Are you looking to start a rewarding career in physical therapy? If you want to become a licensed physical therapist, it is important to understand what you need to do before you can start working. To ensure quality care for all patients, physical therapists must have extensive knowledge and expertise in their field. Before you start working as a physical therapist, you will need to be well trained and properly certified. Not sure where to start? Learning more about the essential certifications can help you get started on your journey toward working in physical therapy.

Best certifications for physical therapists

When looking into PT certifications, you may feel overwhelmed. There are a lot of educational programs, exams, licenses and certifications available. However, only certain certifications are necessary to start practicing physical therapy. Understanding which certifications are essential can help you plan your next steps as you work to become a licensed physical therapist.

• Doctoral degree — One of the most essential requirements is getting a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. Physical therapy doctorate programs typically center around physiological science and hands-on clinical education. When you successfully complete all the required coursework, you can graduate with a DPT degree. DPT degree programs can vary in length, but traditionally, completion takes around three years. Programs generally require a bachelor’s degree and some prerequisite courses. If you plan to apply for a particular DPT program, make sure to look into the institution’s specific requirements. Getting your doctoral degree is a key step toward starting a fulfilling physical therapy career.
• NPTE — The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a crucial test for those wanting to become licensed physical therapists. This national exam is generally administered four times a year, meaning you can choose a time that works for you. The NPTE is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The FSBPT is one of the most important physical therapy institutions in the United States. When planning to take the NPTE, it is important to be prepared. The NPTE is designed to test competencies and ensure that you’re ready for the next step in your career. Rather than using a range of grades, the NPTE is a pass/fail examination. In order to pass, having comprehensive PT knowledge is key.
• State license — Do you want to practice in a particular state? You will need to obtain licensure in that state before you can start working. Requirements vary between states. For example, New York license requirements include a minimum age and proof of education. Having a DPT degree and passing the NPTE are requirements for licensure in many states. As you plan your path toward a physical therapy career, be sure to research your own state’s requirements.
• Residencies and fellowships — Physical therapy is a vast field. Within physical therapy, there are many specialty roles in areas ranging from clinical practice to academic research. Want to dive deep into a specialized area of physical therapy? Residencies and fellowships can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need. These post-professional programs are designed to help you make significant advances in your area of interest. While residencies and fellowships share many similarities, there are also some important differences. A residency typically functions to help physical therapists take their patient care skills to the next level. A fellowship, on the other hand, focuses on a particular specialty. If you plan to work as a health educator or researcher, a fellowship can help you get there.

How to get a physical therapy certification

Haven’t obtained any physical therapy certifications yet? It’s not too late to start. Whether you’re looking to make a midcareer pivot or you’re just graduating from high school, pursuing physical therapy certifications can be a great choice.

If you want to become a physical therapist, completing a bachelor’s degree is a good start. To get a head start on PT-related education, you may want to major in a field closely connected to physical therapy. Biology and health science are two popular options. Relevant degree programs like these can help ensure that you meet all the requirements for the DPT program of your choice.

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree, the next step is enrolling in a DPT program. Look for a program that will help you achieve your career goals. As you near graduation, your peers will likely start preparing for the NPTE. Students typically take the exam toward the end of their degree program or within a few months of graduation.

As you continue advancing your career, you may need to obtain additional certifications. Passing the NPTE and getting a state license is sufficient for many careers in physical therapy. However, further licenses and certifications can offer significant benefits. Additional certifications are especially important if you want to specialize in a certain area of physical therapy. Continuing education can also help demonstrate your strength as a good candidate for prospective employers.

Physical therapy certification requirements

Are you interested in learning more about what PT certifications typically require? Getting an idea of the work involved can help you stay prepared. Here are some of the elements that will be required of you to stay certified as a physical therapist:

• Comprehensive knowledge — Physical therapists need to know a lot about the human body and the conditions that might affect it. In addition to knowing how to diagnose physical ailments, you will also need to have in-depth knowledge of the most effective PT treatments. As a physical therapist, your education likely won’t end with your doctorate program. Health science is constantly developing. To give your patients the best care possible, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments and emerging treatments.
• Clinical experience — Hands-on experience with PT techniques is vital. Programs such as internships and residencies can help you get clinical experience before becoming a fully licensed physical therapist. Your doctorate program may also offer opportunities for clinical experience. Many DPT programs require a certain amount of clinical experience before graduating, so you’ll want to take advantage of any available opportunities.
• Periodic renewals — Physical therapy licenses are not always permanent. To maintain your licensed status, you may need to renew your state license periodically. Renewal frequency can vary depending on your location. In the state of New York, a professional license is valid for life. However, you may still need to renew other certifications. For example, CPR certifications must be renewed every two years. Keeping track of any upcoming renewals can help you ensure that your licenses and certifications are always valid.

Work as a certified physical therapist at Lattimore Physical Therapy 

When you’re ready to start practicing as a physical therapist, it’s important to find a great employer. Lattimore Physical Therapy is a top-notch PT and sports rehab network always seeking new talent. With over 25 locations, we can help you find an opening that is right for you. When you work with Lattimore Physical Therapy, you can experience a positive workplace culture and feel confident in offering effective treatment tailored to each patient.

Contact our team today to learn more about available career opportunities at Lattimore Physical Therapy.