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Obtaining a physical therapy license in California can be overwhelming due to the numerous requirements, exams, and documentation involved. However, physical therapy is a rewarding field that allows you to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Whether you're a student or considering a career change, understanding the steps to become a licensed physical therapist in California will give you the confidence to move forward.
This guide covers key aspects of the licensing process, including education, exam prerequisites, and the application procedure, along with career development to help you succeed.
“The Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) is a state agency responsible for licensing and regulating physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.”
Its primary mandate, established by the legislature, is to protect the public from unsafe, unethical, and unlawful practices in physical therapy.
Operating under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) alongside approximately 30 other regulatory bodies, the PTBC offers 3 key services:
Licensed physical therapists can practice independently. To become licensed, you need to earn a post-baccalaureate degree in physical therapy, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and pass the California Law Examination. Those who were educated in other countries must also complete a period of clinical service after passing the NPTE.
There are a number of differences between these roles of PT and PTA’s, including their education, licensure status, and scope of responsibility. Here’s how they compare:
To obtain a physical therapy license in California, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the CAL exam, as mentioned above. Now, let's take a closer look at what they are and how they work.
The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) assessment evaluates whether candidates have the essential knowledge and skills to practice as entry-level physical therapists. Administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), passing this exam is a mandatory step for obtaining licensure in all 50 states after graduating from an accredited physical therapy program.
The National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (PTA NPTE) evaluates whether you possess the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work as an entry-level physical therapist assistant. This exam, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, is a mandatory requirement after graduating from an accredited PTA program.
The CAL-JAM (Jurisprudence Assessment Module) is an online, on-demand tool designed to help applicants and licensees thoroughly understand the laws and regulations governing physical therapy practice in California. In addition to promoting legal compliance, it serves as a valuable educational resource. *Starting July 1, 2024, the CAL-JAM was officially replaced by the California Law Exam.
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the CAL-JAM.
Below are some strategies that can enhance your preparation and increase your likelihood of success in both the NPTE and CAL-JAM examinations.
To become a licensed physical therapist in California, you must follow a series of steps to ensure you meet all requirements set by the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC). Below is the step-by-step application process:
To become a licensed physical therapist in California, the first step is to complete your education by graduating from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or an equivalent program.
However, if you are an out-of-state applicant., then ensure that the physical therapy program you enroll in is accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation is essential for eligibility to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain licensure.
To obtain a California PT license, passing the California Law Examination (CAL-Law) is a requirement. To register for the CAL-Law exam, submit your application through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Within 3-5 business days, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter via email, similar to the NPTE process. With numerous testing centers nationwide, you can schedule your exam at a convenient location once you have your ATT.
After completing the exam, the Federation will automatically send your scores to the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC). Additionally, you can access your scores online.
After registering for the jurisprudence exam, create an account on BreEZe, California’s online licensing system for various professions. Once your account is set up, the system will guide you to the PT license application.
This application will require basic demographic information and details about your work or fieldwork history.
After completing the basic information section of your application, you’ll receive instructions on submitting an official Certificate of Completion (P1E) to the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC). P1Es certify that you have completed clinical training as well as an internship required for graduation.
If you have a sealed copy of your certificate, you can mail it directly to PTBC. Otherwise, request your school to send it. Most schools also accept online requests, or you can contact the registrar or program director for assistance.
You’ll also need to provide proof of passing the NPTE exam by requesting a score transfer report on the Federation’s website. They will send the report electronically to PTBC.
For fingerprinting, PTBC requires you to complete a LiveScan fingerprint process. If you are outside California during your application, PTBC recommends waiting until you can visit California to complete fingerprinting using LiveScan. However, if you cannot travel to California, you may use a hard card instead.
It is crucial to ensure the LiveScan operator processes your fingerprints for both the DOJ and FBI ($32 for DOJ and $17 for the FBI). The operator will retain the original LiveScan form, and you will need 2 copies—one for your records and another to submit to PTBC. If you are applying online, you can scan and submit a single copy of the LiveScan form to PTBC.
It is important to note that fingerprinting should not be completed more than 30 days before submitting your application, as fingerprints are only stored for a limited time.
As part of your application, you must submit a recent passport-style photo to PTBC. The photo should be 2x2 inches and taken within the past 30 days.
PTBC will electronically verify the information provided in your application. This step may take the longest, particularly if you hold licenses from state boards that are not known for quick processing. Additionally, PTBC will review the documents to identify any deficiencies or additional requirements and notify you accordingly.
Once all required documents are submitted, PTBC will issue your license within 45 days, provided there are no issues with your application. To avoid delays, ensure everything is submitted promptly and accurately.
After your license is approved, there is one final step: paying the initial license fee of $150. The initial license is valid for up to 2 years but may be shorter since it expires on the last day of your birth month within the renewal period.
Physical therapists in California are required to renew their licenses every 2 years, with the expiration date set on the last day of their birth month.
For Example, If your license is approved in January 2023 and your birth month is November, your first renewal will be due on November 30, 2024. This means your initial licensure period will last 23 months. However, if your birth month is March, your license will expire on March 31, 2024, giving you an initial period of only 15 months.
While the Board sends reminders to renew, it is your responsibility to ensure your license is renewed on time, even if you do not receive a notice.
Following are the pointers that must be noted:
California also mandates continuing education for all licensed physical therapists. The specific requirements depend on how long you’ve been in the profession and whether the hours are completed before or after the renewal period.
Physical therapy is an expanding field within the healthcare and wellness sectors. Experts forecast that the demand for licensed physical therapists will increase by 15% by 2032, a rate that outpaces many other professions. State and national physical therapy associations offer opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Additionally, consider joining local chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or other professional organizations. This involvement will allow you to connect with peers, exchange knowledge, and engage in advocacy efforts that help shape the future of the physical therapy profession.
Also Read: California Physical Therapist Income Guide 2024
In conclusion, the journey to becoming a licensed physical therapist in California involves several key steps, including completing the required education, passing the NPTE and CAL exam, and submitting the necessary documentation through PTBC's online system. To maintain licensure, physical therapists must complete continuing education and renew their license every 2 years. Platforms like Spry PT offer an all-in-one clinic management software designed to streamline your operations, from billing and documentation to patient management.
By utilizing Spry PT's innovative solutions, you can enhance your efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and focus more on delivering quality care to your patients. Ready to elevate your practice? Schedule a demo today and learn how Spry PT can support your professional growth and success.
1 When will I receive a renewal statement for my PT/PTA license?
Renewal statements are mailed out around 90 days before the license expiration date. To ensure you receive yours on time, it’s crucial to promptly inform the Physical Therapy Board of California of any changes to your mailing address.
2 How many CEUs are required for a California PT license?
All California-licensed physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are required to complete 30 contact hours or 3.0 CEUs within each license renewal period.
3 How many hours are required to become a licensed therapist in California?
To qualify for licensure in California, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. This experience must be accrued within 6 years prior to the Board's receipt of your application. Of these 3,000 hours, at least 1,750 must involve direct counseling with individuals, groups, couples, or families.
4 Which type of PT earns the highest salary?
Physical therapists working in outpatient care centers earn the highest salaries, with an average annual income of $123,900.
5 Is there a high demand for therapists in California?
Yes, therapists are in high demand in California. It is predicted that by 2028, the demand for psychologists and other therapists will exceed the supply by 40%.
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