How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Minnesota

Physical therapist assistants in Minnesota are among the best-paid in this field, compared to most states.

We prepared this guide to help you get started with a profession that also has many career possibilities.

Earning Your License as a Physical Therapist Assistant

The Minnesota State Board of Physical Therapy demands that the physical therapist assistants in this state earn a license before starting work in the field.

This is done by first obtaining a degree from a program with CAPTE accreditation.

Most individuals choose to get the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS).

Each school has different admission requirements, but having CPR certification and/or 40 hours of volunteer work for a physical therapist are common demands.

The program you’ll attend will have both academic classes and clinical education.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Medical Terminology
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology for the PTA
• Modalities & Massage theory and lab
• Therapeutic Exercise theory and lab
• Communication & Documentation for the PTA
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Neuroanatomy & Functional Rehabilitation theory and lab

Some military personnel may have receive training as physical therapists and they may enroll in a program of 20 online credits.

These individuals don’t need to repeat the classes for which they already received training.

If your school doesn’t facilitate access to an internship, you can contact one of the following institutions:

• Mayo Clinic – Rochester
• Regions Hospital – St. Paul
• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – Minneapolis
• Minnesota Masonic Home – Bloomington
• University of Minnesota Physicians – various locations

Your internship should last for at least 8 weeks, or 320 hours.

The license is issued to those who pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) after earning their degree.

You’ll have to submit an application to take this test.

You’ll have to attach a few other documents:

• A notarized affidavit with a recent photo attached
• Certification of Education from your school
• 2 recommendation from PTs familiar with your work
• The following fees:
  • Permanent Licensure Application Fee: $100
  • Annual Licensure Fee: $60
  • Criminal Background Check Fee: $34.75
  • Exam Application Processing Fee: $50

You can apply either online with printed papers.

Candidates also have the option to apply for a temporary permit.

This permit will allow them to work until their exam results are available.

The fee for the temporary permit is $25.

A background check is required after the Board processed your application.

It is based on your fingerprints and you’ll receive information on how to proceed.

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) offers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs for a fee of $400.

You pay this fee after you receive the approval for examination and at the time you schedule it online, on the Federation’s site.

However, you’ll also have to schedule the exam through Prometric who also charges $70 for it.

The passing score is 600, and you have 4 hours to answer 200 questions covering these topics:

• Equipment and Devices;
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Safety and Protection;
• Professional Responsibilities;
• Research
• Diseases or Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment
• Interventions
• Physical Therapy Data Collection

The Federation has an online candidate handbook and practice test to help you be better prepared.

Physical Therapist Assistant Employment and Salary Information

In Minnesota, there is no shortage of facilities in need of physical therapist assistants.

These are:

• Hospitals
• Inpatient rehab care services
• Outpatient rehab care services
• Nursing homes

The best employers in this state are:

• Mayo Clinic – Rochester
• Glencoe Regional Health Services – Glencoe
• Aegis Therapies – Minneapolis, Faribault, Redwood Falls
• Orthology – Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Intrepid USA – Saint Louis Park
• Minnesota Masonic Homes – Bloomington
• UnitedHealth Group – Minneapolis
• Regions Hospital – Minneapolis
• Select Medical Rehabilitation Services – Monticello
• Lakeview Hospital – Stillwater

Regional Salary in Minnesota

Physical Therapist Assistant License Renewal Information

In Minnesota, the license of the physical therapist assistants expires at the end of every year.

Make sure to keep your address up-to-date, as the Board sends a reminder about 45 days in advance.

Every year, you’re expected to complete 10 contact hours of continuing education credits.

You’ll have to start on the first January 1 after you obtain your license.

The Board audits these education credits randomly, so keep accurate records.

The following institutions offer acceptable continuing education:

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Minnesota Physical Therapy Association
• Arthritis Foundation
• American Heart Association

Section 5601.2300 of the Minnesota Physical Therapy Practice Act has more details on the types of acceptable classes.

Those who have the qualification to teach classes on related topics can earn some credits that way as well.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State