How to Become an Physical Therapist in Vermont, VT

Requirements to becoming a Physical Therapist in Vermont

The tiny state of Vermont is the 2nd least populated state in America. Despite the small population, Vermont is experiencing an increase in demand for practitioners in the physical therapy field. With only 626,011 people residing in Vermont, there are only 690 Physical Therapists and 120 Physical Therapy Assistants practicing throughout the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly income for a Physical Therapist is $72,250 and is $54,980 for a Physical Therapy Assistant.

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation is responsible for licensing and regulation of physical therapist practitioners. The two licenses available in Vermont are Physical Therapy Assistant and Physical Therapist. Temporary licenses are available while under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Following the proper steps is necessary to become a licensed Physical Therapist or Assistant:

Physical Therapy Assistant:

  • Earn an Associate’s Degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Accreditation of the school comes from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Apply for a Physical Therapy Assistant License at the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.

Physical Therapist:
Candidates are required to:

  • Earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Accreditation of the school comes from the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Take the required National Physical Therapy Examination.
  • Apply for a Physical Therapy Assistant License at the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.

More in-depth information about the steps to become a Physical Therapist or Assisted are listed:

Step 1: Earn a Degree from a CAPTE Accredited School
Physical Therapy Assistant:

Applicant must earn their Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant Program to practice in Vermont. Currently there are no schools that provide the necessary courses in Vermont at this time.
Physical Therapist:

Applicants must receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree to practice physical therapy in Vermont. The one accredited university in the state is the University of Vermont.

Step 2: Take the National Physical Therapy Examination
The National Physical Therapy Examination tests the applicant to see if the desired criteria is met or exceeded. This exam is given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The examination can be taken up to three times in a six month period.

Step 3: Apply for a Vermont State License
In order to receive a license, the following steps must be taken:

  • Submit a completed and signed application to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
  • Submit verification of passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.
  • Request for educational transcripts to be sent to the board.
  • Request licensure endorsement from other states to be sent in to the board.

Step 4: Maintain Licensing Renewal

Vermont requires that licenses be renewed every two years by paying the required fee.

Interested in more information? Visit the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for more advice on how to become a Physical Therapist or Assistant in Vermont.

 

http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=038
http://www.ptaguide.org/physical-therapy-assistant-program-in-vermont/
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm
http://www.apta.org/Licensure/StatePracticeActs/
http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PTA&navID=10737421960