Pass the NPTE-PT Test 2025 to Become a Licensed Physical Therapist

The median annual compensation for physical therapists was $95,620. In that year, the top 25% earned $101,920, while the bottom 25% earned $77,750.

• Typically, students must have a bachelor’s degree in a field associated with sports, exercise, or health science. PT students might also need to finish particular prerequisites, like courses in physics, kinesiology, biology, chemistry, physiology, and human anatomy, for some graduate physical therapy degree programs. Make sure you take the classes required by the Ph.D. programs you are interested in by researching their prerequisites.
• Students must enroll in and finish an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Pathophysiology, imaging, biomechanics, anatomy, and other didactic courses are students’ first ones in DPT degree programs. Physical therapy students finish their white coat ceremony during their second year of school and then head into the clinic for practical rotations under the supervision of a clinical teacher.
• Succeed on the NPTE. The FSBPT administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which must be passed to become a certified physical therapist (FSBPT). There are 250 multiple-choice questions on the computer-based test, which is divided into five sections. On a scale from 200 to 800, passing is defined as receiving a score of 600 or higher. The NPTE is made available in January, April, July, and October four times a year. Candidates may take the FSBPT up to three times in a calendar year. In 2019, 91% of first-time applicants who have completed PT programs in the United States that were accredited passed the NPTE.
• Each state has its licensing process. Most states demand that practitioners meet additional requirements, such as compliance training, background checks, etc., in addition to passing the NPTE. Physical therapists in most states must fulfill continuing education requirements every two years to keep their licenses. Physical therapists keep up with the norms and advances in the health professions through continuing education courses. Contact your state board to find out what you need to get your license.
• Finish a residency program, if desired. A post-graduate clinical residency program consists of further instruction, academic work, and clinical experiences. The best method to start concentrating on your area of interest is through a residency. There are other fellowship programs for physical therapy.
• Earn a board certification, if desired. Physical therapists can become board-certified clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties after obtaining their license and earning job experience in the industry (ABPTS). Cardiovascular and pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Sports, Wound Management, and Women’s Health are the ten specialized areas in physical therapy. Candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and complete a residency program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association or have at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience to become board-certified. Some PT students may be subject to additional requirements depending on the specialized area.

Therefore, physical therapists are not doctors and cannot treat patients medically. Physical therapists typically receive specialized training, but they are not permitted to write prescriptions for drugs or refer patients to other medical professionals.

Physical therapy school might take three to eight years to complete.

Physical therapists assess a patient’s development and keep track of it. Physical therapists assist persons who are ill or injured with better movement and pain management. They frequently play a significant role in preventing, rehabilitating, and treating individuals with long-term illnesses, injuries, or disorders.

You must complete a physical therapist assistant education program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education to be a physical therapist assistant in the USA, as well as pass a national exam that is administered by each state to obtain the license or certification that is necessary for the majority of them.

To work as a physical therapist in the United States, you must complete a doctor of a physical therapy program that has received accreditation from CAPTE and pass a state licensing examination.

The typical DPT program lasts three years, there are several that condense the academic requirements into a shorter time frame. This could help you control the overall cost of your education and let you start working in the field sooner.

Physical therapists in the US typically make $44.36 per hour in wages.

Exercising, massaging, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic modalities are used to treat patients by physical therapist assistants working under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They keep track of patients’ development and let the physical therapist know how each treatment went.

As of January 26, 2025, California’s statewide average pay for physical therapists (PTs) is $107,701.

Physical therapists frequently work in hospitals, patients’ homes, nursing homes, and private offices and clinics. They are active with patients for a large portion of the day.

Texas pays a physical therapist an average income of $94,628.

The field of physical therapy has significant earning potential.

A physical therapist is not permitted to issue you a prescription.

Physical therapists can now provide their kind of diagnosis, which is distinct from a doctor’s medical diagnosis but can be a useful tool in creating and applying an efficient, particular approach to pain, mobility problems, and injury. Functional diagnosis is the name of this PT strategy.

Med Travelers’ travel physical therapy positions pay between $1,750 and $2,200 per week.

Physical therapists in Texas must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at a recognized institution before enrolling in a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program.

By 2025, there will be 578,565 individuals working in the physical therapy sector in the US.

The average hourly wage for a physical therapy assistant position in the US is $28.94.

As of January 26, 2025, the average Sports Physical Therapist pay in the United States is $85,731, although the normal salary range is $79,300 to $92,630.

In Florida, a physical therapist makes an average pay of $91,547.

• Complete a physical therapy education program.
• Send the California Physical Therapy Board an application for licensure.
• Complete the necessary testing in California.
• Renew your license.

