The New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners governs all physical therapists and physical therapy assistants in the state. The board consists of eleven total members: six currently licensed physical therapists, two public members, one licensed physical therapy assistant, one state executive, and one licensed physician. Board members are appointed by the Governor and cannot serve more than two consecutive, three-year terms. The board is responsible for overseeing, regulating, and, if necessary, disciplining those practicing physical therapy.
Featured Programs: Sponsored School(s) Featured Program: Discover Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree Programs in HealthcareThe state of New Jersey has been experiencing growth in the field of physical therapy, with an 18% increase in the field of physical therapy assistants. New Jersey is home to around 4% of the physical therapists and physical therapy assistants in the United States. The average salaries for physical therapists and physical therapy assistants in New Jersey are in the highest percentile, coming in at $90,750 and $61,690 respectively. In order to become a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant in New Jersey, you must follow these steps:
Physical Therapist:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
In order to apply for your physical therapy or physical therapist assistant license, you must complete clinical experience. These clinical experiences are instrumental in helping you enter the world of physical therapy. The duration and intensity of your clinicals will depend on what school you attend and what degree that you are earning. For example, physical therapy assistants generally have much shorter clinical experience requirements than physical therapists.
Before you can apply for licensure as a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant, you must take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers both the physical therapist and the physical therapy assistant test. The lowest passing grade for both tests is a 600/800 and the fee for each test is $370. There are a set number of dates that the test is offered, which can be found on the FSBPT website.
Physical Therapist:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
You must also pass the New Jersey Jurisprudence exam before applying for licensure. This exam covers the specific laws and practices of physical therapy in New Jersey. The exam is open book and the minimum score is 80.
Physical Therapist:
Physical Therapy Assistant:
Both physical therapist and physical therapy assistant licenses expire on January 31st of every even numbered year. You must submit a renewal application, along with a renewal fee. The renewal fee for physical therapists is $110 and the renewal fee for physical therapist assistant is $100. During the two years that your license is valid, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education. A minimum of four of those hours must be in jurisprudence and ethics. If you are initially licensed during the first year of the biannual renewal period, you must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education. If you are initially licensed during the second year of the biannual renewal period, you are not required to complete any continuing education requirements.