PTA in Ohio

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

Steps to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Ohio

If you are interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Ohio, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree: Start by completing a two-year associate’s degree program in physical therapist assisting from a CAPTE-accredited school. This program provides comprehensive education and hands-on training necessary for entry-level practice.

2. Submit a License by Examination Application: Once you have obtained your associate’s degree, you will need to submit a License by Examination Application to the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board. This application can be found on their website.

3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs: After your application is approved, you will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs. This exam evaluates your competency in the field and ensures that you meet the necessary standards for practice.

4. Complete the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam: In addition to the national exam, you will also need to pass the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam. This test assesses your knowledge of the laws and regulations specific to the state of Ohio.

5. Continuing Education: To renew your PTA license in Ohio, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in the field of physical therapy.

By following these steps, you can become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Ohio and embark on a rewarding career in helping patients regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.

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

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Ohio, the first step is to earn an associate’s degree from a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This ensures that the program meets the high educational standards set by the profession. 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 Ohio
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

The PTA associate’s degree program typically takes about two years to complete and includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Students learn about anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation techniques.

Prospective PTA students in Ohio have numerous options when it comes to finding a CAPTE-accredited school. These schools are located in cities such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, and Akron, among others. It is important for students to research and select a school that best fits their needs and geographical preferences.

Attending a CAPTE-accredited school not only provides students with a comprehensive education but also ensures that they are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs upon graduation. Passing this examination is a requirement for obtaining a PTA license in Ohio.

By earning a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree from a CAPTE-accredited school, aspiring PTAs in Ohio are well-prepared for a rewarding career in the field of physical therapy.

Step 2. Submit a License by Examination Application to the OTPTAT Board

To obtain a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in Ohio, applicants must submit a License by Examination Application to the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board. This application process is a crucial step towards becoming a licensed PTA in the state.

Here is a step-by-step explanation of the requirements for submitting a License by Examination Application:

1. Complete the online application: Applicants must fill out the online application form available on the OTPTAT Board’s website. This includes providing personal information, educational background, and any previous licensure information.

2. Submit the Certification of Applicant: Along with the application, applicants must submit the Certification of Applicant form. This form verifies that the information provided in the application is true and accurate.

3. Obtain a criminal records check: Applicants must undergo a criminal background check by submitting fingerprints to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI&I) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is to ensure public safety and ethical conduct in the profession.

4. Attach a passport-sized photograph: Applicants are required to attach a recent passport-sized photograph to their application. This helps in the identification and processing of the application.

5. Submit the Certification of Entry-Level Education or Entry-Level Education Pre-Completion Form: Applicants must submit either the Certification of Entry-Level Education form, confirming the completion of an accredited PTA program, or the Entry-Level Education Pre-Completion form for those who are soon to graduate.

6. Register for the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam and National Physical Therapist Exam: Applicants must register and successfully complete both the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam and the National Physical Therapist Exam. These exams assess the applicant’s knowledge of state laws and regulations and their competency as a practicing PTA.

7. Pay the $100 application fee: A non-refundable application fee of $100 must be paid to complete the submission process.

By following these steps and submitting a complete License by Examination Application to the OTPTAT Board, individuals can move forward in obtaining their PTA license in Ohio.

Step 3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam

In order to obtain a PTA license in Ohio, applicants must pass two important exams – the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam. These exams assess the applicant’s knowledge and competence in the field of physical therapy, as well as their understanding of the laws and regulations specific to Ohio.

The National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs is a comprehensive exam that covers various content areas, including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary systems. It also includes topics such as therapeutic modalities, patient care, and treatment interventions. The passing score for this exam is determined by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). To schedule the exam, applicants must first complete the application process and receive authorization from the FSBPT.

The Ohio Jurisprudence Exam, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in Ohio. It covers topics such as scope of practice, licensure requirements, and professional ethics. The passing score for this exam is set by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board. Applicants can schedule this exam after submitting their license application and paying the required fees.

To ensure a successful outcome on both exams, applicants are encouraged to review the relevant content areas and topics outlined in the exam blueprints provided by the FSBPT and OTPTAT Board. It is also beneficial to utilize study resources and practice exams available through reputable sources. By adequately preparing for and passing these exams, applicants can demonstrate their competency and readiness to practice as licensed PTAs in Ohio.

Step 4. Begin Your Physical Therapist Assistant Career In Ohio

Physical therapist assistants in Ohio have a wide range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings. Hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation centers, and independent practices are among the top employers in the state.

In hospitals, PTAs work closely with physical therapists to provide rehabilitative care to patients. They assist in developing treatment plans, implementing therapeutic exercises, and monitoring progress. Medical centers also offer similar opportunities for PTAs to work alongside healthcare professionals in outpatient clinics or specialized departments.

Rehabilitation centers are another common setting for PTAs in Ohio. These facilities focus on helping patients recover and regain independence after injuries or surgeries. PTAs play a crucial role in guiding patients through rehabilitation programs, providing therapeutic interventions, and monitoring their progress.

For those who prefer a more independent practice, many physical therapy clinics and private practices in Ohio hire PTAs to work alongside physical therapists. This setting allows PTAs to develop their own patient caseload, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and contribute to the overall success of the practice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for physical therapist assistants in Ohio is $64,050 per year. However, it is important to note that salaries may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.

Starting a physical therapist assistant career in Ohio provides a wide range of opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.

Step 5. Complete 12 Hours of Continuing Education to Renew Your License

To renew your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in Ohio, it is important to fulfill the continuing education requirements. Licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years. However, for the first renewal, you are exempt from these requirements.

To complete the 12 hours of continuing education, you have various options available to you. One way is to research and attend courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by accredited organizations. For example, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the Ohio Physical Therapy Association provide educational opportunities that can earn you the required credits.

To keep track of your continuing education credits, you can use aPTitude, an online tracking system offered by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board. This user-friendly system allows you to record and monitor your contact hours and easily submit your renewal application.

Alternatively, you can also use the Board’s continuing education tracking form to manually document your education activities and contact hours. This form can be found on the board’s website.

By actively engaging in continuing education, you not only fulfill the renewal requirements but also enhance your professional knowledge and skills. So, make sure to plan and complete the necessary 12 hours of continuing education before renewing your PTA license in Ohio.

Why Be a PTA in Ohio?

Ohio has about 2 dozen PTA Programs available which is a very high number compared to the number of PTA schools available in many states. PTA jobs and salaries are above average as well ranging from $57,135 to $69,499 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Ohio by clicking the links below.

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

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