The PT License Process in Ohio

How do you get your PT license in Ohio? It's worth researching since the median salary for a physical therapist in the state is $87k per year, with some making as much as $116k. Moreover, demand for physical therapists in Ohio is projected to grow 15.5% from 2018 to 2028, with 480 PT job openings annually throughout the state. Even better, the cost of living in Ohio is 17% less expensive than the national average. And since we're in the business of helping physical therapists grow their practice, we're sharing how to become licensed in the Buckeye State. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree
Step 2: Apply for a license with The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board
Step 3: Pass the required exams for Ohio
Step 4: Maintain and renew your license

Let's get started!

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree

To become a licensed Physical Therapist in Ohio, you must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited school. Schools must be accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). As of this writing, there are 12 accredited schools in Ohio.

Before enrolling in a DPT program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree, ideally with a major in health sciences. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program typically takes three to four years to complete.

Step 2: Apply for a license with The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board

The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board oversees the licensing and regulation of physical therapy professionals. The Board offers detailed information regarding the application process on their physical therapy applications page. 

When you're ready to apply for your PT license, you may do so online through the Ohio elicense portal. If you're new to the site, you'll need to register. Here are the instructions to create an online account. Note that you must have a social security number to proceed. Once your registration is complete, you may fill out your license application online. Before starting, it's best to review the application instructions first so that you're aware of the requirements. 

To obtain your PT license, the Board also requires your official school transcript. Your transcript can be sent directly from your school to the Board. Alternatively, you can upload a completed Certification of Entry-Level Education form. Section 1 of the form is completed by you, the applicant. Section 2 must be completed by your school. 

Note that a criminal records check is also required for all applicants. It's done through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) via a "WebCheck" vendor. Here are the instructions for completing your criminal records check. The Board typically receives your results 7-10 days after you're electronically fingerprinted.

Step 3: Pass the required exams for Ohio

Passing grades are required on two exams to become a licensed physical therapist in Ohio. They are the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Ohio Jurisprudence Assessment Module (OH JAM).

National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
The NPTE is offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The NPTE is a multiple-choice test consisting of 250 questions. One of the best ways to prepare for the NPTE is by taking a practice exam. When you're ready to take the official exam, take note of the NPTE eligibility requirements as well as the key dates and deadlines. You may register and pay online for the test via FSBPT's Customer Dashboard. 

Once you've registered for the exam, you'll receive an emailed Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from FSBPT (which is also available on your Customer Dashboard). Your ATT letter will direct you to contact Prometric to schedule a time to sit for the exam. 

Ohio Jurisprudence Assessment Module
In addition to the NPTE, all PT license applicants must take and pass the Ohio Jurisprudence Assessment Module (OH JAM). This test ensures that all licensees have a working knowledge of the laws and rules governing physical therapy in the state of Ohio. Test takers have access to the PT Practice Act (laws and rules) directly within the module.

You can register for the OH JAM online via FSBPT, and the cost is $48. The module must be completed within 96 hours of purchase. You'll have 90 minutes to complete the exam's 50 multiple-choice questions. A passing grade of 80% or higher is required for licensure. Your score is available to view online and is also reported directly to OTPTAT by FSBPT.
 
Step 4: Maintain and renew your license

Physical Therapist licenses expire on January 31 of even-numbered years, and renewal of licenses are completed via the online eLicense renewal portal. While first-time renewals do not have a continuing education requirement in Ohio, licensed PTs should be aware of them for future reference. 

A physical therapist must complete a minimum of 24 continuing education units (CEU) within the two-year renewal cycle. License holders must also complete at least two hours of ethics by re-taking the OH JAM module. The two hours earned through completion of the module counts as part of the total 24 CEU requirement. Also, re-taking the OH JAM ensures that all licensed physical therapists review Ohio laws and rules at least once every two years. 

These are the main steps required for obtaining and keeping your physical therapy license in the state of Ohio. For additional support, we recommend you contact the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. This organization is an excellent resource for all PTs in the state. From all of us at Luna, we wish you the best of luck. Remember – we're always hiring and would love for you to join our team.