• Finish your undergraduate studies. You require a bachelor’s degree in a suitable subject, like biology, exercise science, or athletic training, to start a career as a physical therapist. Find methods to improve your coursework by taking on an internship at a sports medicine facility. Consider helping out at physical therapy clinics or collegiate athletic programs.
• Get your physical therapy graduate degree. You must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to work as a physical therapist. A bachelor’s degree is not necessary to enroll in a DPT program; however, some programs could have specified undergraduate requirements. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education should accredit your DPT program. These three-year programs emphasize both clinical practice and training in physical therapy.
• Become certified as a physical therapist. After completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you can sit for the state’s licensing examination. You can start working as a licensed physical therapist after passing the National Physical Therapy Exam to get the expertise required to train in a particular field, like sports.
• Develop your sports medicine skills. Working in sports therapy is the next step to starting a career as a sports physical therapist. A minimum of 2,000 hours of patient care experience at a sports therapy facility are required, or you can finish a residency program in a facility with a comparable focus. Utilize the tools and services offered by your doctor in a physical therapy program for career placement.
• Become trained in CPR and emergency medical treatment. You must take CPR and emergency care courses to be eligible to sit for the exam that grants you a license to practice sports physical therapy. Enrolling in a training course offered by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association will allow you to obtain a CPR certification.
• Pass the sports physical therapy certification exam. You can take the sports specialization exam given by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties if you have the necessary education and experience (ABPTS). It would be beneficial to join the American Physical Therapy Association before taking the test (APTA). You can take the test for less if you are an APTA member. The ABPTS offers instructions on registering for the test and advising on how to study for it.

The path to becoming a physical therapist takes work. Years of advanced education are necessary, as is admission to a physical therapy program that is quite competitive.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree from an approved 4-year institution or university is needed for all physical therapy employment.

Scrubs are one of the most affordable and typical options for clothes for physical therapists. Scrubs are a common choice for the official dress code at physical therapy clinics because they are comfortable and convenient.

On average, physical treatment can cost anywhere between $30 to $400 per session across the country.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an approved university while studying classes in biology or chemistry, however, this is optional.
• apply for a doctorate-level physical therapy (DPT) program that the Commission has approved on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The majority of DPT programs last three years. However, a few let first-year college students enroll in a 6-7 year program that enables them to get their bachelor’s degree and their DPT.
• Enroll in a clinical residency program for a year to gain practical expertise in pediatrics; you may pursue a fellowship to advance this focus.
• To become licensed, you must take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination offered by the Federal State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Become a board-certified specialist with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties after having expertise in pediatrics (ABPTS).

For hybrid physical therapy assistant degrees—those that are partially online and partially on-campus—check with your local community or state institution.

No, whether referring to a general profession or a specific individual, a physical therapist is not capitalized.

The most crucial physical therapy abilities needed to be successful in this role include the ones listed below as examples:

• Communication skills.
• Physical stamina.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Detail orientation.
• Compassion.
• Time management skills.
• Treatment planning.
• Multitasking skills.

Physical therapists don’t perform or order MRIs, but research indicates they are a reliable first-line treatment for aches and pains.

The Department of Physical Therapy under the School of Allied Professions offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physical Therapy (PT).

In Texas, a physical therapist assistant makes an average hourly wage of $37.64.

In New York, NY, a physical therapist typically earns $113,229 yearly.

The fact that a sizable majority of physical therapists love their workplace is likely a factor in the profession’s higher overall happiness.

Physical therapists are permitted to be inked. You may need to hide all tattoos if applying to certain graduate programs and jobs. In more extreme situations, like having an offensive tattoo on your forehead, it would be extremely difficult for you to enroll in physical therapy school and get employment.

They cannot dispense medicine because they are not medical professionals. The insurance sector likewise views PTs as specialized practitioners.

Direct access to physical therapists is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, so you can get physical therapy without first seeing a doctor.

On average, physical therapists put in 37.5 hours every week. The duration, however, usually varies.

• A physical therapist can increase their credentials by concentrating on a particular area of the profession. You should be able to find this information on the physical therapist’s website, or you can phone their office to find out if they have any specialized training or licenses that would make them a suitable fit for your needs. If driving or prolonged sitting aggravates your ailment or injury, finding a nearby physical therapist’s office may be crucial to your quest. Additionally, if your circumstance makes it tough for you to leave your house, search for an at-home physical therapist.
• If driving or prolonged sitting worsens your ailment or injury, finding a physical therapist’s office close by may be crucial to your quest. Additionally, if your circumstance makes it tough for you to leave your house, search for an at-home physical therapist.
• Online reviews on sites like Google or Yelp might shed light on other people’s encounters with a facility or physical therapist. On ChoosePT.com, you can browse for a specialist, and a physical therapist’s website will likely have a list of their unique credentials.

