Your Guide To New York Physical Therapy Licensure

 

Have you tried to look for Physical Therapy licensure requirements only to find yourself lost navigating a number of sites and ending up entirely confused?

Let us help. The process is not as difficult as it seems and all the information you need has been brought together here to make it easier for you.

In New York, if you intend to use the title “Physical Therapist” or “Physical Therapist Assistant” you must be licensed.

Each state has their own specific licensing requirements. The information provided here is in relation to New York State Physical Therapy licensure. If that’s not you, find the practice acts by states over here.

Education Requirements & Physical Therapy Schools in New York

In New York, you must be at least 18 years of age, be in good moral character and hold either a master’s or higher degree to meet the education requirements.

The American Physical Therapy Association provides a directory of accredited programs for Physical Therapists, which is updated on a weekly basis – meaning you can feel assured that one of the 20 education facilities they have listed have the professional accreditation required to reward you correct licensure.

After completing your education, fill in an application for licensure (Form 1). The fee for New York physical therapy licensure is $294. Or, for a limited permit, it is $70.

Your Registrar’s Office needs to forward a completed “Certification of Professional Education” (Form 2) to establish authenticity of your education credentials.

Mail your application and fee to:

NYS Education Department

Office of the Professions

Division of Professional Licensing Services

PO Box 22063

Albany, New York 12201

You must also pass the National Physical Therapy Examination with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to gain licensure in New York. To take this exam, complete the New York specific application form, file the application and pay the fee of $400, and once your education has been approved you will be able to sit the exam. If you’ve heard of the Jurisprudence exam, don’t be concerned, this is not required in New York.

Once you meet all the requirements, you will be issued a license number and you will then be entitled to work as a professional. You will be required to renew your license every 3 years.

Maintaining Licensure

In order to maintain your license you need to undergo continuing education, completing 36 hours of continuing education during each 3-year registration renewal period.

You can engage in a wide range of education activities including courses, symposium/conferences, workshops, seminar, degree coursework, examinations, assessments, residencies, fellowships, certificate courses, online courses, and DVDs/videos.

The FSBPT has made the tracking and reporting process easy by providing a free continuing competence resource, called aPTitude. With aPTitude you can track all your information, including completion certifications and documents, be reminded of license renewal, and even track activities if you work in more than one state.

Additional Information

For more resources and reading regarding Physical Therapy licensure, refer to the following resources.

• New York State ED.gov
• New York Physical Therapy Association
• American Physical Therapy Association
• Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

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