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Physical Therapy Programs in Oregon - OR

In Oregon, physical therapists are required to obtain an undergraduate degree prior to entering a physical therapy program at an accredited college, university, or medical center. Beyond an undergraduate degree, candidates are required to obtain a minimum of a Master’s Degree. Many educational institutions are now moving to Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, which can take up to three years to complete after the student receives his or her undergraduate degree. Schools must be approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board. There are a few Oregon physical therapy schools and a variety of online universities to choose from.

In Oregon, physical therapists must complete 24 continuing education credit hours during the licensure period, which runs for two years. Coursework can include recognized seminars, lectures, and workshops, if they have been approved by the American Physical Therapy Association, Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board, or another recognized professional association. In addition, licensees may also use an approved CPR course toward their continuing education requirement. Physical therapists who teach courses or head up presentations, may use the hours spent toward their continuing education credits, but cannot exceed 12 credit hours in the license period. As of January 2008, all physical therapists practicing in Oregon must complete a pain management educational requirement. This prerequisite is taken only once, and includes a one-hour online pain management course administered by the Oregon Pain Management Commission and six hours of coursework relating to the diagnosis and treatment of pain for a total of seven credit hours. Licensees who do not obtain the required continuing education credits will have their licenses denied, suspended, or revoked.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapists in Portland, Salem, Eugene and Gresham, Oregon may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Salem Hospital.
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ttp://www.ptboard.state.or.us
http://www.oregonhwi.org
http://www.apta.org