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Becoming a Physical Therapist in New Mexico – NM

With senior citizens being vulnerable to orthopedic diseases, like arthritis and osteoporosis, New Mexico will see an increased need for physical therapists as the senior population (considered to be those 65 years old or older) is expected to comprise one in every four residents of the state by the year 2030. Accordingly, among occupations that call for a Baccalaureate Degree or higher, physical therapy is growing the fastest. Moreover, the unemployment rate in New Mexico is nearly one-third of the nation’s unemployment rate of 10%, making it one of the top six states in the nation with the lowest unemployment. New Mexico had 1,020 physical therapists in 2006, and that number is predicted to jump by 25% by 2016, almost as much as the 27% increase anticipated for the national total.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in New Mexico

To become a physical therapist in New Mexico, in addition to obtaining a graduate degree, all one must obtain a license by becoming certified. Certification is determined by successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and is given daily. An applicant may also receive a temporary license if he or she has not yet taken the NPTE or the exam was administered in another state and the results are forthcoming. The applicant can practice physical therapy with this temporary license until the results of the NPTE are received. For more information on licensing and certification, interested parties may contact the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board at the following address:

NM Physical Therapy Board
2055 S Pacheco Suite 400
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Tel. 505-476-7085
Fax. 505-476-7086

Physical therapists can earn a national average salary of $85,000 annually. In New Mexico, salary ranges across its seven largest cities is from $69,000 to $91,000, with a state average salary of $90,000.

Albuquerque, $69,000
Las Cruces, $72,000
Santa Fe, $73,000
Rio Rancho, $69,000
Roswell, $91,000
South Valley, $69,000
Farmington, $82,000

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