Becoming a Physical Therapist in South Dakota – SD

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

South Dakota is very rigid about the laws to obtain a physical therapy license within their state. They do not prohibit any fraudulent use of a physical therapy license, nor do they allow any South Dakota resident to practice as a physical therapist if they have not obtained the proper state licensure. Acting outside of these laws can result in denial when requesting a physical therapy license in the state of South Dakota.

Steps to Become a Physical Therapist in South Dakota

Physical therapists in South Dakota make excellent yearly income, roughly $66,000 per year, and enjoy the benefits of working one-on-one with clients who have disability issues and a need for physical therapy.

Here is a more detailed look at how students in South Dakota can become a physical therapist.

Step #1: Look for a School Accredited by the CAPTE

South Dakota state law requires that a student attend a school or educational training program which is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education, or CAPTE, in order to become a physical therapist. This accreditation is only given out to the most comprehensive and strongest of schools which can uphold and adhere to the vision of the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

If a school is not accredited by the CAPTE, then the education obtained from that institution will not be considered when applying for a physical therapy license in the state of South Dakota. This is why it is very important for students in South Dakota to do a double check and make absolutely sure that the institution they are attending is an accredited school. Overlooking this task can mean much more school work and money and inevitably that the student could end up with a second rate education.

The Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education is provided and sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA. An accreditation with the CAPTE inevitably means that the school is affiliated the APTA and this is looked very highly upon in the state of South Dakota.

Step #2: Sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination

The next step in getting a physical therapy license from the state of South Dakota is to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination. This test is proctored by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, or FSBPT, and is paramount to obtaining a license in South Dakota.

This examination is given at the national level and requires a passing grade in order for a student to be eligible to apply for a physical therapy license in South Dakota. This test will detect and confirm the competency of the applicant as they are pursuant to their physical therapist’ license.

Step #3: Apply for a Physical Therapist License in South Dakota

All applications for a physical therapy license in South Dakota must go through the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. This is the governing Board which is responsible for administering licenses and renewing licenses.

It is important to remember that simply submitting an application for a physical therapy license does not mean that one will be granted. The board will review the applicant’s credentials, education and degree, their NPTE score and from there will request a meeting with the applicant to determine if they have the genuine care and capacity to be granted a state license.

During this meeting with the Board, it is extremely important for physical therapy students to make a good impression. The Board requests this meeting so that it can be assured that the student has what it takes to be a physical therapist, has the genuine concern and care of a physical therapist and that they have completed and are knowledgeable of all of their education.