PTA in North Carolina

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

Steps to Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina

Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in North Carolina involves several steps. Here are the steps outlined on how to pursue a PTA career in North Carolina with complete detail on each step below:

1. Earn an Accredited Associate’s Degree: Graduating from an accredited physical therapist assistant program is the first requirement. These programs typically take around two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

2. Submit a Licensure Application: After completing your associate’s degree, you need to apply for a PTA license through the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. The application process requires providing documentation such as official transcripts, character references, verification of graduation, and an application fee.

3. Complete the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exercises: As part of the licensing process, you must complete the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exercises. This ensures your knowledge of North Carolina laws and regulations pertaining to physical therapy practice.

4. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs: To become a licensed PTA in North Carolina, you are required to pass the NPTE for PTAs. This exam evaluates your knowledge and competency in the field of physical therapy.

5. Find a Job in North Carolina: Upon successfully completing the licensing requirements, you can begin searching for PTA job opportunities in North Carolina. There are various settings where PTAs can work, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

By following these steps, you can embark on a fulfilling career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of North Carolina. Below we will cover each step in complete detail.

Step 1. Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree from an Accredited School

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in North Carolina, the first step is to earn an associate’s degree from an accredited school. This degree is specifically designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist physical therapists in providing quality patient care. 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 North Carolina
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

It is crucial to choose an accredited school that has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE accreditation ensures that the school meets the highest quality standards in terms of faculty qualifications, curriculum, and facilities.

In North Carolina, there are several cities where CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant programs are available. Some of these cities include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Asheville, and Wilmington. These programs typically take two years to complete and consist of both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences.

By completing a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree from an accredited school, individuals can acquire the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a rewarding career as a licensed PTA in North Carolina. This degree sets the foundation for the next steps toward becoming a licensed professional in the field of physical therapy.

Step 2. Submit an Application for Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure

Once you have successfully completed your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, the next step to becoming a licensed PTA in North Carolina is to submit an application for licensure. This application process is fairly straightforward and can be completed online through the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners website.

To begin the application process, you will need to create an account on the Board’s website and fill out the online application form. Along with the application, you will be required to submit several supporting documents. These may include a passport-style photo, an official transcript from your CAPTE-accredited PTA program, and a verification of graduation form.

In addition to these documents, you will need to provide a valid social security number and two character reference forms. These reference forms should be completed by individuals who can attest to your moral character and ability to be a competent and responsible PTA.

Finally, to complete the application process, you will need to pay the application fee. The current application fee for PTA licensure in North Carolina is $150. Once your application is complete and all necessary documents are submitted, it will be reviewed by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

Overall, the application process for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in North Carolina is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed online. By ensuring that you have all the necessary documents and information ready, you can expedite the application process and move closer to obtaining your PTA license in North Carolina.

Step 3. Complete the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exercises

Once your application for PTA licensure in North Carolina is complete and reviewed by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, the next step is to complete the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exercises. These exercises are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the laws and rules governing physical therapy practice in the state.

To access the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exercises, you will need to log into the North Carolina Board’s online services using your applicant ID number and the provided password format. Once logged in, you will be able to access the exercises and complete them at your own pace.

It is important to complete the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exercises as soon as possible, as licensure approval is contingent upon the successful completion of these exercises. The exercises are designed to ensure that you are familiar with the laws and rules that govern physical therapy practice in North Carolina and that you are prepared to practice safely and ethically.

Take your time to thoroughly read and understand the questions in the exercises, and provide the most accurate and appropriate answers based on the Board’s laws and rules. Once you have successfully completed the exercises, you can proceed with the next steps toward obtaining your PTA license in North Carolina.

Step 4. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs

In order to become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in North Carolina, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs. The NPTE-PTA is a comprehensive exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level physical therapist assistant practice.

To register for the NPTE-PTA, you will need to visit the website of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), the organization responsible for administering the exam. On the FSBPT website, you will find information about exam fees, eligibility requirements, and the registration process.

Once you have completed the registration, you will need to schedule your exam through the Prometric Testing Centers. Prometric is the organization contracted by the FSBPT to administer the NPTE-PTA. You will need to pay a separate fee to Prometric for scheduling your exam at one of their testing centers.

The NPTE-PTA covers various domain areas and content areas, including patient care, interventions, safety and protection, professional responsibilities, and research. These areas encompass topics such as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems, therapeutic modalities, exercise prescription, documentation, ethics, and evidence-based practice.

Preparing for the NPTE-PTA is crucial to ensure success on the exam. Utilize study resources, such as textbooks and practice exams, to review and reinforce your knowledge. Additionally, consider joining study groups or seeking guidance from experienced PTAs to enhance your preparation.

Passing the NPTE-PTA is an important milestone in your journey to becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina. By thoroughly understanding the exam process, registering and scheduling your exam, and adequately preparing for the content areas, you are setting yourself up for success on this crucial step towards licensure.

Step 5. Begin your Career by Finding a Physical Therapist Assistant Job in North Carolina

After successfully obtaining your PTA license in North Carolina, the next step is to start your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Luckily, there are several organizations and agencies in North Carolina that may have job openings for PTAs.

Physio Physical Therapy and Wellness is a leading provider of physical therapy services in North Carolina. They offer a wide range of job opportunities for PTAs, including positions in their various clinics located throughout the state.

Novant Health is another major healthcare provider in North Carolina that frequently hires PTAs. With numerous hospitals and medical centers across the state, Novant Health offers a diverse range of job opportunities for aspiring PTAs.

Southeastern Fitness and Rehab is a well-known rehabilitation and fitness center that also hires PTAs. With multiple locations in North Carolina, they provide comprehensive rehabilitation services and are often seeking skilled PTAs to join their team.

Learning Services Inc. is a company that specializes in pediatric therapy services. They often have job openings for PTAs who are passionate about working with children and helping them achieve their therapy goals.

Therapy Management Corporation is a national healthcare provider that operates several facilities in North Carolina. They offer job opportunities for PTAs in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics.

Finding a job as a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Explore job listings on the websites of these organizations and agencies to discover the available opportunities that align with your interests and career goals.

Step 6. Accumulate 20 Points of Continuing Competency to Renew Your License

To renew your North Carolina Physical Therapist Assistant license, you must accumulate 20 points of continuing competency. These points can be earned through a variety of eligible activities, including participating in continuing education courses, attending conferences and workshops, completing online self-study programs, and presenting or publishing research.

North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners approves several providers for continuing competency activities, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and North Carolina Physical Therapy Association (NCPTA). These organizations offer a wide range of educational resources and events that can help you earn the necessary points for license renewal.

Once you have completed the eligible activities, you will need to report your points to the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. This can be done through the board’s online system, where you will need to provide documentation or proof of your participation in the activities.

It is important to note that you need to accumulate the required 20 points of continuing competency before your license expiration date. Failure to do so may result in the suspension or non-renewal of your license.

Renewing your North Carolina Physical Therapist Assistant license is a straightforward process, as long as you actively engage in eligible activities and report your points to the board in a timely manner. By staying current with your continuing education, you can maintain your professional competence and ensure the renewal of your license.

Why Be a PTA in North Carolina?

North Carolina has many PTA Programs available, far more compared to the number of PTA schools available in many states. PTA jobs and salaries are competitive as well ranging from $52,874 to $69,554 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in North Carolina by clicking the links below.

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

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