How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Vermont

There are many reasons why you should become a physical therapy assistant in Vermont.

If you need to learn more, make sure to read on for info in this guide.

Earning the Physical Therapist Assistant License in Vermont

In Vermont, you need to get licensed in order to work as a physical therapy assistant.

The first step is enrolling in a training program.

You can go for a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree.

The program you join needs to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (VOPR).

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation is also the licensing entity in this state.

The training program requires you to complete hours of theory, laboratory, and also practice.

The hours of practice will be finished in a clinic or another medical facility.

These clinics usually ask for a background check and a CPR training course.

You will also be supervised by a certified physical therapy assistant.

Theory hours include topics like:

• Human Anatomy
• Physical Disabilities
• Introduction to Physical Therapy
• Human Physiology
• Physical Therapy Procedures I and II
• Neurology and Pathology
• Kinesiology
• Therapeutic Exercise I and II
• Medical Office Management
• Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy

In Vermont, you have to complete at least 14 weeks of clinical practice.

In Vermont, you need to sign up for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapy assistants.

You’ll register for this test on the website of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

To be allowed in the exam, you have to pay $400, and provide a few documents:

• Submit Physical Therapist Assistant Online Application
• Have school send official school transcripts
• Submit Letter of Completion (directly from your school)
• Send a recent 2×2 photograph
• Register to take the national exam with FSBPT
• Pass the jurisprudence exam
• Send $100 application fee

If you already have a license in another state, you can apply by reciprocation.

For this, you have to submit a Verification of Education Form and Verification of Employment Form.

If you apply by reciprocation, you can also get a temporary permit.

For that, you need to pay a $50 fee and a license photo-copy.

You will get an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the FSBTP if your application is accepted.

You will also need to pay a Prometric fee of $70 and find a center to take the exam.

Right now, the only center in this state is situated in Williston.

The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTA includes topics like:

• 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 test has 200 questions, and you will need to get a score of 600 to pass it.

Employment and Salary Information for Physical Therapist Assistants in Vermont

As per the US Department of Labor, the average salary for a physical therapy assistant in Vermont equals about $61,780 a year.

You will be able to get hired in many clinics and medical centers in the state.

If you choose, you will also be able to work independently or even run your own business.

Some of the facilities hiring PTAs in Vermont are:

• Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice – Rutland
• Northern Physical Therapy – Lyndonville
• Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of VT and NH – Brattleboro
• Mount Ascutney Hospital & Health Center – Windsor
• Supplemental Health Care – Morrisville
• Genesis HealthCare – Newport
• North Country Hospital – Newport

Additional Information for Physical Therapist Assistants in Vermont

In Vermont, physical therapy assistant licenses expire after 2 years.

They have to be renewed by the last day of September, in even-numbered years.

To have your certification renewed, you have to submit a $100 fee to the Vermont American Physical Therapy Association (VTAPTA).

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State