PTA in Oregon

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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 Oregon

If you’re interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon, there are several steps you need to follow. First and foremost, you must complete an associate’s degree program from an accredited school. This program typically takes around 2 years to complete and includes both classroom and clinical training.

Once you have completed your education, you can then submit an application for licensure to the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. This application process requires you to provide proof of graduation from an accredited PTA program, as well as complete a criminal background check.

After your application has been accepted, you will need to take the state jurisprudence exam. This exam tests your knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in Oregon.

While waiting for your license to be issued, you may also consider applying for a temporary permit. This permit allows you to work as a PTA under supervision while waiting for your full license to be approved.

Step 1. Complete a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree Program

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon, you need to start by completing a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree Program. This program provides you with the necessary education and skills to assist physical therapists in treating patients. 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 Oregon
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

When considering enrollment in a PTA program, it is essential to choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards set by the profession and will provide you with the knowledge and training required to excel in your career.

During your PTA program, you will engage in a variety of courses that cover the foundations of physical therapy. These courses typically include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and patient care skills. Additionally, you will participate in supervised clinical practice rotations that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced professionals.

By successfully completing a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree Program, you will be on your way to fulfilling the education requirements needed to obtain your PTA license in Oregon.

Step 2. Submit your Application for Licensure by Examination and Take the State Jurisprudence Exam

Once you have successfully completed your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, the next step towards becoming a licensed PTA in Oregon is to submit your Application for Licensure by Examination and take the State Jurisprudence Exam.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download and Complete the Application: Visit the website of the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board and download the Application for Licensure. Fill out all the required fields accurately and carefully.

2. Attach a Recent Photograph: Affix a recent passport-size photograph of yourself to the application form. This helps in identification purposes and expedites the processing of your application.

3. Submit the Application and Payment: Once the application is complete, gather all the necessary documents and send them along with a payment of $162 to the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board. This fee covers the application processing and examination costs.

4. Take the State Jurisprudence Exam: After your application is received and processed, you will be notified about scheduling the State Jurisprudence Exam. This exam assesses your knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in Oregon.

5. Provide a Certificate of Professional Education: You will also need to include a Certificate of Professional Education with your application. This certificate verifies that you have successfully completed a PTA program from an accredited school.

Completing these steps will set you on the path to becoming a licensed PTA in Oregon. Remember to carefully follow the instructions and provide all the required information to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

Step 3. Consider Applying for a Temporary Permit to Practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon

If you are interested in starting your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon before obtaining your permanent license, you may want to consider applying for a Temporary Permit to Practice. This permit allows you to work as a PTA for a specified period while you complete the necessary requirements for your permanent license.

Here’s what you need to do to apply for a temporary permit:

1. Complete the Temporary Permit Application: Visit the website of the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board and download the Temporary Permit Application form. Fill out all the required fields accurately and carefully.

2. Pay the Application Fee: Along with your completed application, you must submit a non-refundable fee of $50 to the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board. This fee covers the application processing and administrative costs.

3. Pass the Jurisprudence Examination: As part of the application process, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the laws and regulations that govern the practice of physical therapy in Oregon. You will need to pass the Jurisprudence Examination before your temporary permit can be issued.

4. Provide Proof of Graduation: You must submit proof that you have successfully graduated from a Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This could be a copy of your diploma or an official transcript.

5. Pass the Criminal Record Check: Applicants for the temporary permit must also pass a criminal record check. This ensures the safety and protection of the public by verifying that applicants have not been convicted of any crimes that would disqualify them from working as a PTA.

6. File the Application for the NPTE-PTA: Along with your temporary permit application, you must also submit an application to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE-PTA). This is a national exam that assesses the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a PTA.

Obtaining a temporary permit allows you to gain valuable experience and start your career as a PTA while you work towards your permanent license. Once you have completed the necessary requirements and obtained your permanent license, you can continue to practice as a PTA in Oregon.

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

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.

Here’s everything you need to know about the exam:

1. Registration: Visit the website of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to register for the NPTE-PTA. Create an account, complete the registration form, and pay the registration fee.

2. Exam Topics: The NPTE-PTA covers various topics related to the field of physical therapy, including anatomy, physiology, treatment techniques, patient care, and therapeutic exercise. As a PTA, it evaluates your skills and competence in delivering secure and efficient patient care.

3. Passing Score: The passing score for the NPTE-PTA is determined by the FSBPT. It is important to study and prepare adequately to ensure you meet the required score. Check the FSBPT website for the current passing score.

4. Obtain an Official School Transcript: As part of the exam registration process, you will need to provide an official transcript from your accredited PTA program. This verifies that you have successfully completed the necessary education requirements to sit for the NPTE-PTA.

Passing the NPTE-PTA is a crucial step in obtaining your PTA license in Oregon. Make sure to review the exam content, study diligently, and seek additional resources if needed to increase your chances of success.

Step 5. Begin your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon

Once you have successfully obtained your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in Oregon, you can explore various employment options in the field. PTAs play a crucial role in providing hands-on patient care and assisting physical therapists in their practice.

Here are some employment options you can consider:

1. Universities: Many universities have physical therapy programs where PTAs can work as instructors or clinical educators, guiding and supervising students in their practical training.

2. Community Health Programs: Community health programs often offer rehabilitation services, including physical therapy. PTAs can work in these programs, assisting in providing therapeutic interventions to individuals in need.

3. Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted living facilities cater to the needs of elderly individuals or those with disabilities. PTAs can work in these facilities, helping residents with mobility, balance, and functional activities to enhance their quality of life.

4. Hospitals: Hospitals employ PTAs in various departments, such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. PTAs work alongside physical therapists to provide rehabilitative care to patients recovering from surgeries, illnesses, or injuries.

5. Outpatient Clinics: Outpatient clinics focus on providing rehabilitation services on an outpatient basis. PTAs can work in these clinics, assisting patients in their recovery and facilitating their return to optimal function.

6. Home Health Agencies: PTAs can work for home health agencies, providing therapy services to individuals in the comfort of their own homes. This allows patients who are unable to travel to receive necessary healthcare services.

7. Independent Private Practices: Some PTAs choose to work in independent private practices, either alongside physical therapists or as sole practitioners. This allows them to have more autonomy and flexibility in their practice.

In Oregon, some of the top employers of PTAs include Coast Fork Nursing Center, Infinity Rehab, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics, and Good Samaritan Eugene Village. These organizations provide excellent opportunities for PTAs to gain experience and contribute to high-quality patient care.

As a newly licensed PTA in Oregon, considering these employment options and exploring various settings can help you find the right fit for your career goals. Whether you choose to work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and contribute to their overall well-being.

Step 6. Renew your Physical Therapist Assistant License Every Two Years

Renewing your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in Oregon is an essential process that occurs every two years. It is crucial to stay up to date to continue practicing as a licensed PTA in the state.

Here’s what you need to know about the renewal process:

Renewal Period: The renewal period for PTA licenses in Oregon is every two years. Your license expires on your birthday in even-numbered years. For example, if your birthday falls in October, your license will expire on October 31st of each even-numbered year.

Notification and Renewal Fees: The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy (OBPT) will send you a renewal notification by mail approximately three months before your license expiration date. This notification will include detailed instructions on how to renew your license. The current renewal fee is $100.

Continuing Education Requirements: To be eligible for license renewal, PTAs in Oregon must complete a certain number of continuing education hours. The number of hours required depends on the certification period. For a two-year certification period, PTAs must complete 24 continuing education units (CEUs) or 24 contact hours.

Types of Continuing Education: The OBPT allows a variety of continuing education options, including courses, workshops, seminars, and self-study programs. One important requirement is completing at least one hour of the Pain Management Module. This module focuses on enhancing PTAs’ understanding of pain management strategies and interventions.

Renewing your PTA license every two years is essential to ensure that you continue practicing as a licensed professional. It is crucial to submit your renewal application and fees before the expiration date.

By fulfilling the continuing education requirements, including the mandatory Pain Management Module, you can enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of physical therapy.

Why Be a PTA in Oregon?

Oregon has multiple PTA Programs available comparable to the number of PTA schools available in many states. PTA jobs and salaries are competitive as well ranging from $53,629 to $63,550 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Oregon by clicking the links below.

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