How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii

Physical therapy is important for a vast number of patients, especially those who are recovering from surgeries and want to get back to their regular lives.

Physical therapist assistants are professionals who are guided by senior physical therapists and have to undertake multiple responsibilities.

They help patients with illnesses or injuries to recover quickly using different techniques and methods.

Other than that, these professionals also have to take care of patient documentation.

If you are thinking of being in the healthcare industry but do not want a hectic job such as being a doctor or a nurse, being a physical therapist assistant may be just right for you.

After reading this article, you will be familiar with the steps and procedures you have to take to become a physical therapist assistant in Hawaii.

Steps to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Physical Therapy looks after the requirements for getting a license in physical therapy.

To legally practice in Hawaii, you need a license.

Hence, let’s go over the steps you have to take to get licensed.

Get Your Education

Before you can go ahead with anything else, you need to finish your high school diploma or GED.

Only then, you can progress with your physical therapy assistant program.

Next, you have to complete a degree in PTA.

But, you cannot do a degree from just about any school.

You have to get into a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

It is important to note that there is only one such program in Honolulu.

However, there are plenty of these programs available throughout the country.

Therefore, students can complete their education from outside the state if they wish to.

Under this degree, students will get to learn about a variety of things such as the history and present of physical therapy, human anatomy, diagnosis and management of an issue, as well as ethics and clinical practice.

Get Certification

After you have received your degree, you have to apply to get licensed.

For that, you have to reach out to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Physical Therapy.

They will determine if you are qualified to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.

To get licensed, you need to pass this exam.

Apart from the application, make sure to provide your official transcripts as well.

You also have to pay $50, so remember that.

As it turns out, you can also get a temporary license while you wait to sit for the NPTE exam.

This way, you will be able to practice as a physical therapist assistant under the supervision of someone licensed.

You have to pay a $30 license fee for the same.

The next thing you have to do to get certified is pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.

Keep in mind that you have to be registered with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Once the FSBPT permits you, you can sit for the NPTE exam.

Presently, only Oahu in Hawaii has accommodations for taking this exam.

Once you pass this, you can get your license to be a physical therapist assistant in Hawaii.

The exam is conducted in two versions.

Regardless, the topics that are covered in the exams include human body systems, ethics and professional responsibilities, different techniques and interventions, and knowledge about physical therapy devices and tools.

Keep in mind that the charge for the exam is $400.

Renew the License

Of course, once you get your license, you have to continue to renew it.

A physical therapist assistant license in Hawaii expires on December 31, of every even-numbered year.

Make sure to follow the laws so that your license is not revoked.

There is nothing to worry about since you will receive notifications before your license expiration date and also be informed about what steps to take to renew it.

Plus, keep in mind that you also need to continue your education when renewing your license.

This ensures that you are up to date with the current laws and industry standards.

Physical Therapist Assistant School in Hawaii

As mentioned before, as stated by Hawaii, you need to go to a CAPTE-accredited PTA school to get your degree.

Only after completing an accredited program can you sit for the NPTE exam.

We have also mentioned before that there is only one accredited PTA school in Honolulu.

Let’s see what that option is.

Kapi’olani Community College – University of Hawaii

Under this course offered by the college, students will get to have a hands-on learning experience and learn how to provide patient care.

The program covers a wide variety of topics including physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, and so on.

This course is well-rounded and will prepare you to sit for the NPTE exam.

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hawaii

The salary for physical therapy assistants in Hawaii is $44,500, on average.

Of course, this amount is subject to change on multiple factors such as skills, employer, experience, tips, bonuses, region, and so on.

Regional Salary in Hawaii