✔️ Page updated: August 18th, 2023
This page has all of the information laid out in steps, including application forms, and fees to become a physical therapist assistant in Illinois and get licensed.
All PTA licensing in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Physical Therapy Association.
Below are the requirements to become a licensed PTA in Illinois.
PTA License Requirement | Required in Illinois? |
|---|---|
| Complete Accredited PTA Program | Yes |
| Send Official Transcript Directly from School to State PT Board | Yes |
| Evaluation of your education by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) | Yes |
| Complete PTA License Application | Yes |
| Pay non-refundable application fee | Yes, $100 |
| Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam (NPTAE) | Yes, $370 |
Illinois PTA License Application
For detailed information and instructions to become a PTA in Illinois, see the board’s Application form. To download the form, right click the icon to the right and then click on “Save As” to save the PDF file.
Illinois PTA Board Contact Info
ATTN: Division of Professional Regulation
P.O. Box 7007
Springfield, IL 62791
1-800-560-6420
More PTA Info for Illinois:
Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.
Step 1. Graduate from a CAPTE-Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Illinois starts with graduating from a CAPTE-Accredited PTA program. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the nationally recognized accrediting body for physical therapy education programs. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.
You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:
To ensure the highest quality of education, aspiring PTAs must complete an associate’s degree program accredited by CAPTE. These programs typically require two years of full-time study and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation techniques, and clinical practice.
Illinois is home to several cities that offer CAPTE-accredited PTA programs, providing students with options for their education. Some of these cities include Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, Naperville, and Champaign. Students can choose a program that best suits their needs and location preferences.
Upon successful completion of the PTA program, graduates will be prepared to enter the healthcare field as skilled professionals. They will have acquired the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to assist physical therapists in providing high-quality care to patients in various healthcare settings.
Step 2. Submit an Application for Examination and Licensure in Illinois
Once you have completed your physical therapist assistant (PTA) program and obtained proof of graduation, the next step is to submit an application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for examination and licensure.
To begin the application process, visit the IDFPR website where you can find the necessary forms. Print and complete the application form, making sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
Once the application form is filled out, you will need to send it, along with a $98 testing fee, to Continental Testing Services. The fee is required to cover the administration and processing costs associated with the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
In addition to the application form and testing fee, you will also need to include a Certification of Education (ED-PT) form, your program transcripts, and course descriptions. These documents provide proof of your education and ensure that you meet the educational requirements set forth by the IDFPR.
After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will be eligible to take the NPTE for PTAs. Successful completion of the exam is required in order to obtain your PTA license in Illinois.
By following these steps and submitting a complete and accurate application, you are on your way to becoming a licensed physical therapist assistant in Illinois.
Step 3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs
In order to obtain a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in Illinois, individuals must successfully complete Step 3, which is passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. This exam is a requirement for licensure and is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
The NPTE for PTAs assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice as a PTA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a variety of topics such as safety and protection, interventions, professional responsibilities, therapeutic modalities, PT data collection, and equipment and devices. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of physical therapy concepts and their ability to apply those concepts to real-world scenarios.
Obtaining a passing score on the NPTE for PTAs demonstrates a PTA’s competence and readiness to provide quality care to patients. It ensures that PTAs have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy services.
By successfully completing the NPTE for PTAs, individuals are able to meet the licensure requirement set forth by the Division of Professional Regulation in Illinois. It is an important step in the application process for a PTA license and is essential for individuals who wish to pursue a career in physical therapy in the state of Illinois.
Step 4. Start your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois
After successfully passing the licensure examination administered by Continental Testing Services, you are now ready to begin your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Illinois. As a licensed PTA, you will work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
To start practicing, it is important to obtain your PTA license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Once you have passed the licensure examination, the IDFPR will send you a notification and provide instructions for payment of the license fee.
To obtain your license, you will need to complete the payment process as directed by the IDFPR. Once your payment is received and processed, your license will be issued, and you can begin practicing as a PTA in Illinois.
As you embark on your career as a PTA, it is beneficial to explore the various employment options available in Illinois. Some of the top employers of PTAs in the state include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and schools.
By following the necessary steps and obtaining your PTA license, you can start pursuing your passion to help individuals improve their physical well-being and lead fulfilling lives in the field of physical therapy.
Step 5. Complete Continuing Competency Hours to Renew your License Every Two Years
To ensure that physical therapist assistants in Illinois maintain their knowledge and skills, completing continuing competency hours is a requirement for license renewal. Here are the steps to complete the Continuing Competency Hours and renew your Physical Therapist Assistant license in Illinois every two years:
1. Understand the requirements: After the first license renewal period, which does not require any Illinois Continuing Education (CE) hours, you will need to complete 20 hours of CE before your licensure renewal date.
2. Choose approved educational activities: Select educational activities that have been approved by the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation and are relevant to your practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
3. Participation in professional development: Attend workshops, conferences, or seminars that provide valuable insights into the latest techniques, research, and advancements in the field of physical therapy.
4. Web-based courses and self-study programs: Engage in web-based courses or self-study programs that cover topics related to physical therapy. Ensure that these activities are approved by the licensing board.
5. Maintain documentation: Keep records of the courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars you attend, including certificates of completion and documentation of the number of hours completed.
6. Submit documentation: At the time of license renewal, submit the necessary documentation and proof of completing the required Continuing Competency Hours to the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation.
By following these steps and completing the required Continuing Competency Hours every two years, you can ensure the renewal of your Physical Therapist Assistant license in Illinois. Remember to pay attention to the licensure renewal cycle and complete your Continuing Competency Hours before the designated renewal date (September 30th of each odd year).
Why Be a PTA in Illinois?
Illinois has over a dozen PTA Programs available making it a PTA friendly state. There are also many jobs and salaries range from $56,000 to $63,000+ annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Illinois by clicking the links below.
More PTA Info for Illinois:
