This page has all of the information laid out in steps, including application forms, and fees to become a physical therapist assistant in Texas and get licensed.
The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners regulates the licensing of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants in Texas. The licensing section will handle all applicants for registration. Applicant fees are non-refundable so it is important that you make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
Steps to Becoming a PTA in Texas
- Apply online for your TX PTA license and pay the application fee of $125 (see all TX PTA Board fees)
- Contact the registrar from your school and have them send an official transcript directly to the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Mail a recent, 2 in. x 2 in. passport-type photo to the Board
- Request that your Program Director mail a Letter of Completion letter to the Board
- Register to take the national exam with FSBPT
- Take the online open-book jurisprudence exam
- Once the above steps are complete, you may schedule your exam date with the FSBPT (this can only be done once all above items have been received by the Board)
- Take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) administered by the FSBPT (upon passing your license will automatically be mailed to you)
Texas PTA License Application
To start the online application process now, just click the icon to the right. For complete instructions and steps on applying for your PTA license in TX visit this page on the Board’s website. Also, Texas offers a temporary PTA license.
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have special needs for testing accommodations, please see the testing accommodations form.
The primary way to obtain a PTA license in Texas is to apply by exam. The Texas PTA exam is administered on specific predetermined dates, so make sure to plan accordingly. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy examiners offers a Licensure Applicant Status Lookup to help check on the status of your Texas PTA license application.
Important Phone Numbers for Texas PTAs
PT Board – (512) 305-6900
FSBPT – (888) 461-6905
Prometric Testing Center – (800) 796-9857
More PTA Info for Texas:
Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.
Step 1. Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree from an Accredited School
To become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Texas, the first step is to earn an Associate’s Degree from an accredited school. There are two types of associate’s degrees offered for PTA programs: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS). Both degrees provide the necessary education and training to work as a PTA. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.
You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:
Accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing a school for PTA education. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the accrediting agency for PTA programs. It ensures that the programs meet the national standards for education and clinical experiences. Graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program is a requirement for obtaining licensure as a PTA in Texas.
In Texas, there are several cities where CAPTE-accredited PTA programs are available. Some of these cities include Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. Prospective students can research these programs to find the one that best fits their needs in terms of location, program requirements, and admission process.
By completing a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree from an accredited school, individuals will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. This degree opens up employment opportunities in a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and more.
Once you have completed the necessary prerequisites and meet the educational requirements, the next step in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas is to submit your application.
Step 2. Submit the Physical Therapist Assistant Application
You can scroll up the page to see the step-by-step application process listed with fees and links to the application form. The application is available online through the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE) website.
To complete the application, you will need to provide various documents and materials. These may include official school transcripts from your PTA program, a letter of completion or diploma, and a recent photograph. It is important to ensure that your transcripts and other supporting documents are sent directly to the TBPTE from your educational institution.
In addition to these materials, you will also need to pay the application fee, which can be done online via credit card payment. Be sure to double-check that all your information is accurate and complete before submitting your application.
After submitting your physical therapist assistant application, you will need to register for the national exam through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This exam is called the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) – Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) exam. Registering for the exam includes completing an online application and paying the required exam fee.
Furthermore, as part of the registration process for the national exam, you will also be required to take the online jurisprudence exam. This exam covers the laws and rules specific to the practice of physical therapy in Texas. It is essential to pass this exam before you can be authorized to take the national exam.
By following these steps and submitting your Physical Therapist Assistant application, you are one step closer to becoming a licensed and practicing PTA in Texas.
Step 3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs
To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Texas, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and ensures that PTAs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient care.
Once the Texas Board receives and processes your PTA licensure application, they will notify the FSBPT. The FSBPT will then send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, providing instructions on how to schedule your exam with Prometric, the official testing provider. It is important to note that you cannot schedule your exam until you receive the ATT letter from the FSBPT.
Prometric has multiple testing centers located throughout Texas, making it convenient for candidates to choose a location that is most suitable for them. Some of the Prometric testing centers in Texas are located in major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth, among others. These centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a comfortable and secure testing environment.
Preparing for the NPTE for PTAs is crucial to increase your chances of success. The exam covers various topics related to physical therapy practice, treatment procedures, rehabilitation techniques, and patient care, among others. By thoroughly studying and reviewing the material, you will be better equipped to demonstrate your knowledge and skills during the exam.
Passing the NPTE is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a licensed PTA in Texas. It validates your education and ensures that you are prepared to provide high-quality care to patients across a variety of settings.
Step 4. Begin Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas
If you are looking to begin your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Texas, you will find a wide range of employment opportunities in various healthcare settings. Some of the top hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and independent practices in Texas hire PTAs to provide essential healthcare services.
Hospitals in Texas, such as Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, and Parkland Memorial Hospital, often have openings for PTAs. Medical centers like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center also offer job opportunities for PTAs. Rehabilitation centers, such as Encore Rehabilitation Services and Genesis Rehab Services, are known to hire PTAs to assist in providing rehabilitation therapies to patients.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities, including Heritage Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Girling Health Care, are other options where PTAs can find employment. Independent practices, which could be private physical therapy clinics or outpatient centers, also frequently hire PTAs.
Step 5. Complete 20 Continuing Competency Units (CCUs) to Renew Your License Every Two Years
In Texas, physical therapist assistants are required to renew their licenses every two years. As part of the renewal process, you must complete 20 Continuing Competency Units (CCUs) approved by the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA). These CCUs are designed to ensure that PTAs stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and maintain their professional abilities.
To fulfill the CCU requirement, PTAs can participate in various activities that are recognized and approved by the TPTA. These activities include live programs, self-study programs, and college or university courses. It is important to ensure that the activities you choose are approved by the TPTA to count toward your CCUs.
One of the important aspects of CCU completion is the requirement for at least two hours of ethics/professional responsibility courses. These courses help PTAs to understand and adhere to the ethical standards and professional responsibilities associated with their profession.
By completing the required number of CCUs, physical therapist assistants in Texas can demonstrate their commitment to staying current in their field and providing quality care to their patients.
Remember to check with the TPTA for a list of approved activities and courses to fulfill your CCU requirement for license renewal.
Why Be a PTA in Texas?
- The average PTA salary in Texas is the highest average PTA salary in the U.S. So, if you are looking to get paid well in your profession, then being a PTA in Texas is your best bet.
- Also, there are many great PTA schools in Texas if you still need to complete your degree.
- PTA salaries are not the only thing high in Texas, there are plenty of great PTA jobs in Texas in a variety of industries and locations.
More PTA Info for Texas:
