How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Idaho

Do you live in Idaho and looking to pursue a career as a physical therapy assistant?

In such a case, have a look at the guide below for advice and suggestions regarding education and license.

Earning Your License as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Idaho

In Idaho, physical therapy assistants have to get a license before applying to jobs.

To get a license, you need to attend college and get an associate’s degree.

The program you join needs to be approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Usually, a program for physical therapy assistants ending in an associate’s degree lasts for about 2 years.

During this time, you will join both theory hours and clinical practice hours.

The theory hours will cover subjects like:

• Pediatrics and Gerontology
• Kinesiology
• Electronic Health Records
• Anatomy and physiology
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Behavioral sciences
• Professional ethics
• Medical Terminology
• Therapeutic Documentation for the PTA
• Exercise physiology
• Applied neuroscience
• Clinical pathology
• Biomechanics

You will need to finish 500 to 600 hours of practice as well.

Finishing the program will allow you to receive an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Therapist Assistant.

After that, you can begin the application process to get a practicing license.

To receive it, you have to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapy assistants, provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)

The required documents are:

• Your schooling experience
• Work history information
• Schedule the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapy assistants
• Passport sized picture
• $65 application fee
• Copy of your school transcripts sent by your school

After you gather the paperwork, you need to send it to the state’s Physical Therapy Licensure Board, in Boise.

To get the license, you need to take the NPTE-PTA test.

You will also have to pass the Idaho Jurisprudence exam.

Taking the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)

This test is open-book and covers the below subjects:

• Physical Therapy Data Collections
• Interventions
• Safety and Protections
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Diseases and Conditions that Affect Effective Treatment

You have to get a score of 600 out of 800 to pass this test.

To take the test, you have to pay a $400 fee to the FSBPT.

You will also have to submit a $70 fee to Prometric.

Taking the Idaho Jurisprudence Exam

This test covers topics like:

• Health Professions and Occupations
• Physical Therapy
• Board of Physical Therapy Practice

To prepare for both tests, you can study using the online practice exam & assessment tool (PEAT).

You have to pass the jurisprudence exam with a score of at least 75%.

Physical Therapist Assistant Employment and Salary Information in Idaho

In this state, the biggest companies to hire are:

• Hospitals like:
  • Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls
  • Elks Rehab Hospital in Boise
  • Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg
• Nursing Homes such as:
  • Emmett Care and Rehabilitation in Emmett
  • Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation – Aspen Park in Moscow
• Independent Practices like:
  • Idaho Spine and Sports Physical Therapy in Boise
  • Mountain Land Physical Therapy in Meridian
  • Peak Physical Therapy in Boise
  • Physical Therapy of Idaho in Boise and Meridian
  • Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy in Treasure Valley/Boise

According to the Idaho Department of Labor Idaho, physical therapy assistant jobs will grow by 37.8%.

This is projected to happen in the period between 2012 and 2022.

Overall, physical therapy assistant jobs are paid well in Idaho, with more experience PTAs earning a higher salary.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Physical Therapist Assistant License Renewal Information

In Idaho, you need to get your license renewed every year.

You will also have to complete 16 extra hours of education before your license can be renewed.

The certification can be renewed on the site of the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses.

Sometimes, PTAs get checked for the completion of their extra education hours.

In that case, you will be asked to show:

• What classes you have finished over the past year
• Submit documents that prove you attended the required education hours

If you meet the requirements, you can receive your license soon after getting your degree.

This will speed up the hiring process, and you will be able to start your dream career.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State