How to Become a Physical Therapist in Connecticut (CT)

An arthritic patient who cannot bend her knees, a war-veteran whose left arm is paralyzed, a young man due to sprain in the neck cannot look right or a spondylitis patient whose movement is hindered; all need a physical therapist to cure them so that their physical mobility is restored as a normal person does. Physical therapist is a rehabilitation profession where a therapist evaluates his patient’s strength, range of motion, balance and coordination and makes a plan that is best for the patient.

Employment option is bright in this field. Degree programs are available in almost all the states. Students should check the school’s accreditation and employment history before enrolling themselves in the school.

Application process

For people from United States

Information for new students who consider in becoming a Physical therapist

Eligibility: The candidate should successfully complete a bachelor’s degree in Physical therapy approved by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Fees: $285.00 which is payable by bank check or money order.

Application for Licensure

Candidate should complete successfully the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

NPTE Exam: Applicants must register and take online examination.

Website: http://www.fsbpt.org/ForCandidatesAndLicensees/NPTE/index.asp

Once the Connecticut Board determines the eligibility based on the educational qualification and other guidelines it will be intimated that candidate can appear for the online NPTE examination. The FSBT will send the candidate an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.

The ATT letter would contain the all important information about the exam schedules

The Connecticut Board of Physical Therapy will notify the candidate the exam performance.

The link for examination dates and deadlines:

http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3121&q=478788

Passing Score: For applicants who took the examination prior to February, 1996, but after February, 1991, the passing score is 1.5 standard deviations below the national mean.

For applicants who took the examination prior to February, 1991, the passing score is 1.5 standard deviation below the national mean for each of the three parts.

Important documents that are to be submitted

Official transcript showing date of graduation and award of physical therapy degree.

Official verification of successful completion of the NPTE examination forwarded directly from the FSBPT.

Initial Application Fee:  $285.00

All documents are to be submitted to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

PT Licensure
410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Fax:  (860) 707-1982
Email:  dph.alliedhealth@ct.gov

PHYSICAL THERAPIST APPLICATION BY ENDORSEMENT

For people from other country

Candidates who are trained outside United States may qualify for the license if he/she receives an evaluation from the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) which is acceptable.

Fees: $285.00 which is payable by bank check or money order.

Application for Licensure

Candidate should complete successfully the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

NPTE Exam: Applicants must register and take online examination.

Website: http://www.fsbpt.org/ForCandidatesAndLicensees/NPTE/index.asp

Application for Licensure: Important documents needed to submitted

Credentials evaluation need to be sent directly to the office by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT);

Official verification of successful completion of the NPTE examination forwarded directly from the FSBPT

Initial Application Fee:  $285.00

All documents are to be submitted to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

PT Licensure
410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Fax:  (860) 707-1982
Email:  dph.alliedhealth@ct.gov

Temporary License: Candidates who have recently graduated from physical therapy schools approved by APTA are eligible for a temporary permit to practice under supervision. They need to submit their application and if approved then it is valid for 120 calendar days from the date of the application. Temporary license is not renewed. This license is not issued to applicants who have previously failed the examination or are licensed in another jurisdiction. If the applicant fails the examination the permit stands cancelled.

Other Information about the exam

If the candidates fails the NPTE Exam

Any applicant under who fails to pass the examination as advised by the department then with the consent of the board may take a subsequent examination on payment of an additional application fee.

Information about jobs and salary

Job in State: As per data of May 2012 there are 3,370 jobs in ConnecticutState.

Salary: The average mean wage is $84,720. The bottom 10% is at $61,010 and the top 10% is earning a handsome amount of $116,240

Links for reference

Official Website: http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3143&q=388934&dphNav_GID=1830

Exam Websites: http://www.fsbpt.org