Yes, it is worthwhile to work as a physical therapist. A physical therapist can choose from various jobs that are very different from one another, makes decent money, and has a flexible schedule. As if that weren’t impressive enough, they also have excellent overall health and job happiness.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are fundamentally different in that the former focuses on helping patients move better while the latter does so by helping them conduct daily life activities.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists both have promising futures in their fields. The demand for physical therapists is anticipated to increase by 21% before 2030, substantially greater than the 8% average growth rate for all U.S. occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Physical therapists use a range of massage techniques.

Yes, that does occur. The norms of ethics that professional associations of therapists adhere to generally forbid it.

In Michigan, a Physical Therapist makes an average pay of $96,442.

• Your earning potential is high.
• People will want you.
• Traveling can be paid for.
• You can work in a variety of environments.
• You can focus.
• It will be possible for you to maintain a great work-life balance.
• You’ll assist others.
• You work on a team.

• Speaking with patients to find out about their health and symptoms.
• Making a diagnosis of movement dysfunction and creating a strategy for treatment.
• Training patients in the proper execution of therapeutic exercise methods.
• Using stimulation or massage to hasten the healing process.

Years of school and training in disciplines like kinesiology, anatomy, biology, and physical fitness are necessary to become a physical therapist.

Only Colorado, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Utah, and New Jersey have clearly stated that physical therapy can order imaging as of now.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients of all ages, from newborns to those nearing the end of their lives. Numerous patients require medical attention for wounds, impairments, or other health issues. However, PTs also provide care for those who only desire improved health and to avoid future issues.

Yes. As a physical therapist, you usually update the doctor on progress via progress reports. They might also give them a call and talk to them on the phone.

With the help of Direct Access legislation, every state now permits physical therapy evaluations and treatments without a physician referral.

Physical therapists who provide immunizations would be regarded as laypeople, similar to medical assistants, rather than as providing a physical therapy service.

The term “physical therapist” or the letters “P.T.” or any other words, letters, or figures that indicate that the user is a licensed physical therapist may be used by a person holding a license as a physical therapist issued by the board.

Physical therapists in the US make an average salary of $7689 a month.

Ohio’s standard physical therapist (PT) wage is $94,101.

Avoid giving actual gifts that could be embarrassing for your physical therapists, such as gift cards or other valuable items. Physical gifts are not required. In general, homemade presents that can be given to the entire staff are okay, but a straightforward card or positive review will do just well.

Physical therapists are most likely to hold the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential.

• It’s advisable to deal with a physical therapist with good communication skills when selecting. Working with a physical therapist who lacks a professional bedside manner can be scary if you have never received physical therapy. Working with physical therapists who are good listeners can be very beneficial to patients. If you are in agony, your therapist shouldn’t make you uncomfortable talking about your issues.
• Clear and practical therapy objectives. You will be doing various movement exercises during your visits with a physical therapist. Stressful following an injury, this. Your physical therapists should establish clear and practical goals to improve your improvement. It’s bad practice to treat patients without establishing measurable objectives. Your PT needs to provide feedback on your development. It is the best indicator that the procedure is progressing.
• Physical therapists, like all other medical professionals, should give you a detailed medical treatment plan for your physical therapy. As a result, you, the patient, can comprehend the procedures and methods applied during your therapy. Patients should enquire upfront about their therapy options. Understanding your recovery strategy can keep you upbeat during therapy. A thorough treatment strategy frequently produces better results.
• Another important quality for physical therapists is patience. Patient’s motivation is more likely to increase when their therapists are empathetic and patient. Physical therapy can be a difficult process when a patient is in pain. Throughout an appointment, the therapist’s patience can make the whole procedure much more satisfying. An effective physical therapist will be conscious of the significance of treating patients with compassion and understanding at all times. An obvious indication that your therapist could be a better fit for you may be if you feel rushed or misunderstood during your first therapy session. If you feel like your sessions are not going well, trust your instincts.
• A skilled physical therapist will be aware of the need for continual assistance and direction from a patient. Patients should find it simple to get in touch with their therapist if they have queries concerning a treatment, program, or therapeutic procedure. It is crucial that you can get in touch with your therapist once the program is over. Every phase of a patient’s recovery program should make them feel their therapist is responsible for them. A clinic should continue offering support during and after the treatment plan. Practice should never make a patient feel abandoned.
• Physical therapists help patients with a variety of physical injuries. Asking if they have experience treating comparable illnesses can be helpful when looking for a physical therapist to assist you with your injury best. You’ll discover that some therapists specialize in certain categories of injuries. You will increase your chances of success by selecting medical professionals familiar with your injury. It’s important to understand your injury while selecting a physical therapy clinic. It considerably enhances clinical aptitude. A qualified therapist has to be able to describe their pertinent expertise and talk about how it relates to your injury.
• This is a no-brainer quality to look for in a physical therapist. Unfortunately, not all physical therapists conduct themselves professionally in their work. You will need a timetable if you participate in physical therapy sessions with a therapist. Your capacity to participate in sessions at the appropriate intervals will determine how quickly you recover medically. Be careful to pick a therapist who highly emphasizes dependability and promptness. Sessions that are rushed or canceled may hinder your ability to heal. If your therapist does not treat you professionally, hold them responsible.
• It is crucial to confirm that your therapist has the formal training necessary for a career in physical therapy. Patients can guarantee they are receiving care from qualified professionals by double-checking. You should be able to request information about a therapist’s licensing from them. Additionally, look for a therapist with a degree from a reputable institution and a wealth of clinical expertise.
• Lastly, bear the location of probable physical therapists in mind. Long journeys may impair your ability to respond to treatment. Patients should make sure their therapist is convenient to reach. Patients are less likely to attend all therapy sessions if they need help getting to appointments.

