How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in New Jersey

Physical therapy assistant jobs are flourishing in New Jersey.

If you want to have a career in the field, read this guide for further info.

Earning Your License as a Physical Therapist Assistant in New Jersey

In New Jersey, you need to get trained and obtain a license so you can work as a PTA.

The easiest method of doing this is to pursue a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree.

In this state, you can get trained in a program through universities in larger cities.

This program you decide to pursue should also be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and by the New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

Such a degree lasts for 2 years, and you will join theory hours but also clinical practice.

The clinical practice needs to total of 600 hours and is completed in a medical clinic.

Many clinics ask for a background check before students can practice.

Your training will also be supervised by a certified physical therapy assistant in New Jersey.

The classes you will join feature topics like:

• Functional Anatomy for the Physical Therapist Assistant
• Basic Skills in Patient Care
• Medical Terminology
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
• Orthopedic Issues
• Pediatric and Neurological Disorders
• Lifespan Physiology

Most of the schools that offer physical therapy assistant programs in New Jersey are situated in:

Newark
Trenton
Plainfield

Some of the medical centers where you can train are:

• JAG Physical Therapy – various locations
• Kessler Rehabilitation Center – various locations
• Riverview Rehabilitation Center – Red Bank
• Lourdes Health System – various locations
• Atlantic Rehabilitation – Morristown
• Johnson Rehabilitation Institute – Edison

There are some steps you have to take after getting your degree.

You will have to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs, provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)

You will also have to pay a $400 fee for this exam.

The required documents are:

• $125 examination application fee
• Activities statement form
• Verification of licensure form (if necessary)
• Certificate of professional education form
• Temporary licensure agreement to supervise form
• Authorization for release of medical records
• Jurisprudence examination
• Official transcripts
• Original 3×5 photograph

The documents have to be sent to the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners in Newark.

To get a physical therapist certification, you will have to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.

The exam is provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

You will need to send all the required documents at least a month before taking the exam.

The test is open book and features topics such as:

• Physical Therapy Data Collection
• Interventions
• Diseases and Conditions
• Equipment and Devices
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Safety and Protection
• Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
• Gastrointestinal System
• Genitourinary System
• Musculoskeletal System
• Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems

The exam features 200 questions, and you need to get a score of 600 to pass.

You can also get ready for the test by reading the candidate handbook provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

In addition to the written exam, you also have to take the NJ JAM (Jurisprudence) Examination.

You have to score 80% in this exam to pass.

The jurisprudence test covers the following:

• Regulations relating to the Practice of Physical Therapy
• Statutes relating to:
  • Physical Therapy
  • Medical Records
  • The Uniform Credentialing Act
  • The Uniform Credentialing Act for Mandatory Reporting

You will also have to pay a $50 fee to take this test.

Physical Therapist Assistant Employment and Salary Information in New Jersey

In New Jersey, you will be able to work in one of the numerous health centers and hospitals.

Some of these include the below facilities:

• Aegis Therapies – Old Bridge
• Functional Pathways – Rockleigh
• Heritage/Health Pro – Allendale
• Centers Health Care – Camden
• Select Medical Rehabilitation Services, Inc. – Bayville
• Virtua Health – Moorestown
• Kessler Rehabilitation Center – Union
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Elizabeth
• Princeton HealthCare System – Plainsboro

If you don’t want to get hired, you can also work as an independent physical therapy assistant.

The salary you will make depends on the region of your work and how much experience you have.

Regional Salary in New Jersey

Physical Therapist Assistant License Renewal Information in New Jersey

In New Jersey, you have to attend 10 extra education hours to get your physical therapy assistant license renewed.

The physical therapy assistant certification in New Jersey has to be renewed on the last day of January if the year is even-numbered.

You can choose to renew it every year or once at 2 years.

If you choose the latter option, you also have to finish 30 extra hours of education.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State