PTA in Indiana

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Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.

Step 1. Earn Your Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

To become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Indiana, the first step is to earn your physical therapist assistant degree from an accredited program. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, specifically the Physical Therapy Committee, oversees the licensing requirements for PTAs in the state. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.

You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:

• All Accredited PTA Programs in Indiana
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

To ensure that your degree program meets the necessary standards, it is important to attend a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest educational standards and prepares you for a career in physical therapy.

In Indiana, there are several cities where you can find CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant degree programs. Some of these cities include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and Bloomington. These programs typically have a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to give you a well-rounded education.

Once you have completed your physical therapist assistant degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, you will be eligible to move on to the next step in the licensing process. This includes meeting other requirements and submitting an application to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Earning your physical therapist assistant degree is the first step in pursuing a rewarding career in the field of physical therapy. By choosing an accredited program and completing the necessary coursework and clinical experience, you will be well-prepared to provide quality care and support to patients in need.

Step 2. Consider Applying for a Temporary Permit to Practice

If you are a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) looking to practice in Indiana while awaiting your permanent license, you may apply for a temporary permit. This permit allows you to work under direct supervision during the licensing process. Here’s how to apply for a temporary permit:

1. Obtain a valid license from another state: To be eligible for a temporary permit in Indiana, you must hold a current and valid PTA license from another state.

2. Submit an application: Complete the application for licensure through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) website. Include the required documents, such as official transcripts of grades, a certificate of completion from an accredited PTA program, and proof of passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (if applicable).

3. Pay the application fees: The application fee for a temporary permit is $50, and the license application fee is $100. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of submission.

4. Temporary permit expiration: The temporary permit issued by the Indiana Physical Therapy Committee is valid for 90 calendar days. Please note that this permit is non-renewable.

Applying for a temporary permit allows PTAs to gain valuable experience and provide physical therapy services under direct supervision while awaiting their permanent license. Be sure to review the Indiana Jurisprudence and ensure compliance with the state’s requirements for physical therapy practices.

Step 3. Submit Your Application for Licensure by Examination

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Indiana, you need to submit an application for licensure by examination. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Gather the required documents: You will need to provide a completed application for licensure, which can be obtained from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) website. Additionally, you will need to submit proof of graduation from a PTA degree program approved by the Indiana Board of Physical Therapy. This will typically be in the form of an official transcript of grades.

2. Pay the required fees: Along with your application, you will need to include the license fee. The current fee for an initial PTA license in Indiana is $100. You can submit this payment through a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the “Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.”

3. Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE): As part of the licensure process, you will also need to register for and pass the NPTE. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and assesses your competency in the field of physical therapy.

4. Submit your application: Once you have completed your application, gathered all required documents, and paid the necessary fees, you can submit your application packet to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. The address for submission is:

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Attn: Physical Therapy Committee

402 W. Washington Street, Room W072

Indianapolis, IN 46204

By following these steps and submitting a complete application, you can begin the process of obtaining your PTA license in Indiana.

Step 4. Submit to a Federal Criminal Background Check

To ensure patient safety and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in the field of physical therapy, all applicants for a physical therapist assistant (PTA) license in Indiana are required to submit to a Federal Criminal Background Check. This step is an important part of the licensing process and helps the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) and the Physical Therapy Committee determine an applicant’s eligibility.

To schedule your fingerprinting, you will need to visit the Identogo website, an authorized service provider for the state of Indiana. On the website, you can select the location, date, and time that is most convenient for you to complete the fingerprinting process. It is important to bring the required identification with you when you go for fingerprinting.

Accepted forms of identification include a valid driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have any of these forms of ID, you may be able to provide other documents, such as a social security card or birth certificate, along with other forms of ID. It is recommended to check the Identogo website for a complete list of acceptable documents if you do not have traditional identification.

Once your fingerprints have been taken, they will be submitted for a Federal Criminal Background Check. The results of the background check will be provided to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and the Physical Therapy Committee, who will review the information and determine your eligibility for a PTA license in Indiana.

Submitting to a Federal Criminal Background Check is an important step in obtaining your PTA license in Indiana. By ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, this process helps maintain the integrity and professionalism of the physical therapy profession.

Step 5. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Indiana, one of the key requirements is to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs. This examination is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and is crucial in determining the competency of PTAs in providing safe and effective physical therapy services.

The first step towards preparing for the NPTE-PTA exam is to review the candidate handbook provided by the FSBPT. This handbook contains important information regarding the exam format, content areas, and the scoring process. It is also recommended to take the online practice exam offered by the FSBPT, which simulates the actual test experience and provides valuable feedback on performance.

Once your application for licensure as a PTA is approved by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, the FSBPT will send you an Authorization to Test Letter. This letter includes instructions on how to schedule the exam at an approved testing center. When scheduling the exam, it is important to consider your readiness and select a date that allows sufficient time for preparation.

During the NPTE-PTA exam, candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills across various content areas related to physical therapy practices. To successfully pass the exam, candidates need to achieve a scaled score of 600 or higher.

By following these steps and adequately preparing for the NPTE-PTA exam, aspiring PTAs in Indiana can demonstrate their competency and meet the licensing requirements for practice in the state.

Step 6. Establish Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Indiana

If you have a passion for helping others regain their physical abilities and improve their quality of life, a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Indiana may be right for you. PTAs work closely with licensed physical therapists to provide hands-on therapy to patients recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.

There are various job opportunities and settings available for PTAs in Indiana. You can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation homes, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. These facilities offer diverse patient populations and provide a range of services to address different conditions and needs.

As of October 2015, some top facilities in Indiana that offer jobs for PTAs include Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Health, Franciscan Health, and Parkview Health. These facilities are known for their commitment to high-quality patient care and offer excellent opportunities for career growth and development.

Additionally, you may have the option of working with a licensed physical therapist in an independent practice. This can give you more autonomy in your role as a PTA and provide an opportunity to develop specialized skills to meet the specific needs of your patients.

If you are interested in establishing your career as a PTA in Indiana, it is important to meet the licensing requirements set by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. These requirements include completing an accredited PTA program, taking the national licensing exam, and submitting an application for licensure.

With a growing demand for physical therapy services, a career as a PTA in Indiana offers promising job prospects and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

Step 7. Renew Your Physical Therapist License When Required

Renewing your physical therapist license in Indiana is a straightforward process that ensures you can continue practicing in the state without interruption. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, through its Physical Therapy Committee, oversees the licensing requirements and renewal process.

Continuing Competency Requirements:

To renew your license, you must fulfill continuing competency requirements. These requirements include completing twenty-two (22) hours of continuing education during the two-year renewal period. This education must cover topics related to your professional practice and may include courses on new techniques, advances in physical therapy, or other relevant subjects.

Renewing Your License Online:

Renewing your physical therapist license in Indiana can be done conveniently online. The process involves completing an online application and paying the required renewal fee. You will need to provide information such as proof of completing the continuing education hours, current contact information, and any changes in your employment status. The expected processing time for online renewals is generally within five business days.

By following these steps and meeting the continuing competency requirements, you ensure that your physical therapist license remains valid, allowing you to continue providing essential physical therapy services to your patients in Indiana.

Why Be a PTA in Indiana?

Indiana has plenty of PTA Programs available making it a PTA friendly state. There are also many jobs and salaries range from $44,500 to $48,200 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Indiana by clicking the links below.

• Research Indiana’s PTA Programs
• Compare average PTA salaries in Indiana’s major cities

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