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Becoming a Physical Therapist, PT

In order to become a physical therapist, students must graduate from an accredited physical therapy education program, which is a post-baccalaureate degree, information regarding CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education), please click here.

After completing the physical therapy education program, PTs must pass the state-administered National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). This exam is based on a comprehensive practice analysis conducted to determine the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities of physical therapists.

Upon passing the NPTE, physical therapists can obtain their Arizona Physical Therapy License. For more information about PT licensure in the State of Arizona, please visit the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy's website.

Physical Therapy Schools in Arizona accredited by CAPTE:

• A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Mesa AZ
• Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ
• Franklin Pierce University, Goodyear AZ
• Midwestern University, Glendale AZ
• Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ
• Northern Arizona University, Phoenix AZ

Please visit the APTA website for more information on becoming a PT.

Bureau of Labor Statistics fact sheet for Physical Therapists

Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant, PTA

In order to become a physical therapist assistant, students must graduate from an accredited physical therapy assistant education program, which is generally a two-year, associate degree program. After completing the physical therapy assistant education program, PTAs must pass the state-administered National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). As for PTs, PTAs must pass the NPTE to obtain an Arizona Physical Therapy Assistant Certification. For more information regarding PTA certification in the State of Arizona, please visit the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy's website.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Arizona accredited by CAPTE:

• Brookline College, Phoenix AZ
• Carrington College, Mesa AZ
• Gateway Community College, Phoenix AZ
• Mohave Community College, Lake Havasu City AZ
• Pima Medical Institute, Mesa AZ
• Pima Medical Institute, Tucson AZ 

Bureau of Labor Statistics fact sheet for Physical Therapy Assistants

PT & PTA Degree Breakdown

Initials or degrees following a healthcare professional's name, often signifies education earned, experience, and level of competency and expertise in a particular area.

The following table explains degrees and initials often used in the Physical Therapy Profession. These designators identify PTs and PTAs' level of academic education and/or area of advanced education, experience, and skill.

Can this table be a downloadable PDF?

For more information regarding academic designators please contact APTA's Professional Development Department at profdev@apta.org

PT & PTA Arizona Licensure

Basics

The information presented is for persons who have recently graduated from an accredited PT educational program and have not applied for a license before.

What are the qualifications to apply for a PT license in the State of Arizona?

• You must have completed a physical therapy education program accepted by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• You must have passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
• You must have passed the Arizona Jurisprudence Examination (AZLAW)
• You must apply using the correct forms and pay all the fees

What are the qualifications to apply for a PTA certification in the State of Arizona?

• You must have completed a physical therapy assistant education program accepted by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• You must have passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
• You must have passed the Arizona Jurisprudence Examination (AZLAW)
• You must apply using the correct forms and pay all the fees

Important Link: The Arizona State Board Of Physical Therapy