To become a Physical Therapist in Texas, you must complete several steps. First, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Next, finish a clinical residency in a specialty area. After that, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Finally, you will need to apply for a license to practice in Texas. You must continue your education to keep your license in good standing.
Many people want to be a physical therapist. So, how do you become a physical therapist in Texas? There are several steps you need to take. It can take between four to eight years, based on the path you select. We will cover all the requirements for this job below, so please keep reading!
A Detailed Guide: How To Become A Physical Therapist In Texas
In Texas, you need to have at least a master’s or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a recognized physical therapy program. You also must pass the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination (NPTE), which is run by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examine.
You need to complete two years, or 60 semester hours, in a program that leads to a bachelor’s degree. You must also finish all prerequisite courses needed for graduate studies. In addition, you should have successfully completed a 30-week, full-time supervised clinical practicum. A passing grade on the final licensure exam is required. Last, you must provide proof of successful completion and your GPA from the last five years when you submit your application.
The applicant can finish both educational requirements at the same time. However, they cannot be enrolled in another college or university at the same time.
Requirements for PT’s in Texas
Choosing a job in physical therapy can be both exciting and rewarding. However, it has its own set of challenges. Here are some steps you need to follow to become a physical therapist in Texas:
- After you get your bachelor’s degree, you will need to join a physical therapy program. This program can take up to two years and one month, or even longer, depending on the school.
- When you finish this step, you will earn a master’s degree. This degree is needed in the state of Texas if you want to become a licensed therapist.
- Last, you must take a national exam run by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examine after you complete all your classes.
- This final step is to take the national exam managed by the Executive Branch of the government.
Universities In Texas For Physical Therapists
If you want to find the best schools for physical therapy in Texas, including Texas Woman’s University, you are in the right spot. Here, we talk about the main universities in Texas that offer degrees and diplomas in physical therapy. We’ve put together a list of the top physical therapy colleges in Texas. This list is based on the physical therapist degree programs available for both undergraduate and graduate levels. You can check out our complete list for each city in Texas below.
- Texas State University
- Texas Woman’s University
- Angelo State University
- Hardin-Simmons University
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Texas State Licensing of a PT
To become a licensed physical therapist in Texas, you need to fill out an application. The steps you take depend on whether you are a new student or have already finished your education and training to practice physical therapy in another state or country. For example, the New York State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners asks applicants to send their college transcript by email along with their coursework to check if they meet licensure requirements. They follow the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Rules from 2019.
In Texas, there is only one group that controls licenses for all kinds of therapists. This group is called the Texas Board of Physical Therapy (TBPT). TBPT offers two kinds of licenses:
- A primary practice license is given to people who finish accredited programs without taking any exam.
- A secondary practice license is for those who pass an exam after they graduate.
These are the requirements for a physical therapy license in TX Texas.
How Long Do DPT Programs in Texas Take?
Campus Explorer has looked into how long it takes to become a physical therapist. This includes specializations like geriatrics. They found that most students finish their bachelor’s degree in about four years. If someone wants to get a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, it will take at least two more years after that.
The Job Outlook for Physical Therapists In Texas
Here are six steps to start a physical therapy practice in Texas. As a physical therapist, you will spend a lot of your time with patients who are sick. You will help people who are healing from injuries or illnesses. There are also other chances for fulfilling work. You could work with athletes or offer therapy for children.
Salary of Physical Therapists In Texas
- A physical therapist in Texas earns an average salary of about $81,000. This amount can change based on where you work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2015, salaries for physical therapists range from $73,770 to $118,120 per year. This pay could change over time based on your experience.
- A major perk of being a physical therapist is that it has one of the fastest growth rates in any job field. U.S. News estimates a growth of about 31 percent from 2014 to 2024. Other factors, like population growth, mean more jobs in this field. If you are interested, check out our guide on getting started today.
- Along with the salary, some therapists might have benefits like sick leave, vacation time, and retirement plans, such as 401(k)s! It takes several years of hard work and dedication to become a physical therapist in Texas, but the benefits are well worth it! You can find out how much a physical therapist makes each year in Texas.
Evaluating Student’s Professional Behavior
To be a successful physical therapist in Texas, you need to practice good professional behavior during your education, including your science classes. Professional behavior includes doing well in school but also having strong people skills, knowing ethics, and being able to communicate clearly. Physical therapy education programs in Texas focus on these skills because they are important for patient care and working with other healthcare teams. Students should reflect on their own behavior and ask for helpful feedback from peers and mentors to keep improving their professional skills.
In Texas, several universities have evaluations to check how students behave in a professional setting. This includes looking at their clinical experiences. These evaluations happen often to make sure students meet the required standards. When students take part in leadership and other activities, like clubs and volunteering, they show their dedication to the physical therapy profession. This can help them be more prepared for their future practice.
Required Withdrawal from the Program
To become a Physical Therapist in Texas, you need to meet several requirements. First, you must finish a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Then, you need to complete physical therapy education. After that, passing the Texas licensing exam is essential. You will also go through background checks. A good place to study is the University of Texas, which has strong PT programs. It’s important to focus on clinical education and professional behavior evaluations. Knowing about job outlook and salary info can help you make choices. Follow all steps to ensure a successful career in physical therapy in Texas.
Clinical Education
Clinical education is a key part of physical therapy training in Texas. It gives students real-world experience. Students use what they have learned in classes and practice their skills in caring for patients. This part of their education usually includes part-time experiences at different places. They can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. This helps them see different ways to provide patient care.
In Texas, many Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs ask students to finish full-time clinical internships and experiences. These opportunities can greatly improve their learning. The programs aim to challenge students and help them grow their skills in assessing patients, planning treatments, and carrying them out. When students graduate, they will have a strong set of skills. This prepares them to meet the various needs of the people they will help as licensed physical therapists.
Background Check and Drug Screening Requirements
In Texas, when applying for physical therapy programs, candidates usually need to pass background checks and drug screenings. They must also submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These steps help keep patients safe. Students will work with vulnerable people during their clinical practice. The background check looks at criminal history. This is important for deciding if someone can get licensed after they graduate.
Drug screening is a normal step to check if candidates meet professional standards. Both the screening and your school code are important to keep high integrity and professionalism in the physical therapy field. Students must be ready to follow these rules. Not meeting the background check and drug screening rules could block their chances of joining clinical education and get their license as a physical therapist in Texas.
Vertex:
Do you want to be a physical therapist in Texas? If yes, this blog post is for you! You need to earn at least a master’s degree or a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) from a recognized program. You also have to pass the national exam given by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examine. For more details, you can check our guide on how long it takes to become a physical therapist in Texas.