If necessary, physical therapy could start as early as a few days following the accident. Delaying physical treatment can cause patients’ injuries and symptoms to worsen, making it harder and more expensive to treat.

Therapists are not doctors; thus, they cannot give you a leave of absence. If you wish to get cleared, you must visit a doctor.

No, medical school is not required for physical therapists.

Physical therapists employed by group practices and alone are all obliged to get an NPI.

Georgia’s typical Physical Therapist wage is $93,233.

Illinois’s typical Physical Therapist wage is $98,967.

10% of the clients of therapists who work in medical offices give them tips, according to their reports.

Tell your physical therapist that you couldn’t be where you are now without their assistance. Consider leaving an online review to express gratitude and let others know about your amazing experience.

It stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

 A sports physical therapist is frequently used by sports teams to create treatment programs for enhancing workout routines, preventing sports-related injuries, and effectively treating these injuries should they arise.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist employment is expected to increase by 16.9% between 2025 and 2031.

The following list of five physical therapist specializations that pay well includes:

• Sports medicine.
• Cardiovascular.
• Geriatrics.
• Neurology.
• Pediatrics.

They’re designed to increase your strength and mobility while minimizing joint discomfort and strain, and they’ll continue to be crucial to help you maintain your pain-free state.

If you want to work as a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the US, you must pass the NPTE exam.

You must pass the NPTE to work as a physical therapist in Colorado.

• Establish a plan. Staying organized requires making a daily strategy. And once you’ve made a plan, follow it through. Examine your plan and how effectively you followed it each week at the conclusion. This makes it simpler to ensure you’ve completed all the necessary tasks and covered all the necessary material.
• Make achievable objectives. PTs constantly set objectives for their patients. Setting goals for your studies is similar. More precisely, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed) goals are essential to making and tracking progress, whether treating a patient or getting ready for an exam. For instance, if your previous practice exam score was 60% and you’re getting ready to take one this week, you won’t set a goal of 90%; it’s just not feasible. Your objective for the subsequent exam should be to get better.
• Change up the content. People are strongly encouraged to study from the core textbooks—not only the review guides—for the PT Final Exam. The same foundational physical therapy textbooks you’re considering destroying served as the basis for the NPTE. Put that lighter away and study for the exam with these books instead. However, don’t just sit there and read for hours on end—especially if you learn best visually, as I do. You’ll be able to see stuff in new ways and increase your chances of finding anything that stays if you can break up the monotony and change your approach.
• Make good use of your time. Choosing a topic and reading aloud or into your phone for 20 minutes constitutes a power session. You have the option of reading from both your notes and your textbook. When your allotted 20 minutes are up, go outside. Do you prefer to walk or run? Put on your headphones and move around while listening to the recording you just made. Spend 20 minutes instructing someone about what you learned when you come back. 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, and 90% of what we teach are things we remember. That was a productive 60 minutes, no doubt.
• Exercise and education. According to research, taking practice tests is one of the greatest strategies to ensure that material is retained in your memory for test day. The purpose of practice examinations is to simulate the structure and style of the real test. The optimal schedule for practice exams is a question we are frequently asked. In all honesty, a lot relies on how many practice tests you have at your disposal. People who have taken most of the practice examinations have failed the exam. If there are only a few alternatives for practice, space them out so you can use them at regular intervals.
• Obtain the aid you require. We frequently separate ourselves as we prepare for a major test like the NPTE. This is unfortunate since you won’t be exposed to fresh perspectives on the subject and won’t benefit from the accountability of participating in a study group.

The National Physical Therapy Exam, also known as NPTE, is a licensure examination. Both domestic and foreign candidates who have completed a physical therapist assistant education program or physical therapy must be licensed and eligible to work in the United States.