PTA in Oklahoma

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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 Oklahoma

If you are interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oklahoma, the first step is to earn an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting. This degree program provides the necessary education and training to work as a PTA.

To ensure that you are getting a quality education, it is important to choose a program that is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of excellence.

Fortunately, there are several colleges in Oklahoma that offer associate’s degree programs in Physical Therapist Assisting. Some of these colleges include Tulsa Community College, Oklahoma City Community College, and Seminole State College to name a few.

Once you have completed your degree program, you will need to apply for licensure with the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. The application for licensure requires proof of completion of an approved PTA program and passing the licensing exam.

After obtaining your license, it is important to stay current with professional development coursework and continuing education to renew your license on time. The Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision is responsible for renewal and may conduct random audits to ensure compliance.

Becoming a PTA in Oklahoma involves completing an accredited associate’s degree program, obtaining licensure, and maintaining your license through continuing education. By following these steps, you can begin a rewarding career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oklahoma.

Next, we will cover each of these steps in complete detail.

Step 1. Earn an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oklahoma, the first step is to earn an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from an accredited institution. It is important to choose a school that is approved by both the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. 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 Oklahoma
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

Prospective PTAs should consider enrolling in a CAPTE-accredited program that meets the educational requirements set by the licensing board. These programs typically include a combination of coursework and clinical training to prepare students for their future careers as PTAs.

In Oklahoma, there are several cities where schools offering Physical Therapist Assisting programs can be found. Oklahoma City and Tulsa are two major cities with reputable schools that meet the licensing board’s criteria. These schools provide comprehensive education and hands-on training to help students develop the skills necessary to excel in their profession.

By selecting a CAPTE-accredited and Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision-approved school, prospective PTAs can ensure they are receiving quality education and are on the right path to becoming licensed professionals in the field of Physical Therapist Assisting in Oklahoma.

Step 2. Submit an Application for Licensure in Oklahoma by Examination

To obtain a license as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oklahoma, individuals must complete the necessary steps, including submitting an Application for Licensure in Oklahoma by Examination. This process involves providing the required forms and documents to the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision.

One of the essential forms is Form #1, which verifies the applicant’s education. This form must be completed and submitted by the educational institution directly to the licensing board. Additionally, applicants need to complete the Background Check Form, as a background check is a mandatory requirement for licensure.

During the application process, individuals have the option to practice physical therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. To do so, verification of supervision is required. This is done using Form 5, which needs to be completed and signed by the supervising physical therapist.

All application forms and additional required documents should be submitted directly to the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. It is important to carefully review and comply with all instructions provided on the board’s website to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

By following the outlined steps and submitting the necessary forms and documents, individuals can pursue their goal of becoming licensed PTAs in Oklahoma.

Step 3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oklahoma, one of the important steps is to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and is a requirement for licensure in most states, including Oklahoma.

Before taking the NPTE-PTA, candidates must first obtain approval from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Once approved, candidates can then proceed to reserve a testing site through Prometric, the testing agency responsible for administering the exam. There is a fee associated with the exam, which candidates are responsible for paying.

The NPTE-PTA covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to physical therapy interventions, equipment and modalities, therapeutic exercise, patient care and safety, and professional responsibilities. It consists of multiple-choice questions and candidates are required to obtain a passing score of 600 out of 800.

To increase the chances of success, candidates should thoroughly prepare for the exam by studying the relevant topics and utilizing study materials and resources available. It is also important to understand the exam format and structure to better manage time during the actual test.

Passing the NPTE-PTA is a significant milestone towards obtaining a PTA license in Oklahoma. By successfully completing this step, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and competency in the field of physical therapy, and ultimately pursue a rewarding career as a licensed PTA.

Step 4. Start your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oklahoma

As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oklahoma, you have various career options. PTAs can work in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, schools, universities, and home health agencies.

Hospitals provide PTAs with the opportunity to work with patients who have undergone surgery or require specialized care. Nursing homes offer PTAs the chance to work with elderly patients and provide rehabilitation services. Outpatient clinics focus on providing therapy services to patients on an outpatient basis, allowing PTAs to work with a variety of individuals with different needs.

In educational settings such as schools and universities, PTAs may assist in providing therapy services to students with disabilities or athletes recovering from sports injuries. Home health agencies allow PTAs to travel to patients’ homes and provide therapy services to individuals who are unable to leave their residences.

It’s important to note that the list of hiring facilities mentioned above is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as job offers. PTAs interested in pursuing a career in Oklahoma should explore job opportunities and contact potential employers directly.

In conclusion, starting a career as a PTA in Oklahoma opens up various career options in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, schools, universities, and home health agencies. It is essential for PTAs to actively search for job opportunities and connect with potential employers to kickstart their careers in this rewarding field.

Step 5. Renew your Physical Therapist Assistant License Yearly

To renew your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license yearly in Oklahoma, you must follow a specific process. The renewal timeline begins 60 days prior to the license expiration date, allowing ample time for submission.

To initiate the renewal process, you need to complete and submit the renewal application form provided by the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS). Along with the application, a fee of $60 must be paid to the OSBMLS.

One of the key requirements for license renewal is proof of 30 hours of approved continuing education. This includes at least two hours of ethics education and at least 20 hours of Category A courses. These courses should be related to the practice of physical therapy and directly relevant to patient care or professional development.

It is important to keep documentation of completed courses for at least four years as the OSBMLS may conduct random audits to ensure compliance with continuing education requirements.

Overall, the renewal process for a PTA license in Oklahoma involves submitting the renewal application form, paying the fee, providing proof of 30 hours of approved continuing education, including ethics education and Category A courses, and maintaining documentation for at least four years.

Why Be a PTA in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has multiple PTA Programs available to make completing your PTA education convenient. PTA jobs and salaries are competitive as well ranging from $50,143 to $57,690 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Oklahoma by clicking the links below.

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

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