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| Iowa Workforce Information Network | May 23, 2013 |  | | |
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License Title: Physical Therapist
License Description: Physical therapists plan, implement, and evaluate physical therapy programs using the effective properties of physical agents including (but not limited to) mechanical devices, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, therapeutic exercise and rehabilitative procedures. These devices are used to prevent, correct, minimize or alleviate a physical impairment.
They review patients' medical records, evaluate patients, identify specific patient problems and perform tests and evaluations which provide information about: joint motion, strength and endurance of muscles, functional ability, status of muscle tone and reflexes, appearance and stability of walking, need for and use of braces and artificial limbs, function of the heart and lungs, integrity of sensation and perception, and the performance of activities required in daily living.
They consult and work closely with physicians, patients, families, support staff and other health practitioners in establishing treatment objectives that are realistic and consistent with patients' needs. Physical therapy evaluation and treatment may be rendered by a physical therapist with or without a referral from a physician; however, a hospital may require that the evaluation and treatment provided in the hospital will be done only upon prior review by an authorized member of the hospital's medical staff.
Authorizing Statute: Code of Iowa, Chapter 148A; Iowa Administrative Code 645, 199-204
Requirements for License:An applicant must graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by a national accrediting agency approved by the board and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
If foreign trained, the applicant must provide an English translation and an equivalency evaluation of their education credentials by the International Educational Research Foundations, Inc.; Credentials Evaluation Service, International Consultants of Delaware, Inc.; or, International Credentialing Associates.
The professional curriculum must be equivalent to the Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education standards. The applicant must achieve a score of at least 560 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper exam and 200 on the computer exam administered by the Educational Testing Services, Inc. Physical therapists licensed in other states may apply for license in Iowa through Interstate Endorsement.
Forty hours of continuing education are required biennially for license renewal.
Fees:
Application: $100
Duration: Two years
Renewal: $50
Exam: $285 National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
| Examination: | | When: | The board notifies the testing service of the applicant's eligibility for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). All other (out-of-state) applicants must provide proof of successfully passing the NPTE exam. |
License Authority:
Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy Examiners
Bureau of Professional Licensure
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th St
Des Moines IA 50319
Phone: 5152814401
www.idph.state.ia.us/licensure/
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