Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in Utah
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Timeline 4-6 weeks
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Initial Costs $148
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Renewal Costs $47
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CE Requirements 20 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Utah, you'll be working with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). You will submit your application through the DOPL Online Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Request Official Transcripts: Head over to your PTA program's registrar and request your official transcripts. These must be sent directly from your school to DOPL. Do not try to send them yourself, or they won't be accepted.
- Transfer NPTE Scores: Log in to your FSBPT account and request a score transfer of your NPTE results to Utah. This is a standard step, but it takes time, so hit submit on this early.
- Complete the Background Check: You'll need to submit fingerprints for a criminal history background check. You can often do this at the DOPL office if you are local, or request fingerprint cards to be completed at a local law enforcement agency if you are out of state.
- Submit Your Application: Create an account and complete the online application through the DOPL portal. You'll pay your fees here and upload any required personal documentation.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your driver's license or government ID, your social security number, and your employment history for the application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your CAPTE-accredited school and your NPTE scores from FSBPT.
- Exams: You will need to pass the Utah Physical Therapy Law and Rule Examination. This is typically an open-book exam that ensures you know the specific regulations for practicing in Utah.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Utah:
- Application Fee: $47
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $40 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $31
- Verifications: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $148
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Utah Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by May 31st of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $47.
Note: Watch out—there is no grace period for practicing on an expired license, so be sure to renew on time to avoid reinstatement fees.
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: September 30th of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for professionals managing Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Utah allows all 20 hours to be completed through home-study or online distance learning!
Provider Restrictions: Utah does not pre-approve specific providers but requires courses to be relevant to the practice of physical therapy. Courses offered by the APTA, the Utah Physical Therapy Association (UPTA), or CAPTE-accredited programs are standard. Popular online platforms like MedBridge are accepted. Note: If a provider uses "CEUs," 1 CEU equals 10 contact hours (0.1 CEU = 1 hour).
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics or Law (2 contact hours)
- Jurisprudence: While a specific exam is not required for renewal, the 2-hour ethics/law requirement must cover the Utah Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: CPR, First Aid, basic life support, business management, marketing, and personal development courses do not count toward the 20-hour requirement.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license was issued during the first year of the renewal cycle (even year), you are required to complete 10 hours. If issued during the second year of the cycle (odd year), you are exempt from CE requirements for your first renewal.
Reporting: Utah is an audit-based state. You do not need to submit proof of completion during renewal, but you must maintain your records and certificates for at least 4 years (two full cycles) in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing:
- Address: 160 E 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84114
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (801) 530-6628
- Fax: (801) 530-6511
- Email: b7@utah.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Utah, you'll be working with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). You will submit your application through the DOPL Online Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Request Official Transcripts: Head over to your PTA program's registrar and request your official transcripts. These must be sent directly from your school to DOPL. Do not try to send them yourself, or they won't be accepted.
- Transfer NPTE Scores: Log in to your FSBPT account and request a score transfer of your NPTE results to Utah. This is a standard step, but it takes time, so hit submit on this early.
- Complete the Background Check: You'll need to submit fingerprints for a criminal history background check. You can often do this at the DOPL office if you are local, or request fingerprint cards to be completed at a local law enforcement agency if you are out of state.
- Submit Your Application: Create an account and complete the online application through the DOPL portal. You'll pay your fees here and upload any required personal documentation.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your driver's license or government ID, your social security number, and your employment history for the application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your CAPTE-accredited school and your NPTE scores from FSBPT.
- Exams: You will need to pass the Utah Physical Therapy Law and Rule Examination. This is typically an open-book exam that ensures you know the specific regulations for practicing in Utah.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Utah:
- Application Fee: $47
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $40 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $31
- Verifications: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $148
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Utah Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by May 31st of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $47.
Note: Watch out—there is no grace period for practicing on an expired license, so be sure to renew on time to avoid reinstatement fees.
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: September 30th of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for professionals managing Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Utah allows all 20 hours to be completed through home-study or online distance learning!
Provider Restrictions: Utah does not pre-approve specific providers but requires courses to be relevant to the practice of physical therapy. Courses offered by the APTA, the Utah Physical Therapy Association (UPTA), or CAPTE-accredited programs are standard. Popular online platforms like MedBridge are accepted. Note: If a provider uses "CEUs," 1 CEU equals 10 contact hours (0.1 CEU = 1 hour).
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics or Law (2 contact hours)
- Jurisprudence: While a specific exam is not required for renewal, the 2-hour ethics/law requirement must cover the Utah Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: CPR, First Aid, basic life support, business management, marketing, and personal development courses do not count toward the 20-hour requirement.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license was issued during the first year of the renewal cycle (even year), you are required to complete 10 hours. If issued during the second year of the cycle (odd year), you are exempt from CE requirements for your first renewal.
Reporting: Utah is an audit-based state. You do not need to submit proof of completion during renewal, but you must maintain your records and certificates for at least 4 years (two full cycles) in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing:
- Address: 160 E 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84114
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (801) 530-6628
- Fax: (801) 530-6511
- Email: b7@utah.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.