How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in New Hampshire

Physical therapist assistants in New Hampshire perform many of the same jobs as a physical therapist and work alongside a physical therapist.

The career is experiencing very high growth, making it a great option if you enjoy helping others.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in New Hampshire

Becoming a physical therapist in New Hampshire is a process that takes 2 years or more to complete.

However, it’s well worth the time and effort required.

Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Program

The first step to becoming a physical therapist assistant in New Hampshire is completing an associate’s degree program.

The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, or CAPTE.

You may choose an Associate of Applied Science, an Associate of Science, or an Associate of Arts degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.

You may also choose to complete a Bachelor’s degree, but this isn’t required.

To begin a program, you will need to pass a drug screen and a background check.

You will also need to be up to date on any immunizations required to be a healthcare worker.

New Hampshire Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NH JAM)

The next step is to take the New Hampshire Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NH JAM).

The exam is provided by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Once you register for the exam, you will need to complete it within 48 hours.

You’ll have 1.5 hours to complete the exam, which is 50 questions.

You will need a score of 80% to pass.

You can take the exam as many times as necessary to get a passing score.

However, you’ll need to pay the $48 fee for each attempt.

National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

The next step is to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

When you register for the exam, you’ll be sent a registration packet.

This includes an application, which must be completed and notarized.

You’ll need to send a 2×2 headshot and your transcript or degree.

If you have any type of criminal history, you’ll need to include an explanation of the circumstances.

The fee for the exam is $485.

You’ll also pay a $60 application fee and a $110 initial licensing fee.

If the board needs any additional information, they will request it within 60 days of your application.

The board has 120 days to make a decision.

Once you begin the process, you must complete the application within 54 weeks.

Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

Once you are approved, you can choose from Portsmouth or Concord for the location.

The test must be taken in person at a testing center, and you have 4 hours to complete it.

You must get a score of 600 to pass.

Begin Work as a Physical Therapist Assistant

Now you are ready to begin your career as a physical therapist assistant.

You can choose to work in a variety of settings, including a hospital, outpatient physical therapy center, schools, fitness, or sports centers.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in New Hampshire

There is only one college in New Hampshire that offers a physical therapist assistant program.

This is River Valley Community College.

Before admission to the program, you’ll need a passing grade in biology and chemistry high school-level courses within the past 10 years.

River Valley Community College PTA Program

The River Valley Community College PTA program requires 67-69 credits to graduate with a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Science degree.

Courses required include Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Therapy Procedures, Activities of Daily Living, Functional Kinesiology, and Clinical Neurology, in addition to general education courses.

You’ll also complete two practicums, or internships during the program.

The first practicum is during the summer semester after you have completed your first two semesters.

This requires 270 clock hours.

The final practicum is the second-year spring semester, which allows you to practice everything you’ve learned throughout the course.

You will need to complete a program exam before this practicum.

260 clock hours are required for this course.

You will be required to complete a background check and drug test before admission into the program.

You’ll also need manual dexterity, the ability to bend and lift, hear patient call buttons, and visual acuity to qualify for the program.

This ensures you have the physical capabilities to work as a physical therapist assistant.

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary

The average salary for a physical therapist assistant in New Hampshire is $64,456.

Salaries typically range from $58,205 to $71,097.

How much you earn will depend on your location, experience, the setting you are working in, and education level.

Regional Salary in New Hampshire