If you're interested in obtaining your physical therapy license in the Buckeye State, you've come to the right place. There's a growing need for physical therapists in Ohio, which makes it a great state for travelers and full-time PTs alike. So, whether you're from Ohio and want to work close to home or are simply looking for a good state to start or advance your physical therapy career, Ohio is a great option.
Getting Your Ohio Physical Therapy License
Depending on your current situation and work status, there are several different ways to get your Ohio physical therapy license.
1. Get Your Physical Therapy Degree
The first step to becoming a physical therapist in Ohio is to obtain your physical therapy degree. To do this, you'll need to get a four-year bachelor's degree in an undergraduate program. Ideally, you should obtain this degree in Exercise Science or a similar field, as it's a great lead-in to physical therapy.
Upon getting your bachelor's degree, you'll then have to apply and get accepted to a college with an accredited physical therapy program. Entrance into Doctorate for Physical Therapy programs is highly competitive, as colleges can only accept a limited number of applicants. However, if you don't get accepted into a college in Ohio, you can attend school out-of-state and obtain your degree outside of Ohio.
2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
Once you've attended an accredited college for three years, passed all your classes, and have obtained your Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree, you're ready to take the NPTE. The NPTE, National Physical Therapy Exam, is the national licensure exam that all prospective PTs need to pass before they can apply for a license. It's one of the hardest tests you'll ever have to take and will ensure that you're ready to be a therapist.
3. Apply for Your License
Next, you're ready to actually apply for your Ohio license. You can apply by going through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training Board. The application process is fairly simple and can be done completely online. After filling out the application for your physical therapy license, there are a few additional hoops to jump through.
Request and pass a criminal background check.
Pay the mandatory $100 application fee.
Take and pass Ohio's Jurisprudence Exam.
Once all this is done, you're well on your way to obtaining an Ohio physical therapy license!
4. Keep Your Ohio PT License
After you get your Ohio PT license, you'll need to maintain and renew it every other year. In Ohio, your license expires on January 31st of every even-numbered year. Therefore, depending on when you get your license initially, you may have to renew it the following year or wait for two years.
In addition to renewing your license through the online renewal portal, you'll also have to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your license. You'll also have to retake your Jurisprudence Exam every time you renew your license to ensure you're up to date on Ohio's PT laws. Luckily, the Jurisprudence Exam counts as two of your CEUs.
License for Application by Endorsement
If you currently hold a PT license in one or more states, you can apply for your Ohio license via the Application by Endorsement method. This method is very similar to the method listed above, as you'll still have to go through Ohio's application process. However, because you already have your DPT degree and have passed the NPTE, you can forgo those necessities.
Here are the steps involved with applying for your Ohio PT license when you hold a license in another state.
Apply online through elicense portal and select the I Don't Have a License Option.
You'll then have to create an account before you can proceed to the application.
Once you've done so, you can apply for your license online via Application for Endorsement.
Include your licenses from all other states in which you currently have a PT license.
Send your official transcripts to the board office.
Request your score transfer from the NPTE via the FSBPT portal.
Take and pass Ohio's Jurisprudence Exam.
Request and pass a criminal background check.
Pay the $100 application fee.
Once these steps are completed, all that's left to do is wait for an email saying that you're licensed to practice physical therapy in Ohio!
Is It Worth Getting Your PT License in Ohio?
If you're looking for a great state to work as a physical therapist, Ohio is a solid option. Obtaining your PT license in Ohio is fairly quick, easy, and affordable compared to getting licensed in other states. Here are some of the main reasons that it's worth getting your PT license in Ohio.
While some states charge several hundred dollars for your license, the application fee in Ohio is only $100.
Ohio is part of the PT compact, which means your license is transferable to other states in the compact as long as you're also an Ohio resident.
Ohio has a much lower cost of living than most other states.
Physical therapists in Ohio make an average of $94,000, according to Salary.com. However, new therapists will make closer to $70,000, and therapists who own their own practice will make in excess of $100,000.
Ohio has a good mix of athletes, a number of major hospitals, and a large elderly population, and it has a growing need for talented physical therapists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Ohio PT license?
Wait times vary, but most people will receive their license in one to two weeks. However, Kate received her license the same day she applied, so the process is fairly quick.
How much does an Ohio PT license cost?
The application fee for your license is $100.
Are there lots of PT job openings in Ohio?
There are dozens of job openings for PTs in Ohio and that number is consistently growing. In general, there are more job openings than there are licensed PTs, which bodes well for new grads and travelers alike.
コメント