How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Kentucky

Physical therapist assistants work in a highly demanded field that also offers many career options.

If you live in Kentucky and were wondering what career path to take, you could consider becoming a physical therapist assistant.

In this guide, we’ll explain the steps you must follow, so read on!

Earning Your License as a Physical Therapist Assistant

In Kentucky, physical therapist assistants need a license before getting employed.

The license is issued by the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy.

Earning first a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is how you get started.

This is not the only acceptable degree in this field.

Earning a bachelor’s degree will help you secure better-paying positions.

The most important aspect to remember is to enroll in a program with accreditation from CAPTE and approval from the Board.

It’s normal for the programs to differ from school to school, however, you’ll study topics such as:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Neurological rehabilitation in physical therapy
• Medical and surgical conditions in physical therapy
• Modalities and procedures in physical therapy
• Functional anatomy and kinesiology

Your program will have to include 520 hours of clinical work, as an internship.

It’s generally the schools that facilitate these internships, but if this is not possible, you can contact one of the following facilities as well:

• Baptist Regional Medical Center – Physical Rehab Unit
• Cardinal Hill Rehab Hospital
• Frazier Rehab Institute
• American Rehabilitation Group
• Advanced Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

When you graduate, your program’s supervisor will have to inform the Board you completed your education.

At this point, you’ll need to download the license application from the Board’s website, fill it in, and then send it to the Board along with the required documents.

These papers are:

• A photo of yourself, between 1 x 2 inches and 2 x 3 inches
• The processing fee of $200

If your application is approved, you’ll need to pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam which can be taken online.

There are 20 questions on this test, and you should be done in a maximum of an hour.

To help yourself pass, download the Practice Act for the PT profession in Kentucky.

If you pass, you can register for the  National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.

This exam is offered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) through Prometric.

There are a few more fees to pay for this test:

• $400 to the Federation, for the exam itself
• $70 to Prometric

The passing score is 600, and the topics on this exam are:

• Safety & Protection; Professional Responsibilities; Research (6%)
• Physical Therapy Data Collection (20.7%)
• Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment (28%)
• Interventions (30.7%)
• Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities (14.7%)

Make sure to use the candidate’s handbook to increase your chances of passing.

Candidates have the option to receive a temporary permit that allows them to work under supervision until they receive their licenses.

Physical Therapist Assistant Employment and Salary Information

The Kentucky Labor Market Information says the demand for physical therapist assistants is only increasing.

For the period between 2012 and 2022, was a predicted total of 37% of new job openings.

Some of the best employers in this state are:

• Baptist Health Lexington
• Functional Pathways
• Aureus Medical Group
• Frazier Rehab Institute
• Select Specialty Hospital
• Signature HealthCARE LLC
• J. Samson Community Hospital
• Caretenders Home Health
• Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team
• Catholic Health Initiatives
• Functional Pathways
• Centra Healthcare Solutions
• Aegis Therapies

Regional Salary in Kentucky

Physical Therapist Assistant License Renewal Information

On March 31 of every uneven year, the license of a physical therapist assistant will expire.

You can renew the license online or through a printed form.

Regardless of the chosen method, there is a $150 fee to be paid for this process, along with:

• Completing 20 hours of Continued Competency Credits
• Email or fax proof that you took an approved course on HIV/AIDS
• Complete the online open book Jurisprudence Exam
  • This counts for 2 credits towards your continuing education credits

The Continued Competency Credits must be completed between April 1 and March 31 of the renewal year.

Those who are on active military duty don’t need to pay the fee nor to continue their education.

The Competency Credits are reviews by the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association (KPTA).

Those who suffered hardships may apply for a license extension, however, this costs $250.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State