Licensure Qualifications
The Louisiana Physical Therapy Board is responsible for licensing and regulating the profession of physical therapy in Louisiana. Specifically, the Board licenses physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).
The Board does not license physical therapy aides or physical therapy technicians.
Qualifications to be licensed as a PT as provided in the Practice Act:
- Be at least twenty-one years of age.
- Be a citizen of the United States or have obtained legal authority to work in the United States, and have proper documentation evidencing this fact.
- Be of good moral character.
- Have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited school of physical therapy.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
Qualifications to be licensed as a PTA as provided in the Practice Act:
- Be at least nineteen years of age.
- Be a citizen of the United States or have obtained legal authority to work in the United States, and have proper documentation evidencing this fact.
- Be of good moral character.
- Have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited school of physical therapist assisting.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
Frequently Asked Questions
I completed a certificate program for physical therapy aide/technicians. Do I qualify for a PTA license?
No. Physical therapy aides/technicians are not licensed. They are support personnel who assist PTs and PTAs. The current minimum education required to become a PTA is an associate's degree in physical therapist assisting.
I just graduated with my bachelor's degree in kinesiology and/or exercise science. Do I qualify for a PT license?
No. The minimum qualification required to become a PT is a doctorate level degree in physical therapy. However, many licensed PTs do obtain their bachelor's degree in these subjects and/or others.
Where can I find information on accredited PT/PTA programs?
To find accredited physical therapy programs for PTs and PTAs, visit www.capteonline.org.