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If you’re interested in a career as a physical therapist assistant in Wisconsin, you came to the right place!
Here is where we explain the steps to this healthcare career, as well as give you some examples of places where you can work and how much you can earn.
Article Table of Contents
Earning the Physical Therapist Assistant License in Wisconsin
Just like everywhere else in the US, physical therapist assistants in Wisconsin also need a license to get hired.
The license is issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
The Department requires everyone to first graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program.
The expected degree can be:
- Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS)
- Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assisting (AS)
With the first degree, you can start working right away, while with the second degree you can continue your studies to a higher degree.
To be accepted into these programs, there might be some requirements you should meet.
They can include the following:
- Proof of immunizations
- CPR certification
- Good grades in certain subjects such as biology, math, and science
- A clean criminal record
Once you’re accepted into the program, you will study topics such as:
- PTA Therapeutic Modalities
- Principles of Muscular Rehab
- Pathophysiological Conditions
- PTA Kinesiology
- Cardio and Integumentary Management
- PTA Clinical Practice
Once you graduate, you have you sign up for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants.
To sign up, you’ll have to visit the website of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and pay the $400 fee.
You’ll also have to send an application to the Department, to be allowed to take the exam.
The application process involves:
- The Certificate of Professional Education
- An application form you fill out
- Paying the $315 for various associated fees
The application and registration for the exam are done at the same time.
Once you registered, you’ll have to schedule the exam through Prometric who will charge you an extra $70.
You’ll have 4 hours to answer 200 questions that cover:
- Safety and Protection
- Professional Responsibilities
- Equipment and Devices
- Interventions
- PT Data Collection
- Therapeutic Modalities
You pass if you scored at least 600.
Candidates in Wisconsin also need to pass the jurisprudence exam, called the Wisconsin State Statutes and Rules Examination.
The credentials for this test are sent once the Department receives your application.
The passing score for this exam is 85%.
Those who need to retake it will have to pay another fee of $75.
Some individuals might have to pass an oral interview as well.
Employment and Salary Information for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wisconsin
Once you receive your license, you can apply for a position at facilities such as these:
- Rehab clinics
- Hospitals
- Healthcare centers
- Home health care service providers
- Medical centers
Below are some of the best companies to get hired by, in Wisconsin:
- Communication Innovations Pediatric Therapy – Appleton
- ATI Physical Therapy – Manitowoc
- Allied Health Group – Milwaukee
- Recover Health – Wisconsin Rapids
- Concept Rehab, Inc. – Milwaukee
- Select Specialty Hospital – Madison
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $55,287 |
| Madison | $54,736 |
| Green Bay | $53,589 |
| Kenosha | $54,879 |
| Racine | $54,879 |
| Appleton | $53,600 |
| Waukesha | $55,078 |
| Eau Claire | $52,084 |
| Oshkosh | $53,254 |
| Janesville | $54,514 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 80 | $65,320 | $31.4 | $74,470 | $52,480 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 70 | $61,340 | $29.49 | $74,190 | $48,300 |
| Green Bay, WI | 100 | $63,550 | $30.55 | $74,810 | $52,070 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 40 | $60,810 | $29.23 | $74,030 | $48,140 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 60 | $64,390 | $30.96 | $75,510 | $56,370 |
| Madison, WI | 220 | $60,840 | $29.25 | $77,100 | $42,370 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 440 | $66,040 | $31.75 | $80,150 | $55,580 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 30 | $59,840 | $28.77 | $71,630 | $49,350 |
| Racine, WI | 60 | $56,740 | $27.28 | $74,740 | $42,370 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 30 | $61,110 | $29.38 | $72,370 | $49,990 |
| Wausau, WI | 30 | $62,990 | $30.28 | $74,800 | $56,680 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, on February 28 of every odd-numbered year, the license of the physical therapist assistants will expire.
To renew it, you will need:
- To pay the renewal fee -$75
- To complete 20 hours of continuing education
- 4 hours must cover ethics and jurisprudence
- A renewal application form you filled out
- Your signature regarding completion of continuing education
The classes you take must be approved by the Department.
You don’t need to continue your education for the first time you renew your license.
Active members of the military may receive an extension for their licenses.
The extension may be between 90 and 180 days from the day they were discharged.
The spouses of active members of the military can also benefit from this extension if they can’t work while the active military personnel is on duty.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State