How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Dakota

Becoming a licensed physical therapist assistant offers a rewarding healthcare career where practicing PTAs provide compassionate hands-on support for patients and licensed physical therapists.

North Dakota area students seeking to earn a physical therapist assistant degree may be surprised to find that no CAPTE-accredited PTA programs are operating within the state.

The good news is aspiring PTAs can take advantage of programs being offered in nearby states like Minnesota or online.

Our guide provides an overview of the steps required to become a physical therapist assistant in North Dakota and a listing of accredited programs available online as alternatives to in-state education with clinical experience.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Dakota – Step by Step

North Dakota PTAs must complete the following steps before becoming eligible to work as a licensed physical therapist assistant or physical therapy aide.

Complete High School

Physical therapy students seeking to enter a PTA degree program must be able to provide proof of completion of high school or an equivalent before becoming eligible for admission to online, in-person, or hybrid degree programs.

Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

CAPTE regulations and standards set forth by the administrators of the National Physical Therapy Exam state that all potential physical therapist assistants must earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

North Dakota students need to note that there are currently no CAPTE-accredited programs operating within the state.

Gain Clinical Experience

Prospective PTAs must also be able to provide proof of completing the mandatory hands-on clinical experience needed to demonstrate job readiness and preparedness to apply for licensure with the state.

North Dakota students may secure their own clinical experience by partnering with approved local providers for on-the-job training.

Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam Administered by FSBPT

Future PTAs in North Dakota must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam with an acceptable score.

Eligible candidates who complete the required education components and pass the NPTE can move on to the next step of applying for state licensure.

Apply for Licensure with the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy

Physical therapist assistant graduates who have completed all of the previous steps will become eligible to apply for a PTA license with the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy.

Graduates will be responsible for paying related fees for licensure and earning continuing education credits to maintain their credentials.

Pass a Background Check

Physical therapist assistants work with a wide variety of patients and confidential information in secure medical settings.

Working as a PTA in the US requires all PTAs to complete and pass a background check as a condition of licensure.

Pass the Jurisprudence Exam

North Dakota PTAs must pass a required Jurisprudence exam to demonstrate their competency in legal and ethical procedures of practicing patient care.

The Jurisprudence exam is included in the licensure packet application at the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy online.

Receive Your License

New physical therapist assistants who can gain the required accredited education, pass the mandatory NPTE exam, and a background check are eligible to receive a North Dakota PTA license that must be maintained and renewed according to the standards set forth by the state.

Renew Your North Dakota Physical Therapist Assistant License

Practicing PTAs must complete the required steps to maintain their credentials by paying the relevant renewal fee and earning continuing education credits in the field.

Visit the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy website to learn more about what other requirements are needed to keep your license active.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in North Dakota – [Alternatives]

Students interested in earning their physical therapist education in North Dakota may have to get creative since the state currently has no actively accredited programs.

Future ND PTAs can opt to take on-campus classes in programs offered in bordering states like Minnesota.

Another option is to take online physical therapist assistant training from an accredited college or program like MedCerts and complete the clinical experience portion of their training with a local healthcare agency.

Example Online Curriculum

• Physical Therapist Assistant Fundamentals
• Clinical Kinesiology
• Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice and Therapeutic Intervention
• Medical Terminology
• Principles of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy

Online Physical Therapist Assistant Program Options

• Clark State College
• Delta College Online
• Miami Dade College
• Rasmussen University Online
• San Juan College

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in North Dakota

North Dakota PTAs make an average salary of around $71,672.00.

Entry-level PTAs working in remote locations and those with less experience may find themselves on the lower end of the salary scale, which falls around $49.229.00.

ND PTAs on the higher end of the scale report earning as much as $104,345.00.

Regional Salary in North Dakota