How to Become a Physical Therapist in Massachusetts (MA)

Physical therapists are licensed professionals who follow a set of methods and procedures that assist a patient to rehabilitate and gain full use of their bodies after an accident or medical procedure or general health care conditions. PTs work closely with patients and clients to restore, maintain, and promote their overall fitness and wellness for healthier and more active lifestyles. Patient of all age is treated by the physical therapist right from infant to the very old. Physical Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, athletic facilities, schools and private practices.

Association Group Responsible for providing license

In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Board of Physical Therapy is responsible to issue license to physical therapists. The application process is dependent on whether you are new student, a licensed physical therapist in another state or country.

Application process

For people from United States

PHYSICAL THERAPIST APPLICATION BY EXAMINATION 

Eligibility: MA law and regulations require: graduation from high school or a passing score on a high school equivalency test.

Satisfactory proof of good moral character

Graduation from a Board-approved, accredited educational program

Passing score in the licensure examination 

What is required to be submitted?

The candidate should submit to the board the completed application form along with the required fees.

Official transcript indicating successful completion of all academic and field work requirements, graduation date and degree conferred. However an alternate form approved by the school registrar and carrying the official school seal will be accepted if the official transcript is yet to come.

Other materials may be required by the Board if the Board feels the necessity of it. 

How do the candidates get an application for the examination and for a license?

The candidates should contact Professional Credential Services, Inc. at 877-887-9727 for an application packet for both the examination and for licensure.

For additional information about the exam, visit the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy web site at http://www.fsbpt.org.

Foreign Trained Applicants:

If the applicant has received education outside US at a school (i.e., NOT a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) the applicant must submit a credential evaluation by a Board approved agency.

Board approved agency is:

Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) – www.fccpt.org

English competency: If the candidate is educated in a language other than English, the candidate must provide official documentation of a passing score of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE).

Instructions for Registering Online for National Physical Therapy Examinations

Massachusetts Board of Physical Therapy is using the FSBT website to allow candidates to register online for NPTE. The website the candidate will follow to get registered is https://www.fsbpt.net/pt

Once the Massachusetts Board determines the eligibility based on the educational qualification and other guidelines it will be intimated that candidate can appear for the online 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

PHYSICAL THERAPIST APPLICATION BY ENDORSEMENT 

For applicants from other states who hold a current license in another jurisdiction.

The applicant must submit to the Board:

A fully completed application with the required documentation

The required fee for application and licensure

An official transcript indicating successful completion of all academic and field work requirements, graduation date and degree conferred from an accredited/approved educational program

Satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the examination required by the Board

Official documentation of a current license in good standing issued by another jurisdiction which is a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

Do the applicants need continuing education (CE) credits to renew the PT license? 

No. MA does not currently have a requirement for CE as a condition of license renewal. It is recommended that all licensees engage in continuing competence.

Information about jobs and salary

Job in State: As per data of May 2012 there are 6,990 jobs in MassachusettsState.

Salary: The average mean wage is $79,600. The bottom 10% is at $57,230 and the top 10% is earning a handsome amount of $103,430.

Links for reference

Official Website: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/ah/regulations/rules-and-regulations/259-cmr-200.html

Exam Websites: http://www.fsbpt.org  , www.prometric.com/fsbpt