by 
If you want to get hired in the health field in Wyoming, a physical therapy assistant job could help.
Take a look at the guide below to learn how you can start your new career!
Article Table of Contents
Earning the Physical Therapist Assistant License in Wyoming
All future physical therapy assistants have to undergo a licensing process.
In Wyoming, certifications are offered by the Wyoming State Board of Physical Therapy.
You can get a license if you join a training program that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
In this state, an accredited physical therapy assistant school is located in Cheyenne.
To get a degree, choose a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree.
Before you enroll in the program, you have to attend 20 hours of clinical practice in a health facility.
Usually, an associate’s program ending with a degree takes about 2 years to complete.
The program consists of theory and practice, which also has to be completed in a clinic.
Some clinics require the completion of CPR training and a background check.
The clinical practice hours have to be supervised by a certified physical therapy assistant.
Theory hours feature topics such as:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Orientation to Health Care
- Nutrition and Diet Therapy
- Therapeutic Procedures
- Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
- Medical Reporting
- Kinesiology for the PTA
- Pathological Conditions
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Rehabilitation Procedures
In Wyoming, clinical practice takes about 8 weeks to complete.
After getting your degree, you have to submit a legalized application form to the state board.
You will also have to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for the PTAs exam.
The exam requires a fee of $400 that you will be submitted to the board.
The requested paperwork involves:
- Submit Physical Therapist Assistant Online Application
- Have school send official school transcripts
- Submit Letter of Completion (directly from your school)
- Send a recent 2×2 photograph
- Register to take the national exam with FSBPT
- Send $190 application fee
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals
- Passing the jurisprudence examination
You will also have to send a fingerprint card to get a background check.
The jurisprudence examination consists of 25 questions and is also open-book.
It covers the state’s state rules and regulations and requires a 75% passing score.
All documents have to be sent to the Board found in Cheyenne.
First, you need to get an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the FSBTP.
You will also have to pay the $400 examination fee.
Then, you can schedule your the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs with Prometric.
You will have to find a Prometric center in your area and submit a $70 fee.
The subjects in the exam are:
- Physical Therapy Data Collection
- Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment
- Interventions
- Integumentary System
- Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
- Equipment & Devices & Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety and Protection; Professional Responsibilities
- Cardiovascular/Pulmonary & Lymphatic Systems
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
The exam has 200 questions and lasts for 4 hours.
The test is also open-book, and you need to score 600 to pass.
Employment and Salary Information for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wyoming
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10.7% increase in jobs by 2022.
This means you will be able to find a job as soon as you get licensed.
Most physical therapy assistants practice in clinics, but you can also work independently.
Some of the clinics in Wyoming are:
- Physical Therapy Center of Wyoming (Cheyenne)
- Fusion Medical Staffing (Casper)
- MAS Medical Staffing (Thermopolis)
- Therapy Now (Riverton)
- Rehab Solutions (Wheatland)
- North Platte Physical Therapy (Sundance)
- Bridger Valley Clinic (Lyman)
- High County Physical Therapy (Laramie)
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $50,679 |
| Casper | $52,042 |
| Gillette | $49,424 |
| Laramie | $51,282 |
| Rock Springs | $51,267 |
| Sheridan | $52,661 |
| Green River | $51,267 |
| Evanston | $51,693 |
| Riverton | $51,204 |
| Jackson | $49,944 |
Regional Salary in Wyoming
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | 30 | $52,280 | $25.14 | $75,040 | $32,520 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 30 | $61,040 | $29.35 | $86,250 | $48,570 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wyoming
In Wyoming, physical therapy assistant licenses are valid for 2 years, after which they expire.
The board will let you know a month before your license expires, so you can renew it.
To renew it, you have to get 30 extra credits through a course that is accredited by the board.
Out of the total, 15 credits must be acquired attending conferences and industry workshops.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State
I do think it is important to note the the NPTE Exam is not open book. This is VERY important and very misleading information. Also, a degree in Associate of Science (AS) degree is not a degree in Physical Therapy Assistant. You will NOT be able to sit for a NPTE exam to earn your license to practice is this is the degree path you choose to follow. It has to be an AAS in PTA degree. An AS degree will only be prerequisites to then apply to enter a PTA degree earning program.
The only way to work on your own as a PTA is through a traveling or Home health agency as the state of Wyoming does require you to work under a PT Plan of care.