistant is approximately $46,000. Projected job growth for these two professions is projected to be 36% through 2022. To become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant in Utah, candidates must meet the meet the following criteria:

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Physical Therapy Assistant:
Applicants must:

  • Have an Associate’s Degree or higher in Physical Therapy from an accredited school. The school’s accreditor should be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant examination. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
  • Obtain a Physical Therapy Assistant License issued by the Utah Physical Therapy Licensing Board. The license must be renewed every two years and continuing education requirements must be fulfilled.

Physical Therapist:
Applicants must:

  • Obtain a Master’s Degree at a nationally accredited college. The school’s accreditor should be the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Pass the Physical Therapy Law and Rule examination.
  • Pass the National Physical Therapy examination. This test is overseen by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
  • Obtain a Registered Physical Therapy License issued by the Utah Physical Therapy Licensing Board. This license must be renewed every two years and all continuing education requirements must be met.

To become a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant in Utah, qualified candidates will need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet Minimum Education Requirements
Physical Therapy Assistant:

Physical Therapy Assistants must possess a minimum of an Associate’s Degree by an accredited school from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Salt Lake Community College and Snow College both offer this type of Associate’s degree.

Physical Therapist:

Physical Therapists must graduate with a Master’s Degree from an accredited school from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).

University of Utah College of Health and Weber University offer this type of degree.

Step 2: Pass the Utah Physical Therapy Law and Rule Exam
For applicants interested in becoming a Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Law and Rule examination must be taken and passed. This is not required for candidates interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant and is an extra step that many other states do not require. The examination ensures that students understand the latest laws and regulations in Utah. This is a take-home style test which is overseen by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Step 3: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the test to both prospective Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants.

Physical Therapy Assistant:

Pass the Certified Physical Therapy Assistant exam to become nationally certified.

Physical Therapist:

Pass the Physical Therapist Registered exam to obtain a license to practice.

Step 4: Apply for Proper Licensing
The application process is the same for both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants:

  • Complete and submit the application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
  • Submit a Verification Certification from the FSBPT
  • Provide all educational transcripts
  • If a candidate has practiced in any other state, obtain and submit a letter of good standing.

Step 5: Earn Continuing Education Credits
Utah requires that a certain number of continuing education hours be completed to continue practicing.
Physical Therapy Assistant:

At least 20 hours of continued education are required every two years for license renewal.
Registered Physical Therapist:

At least 40 hours of continued education are required every two years for license renewal.

For candidates seeking additional information regarding becoming a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant in Utah, the Utah Physical Therapy Association is a good place to start.

Reference URLs:
http://jobs.utah.gov/jsp/wi/utalmis/reempfullrept.do?soccode=312021&oititle=Physical%20Therapist%20Assistants
http://www.uptaonline.org/
http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/physical_therapy.html
http://www.health.utah.edu/physical-therapy/
http://www.bls.gov/data/