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Becoming a Physical Therapist in Rhode Island – RI

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

Rhode Island is a great state with many career opportunities. One of the greatest and most rewarding careers in Rhode Island is physical therapy. Physical therapists have the joy of interacting with several different types of patients and helping them get back to a better physical state; and along with the potential for substantial income, physical therapy in Rhode Island is a very viable career path.


How to Become a Physical Therapist in Rhode Island

A physical therapist can expect to make, on average, around $66,000 per year. This is huge motivation for Rhode Island residents who enjoy helping others with their medical health and those that want to earn a high level of income.

Here is an in-depth look at how students in the state of Rhode Island can accomplish their dreams of becoming a licensed physical therapist.

Step #1: Research Rhode Island Accreditation Requirements

Rhode Island does not permit any person or student to use the title of “physical therapist” without first having completed the proper schooling requirements and without having been licensed by the state of Rhode Island.

The state of Rhode Island requires that any student wishing to obtain state licensure graduate from an educational course accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education, CAPTE; which is sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA. These governing bodies are responsible for ensuring that schools teaching physical therapy programs are up to date on all of the latest legal requirements, as well as the current needs and procedures of the physical therapy industry.

Step #2: Complete the National Physical Therapy Examination

After a Rhode Island student has successfully graduated from a school accredited by the CAPTE and APTA, the student must then pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, or NPTE, which is administered and governed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, or FSBPT. This exam is meant to capture the ability of the student to perform the required duties of a physical therapist in Rhode Island.

In the interim between graduation and taking the licensure exam, a Rhode Island student may elect to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in order to receive additional training. This additional training can help Rhode Island students do better on the exam, but they must complete the exam within 90 days of acting as a graduate physical therapist.

Step #3: Obtain Licensure in Rhode Island

An application for licensure must be filled out, sent to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and notarized at least 45 days prior to taking the National Physical Therapy Examination. It is also important to note that Rhode Island residents will be required to show proof of their birth certificate prior to being allowed to take the exam.

The fee for Rhode Island students to take the National Physical Therapy Examination is $170 and the fee must be paid before the test can be administered. In case of failure, a Rhode Island student is allowed to re-take the test; however, after the three attempts, a student may have to consult with the Board to ensure that they are fit for the profession of physical therapist.


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