Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 688 § 688.055 — Qualifications of physical therapist assistant; examination

Qualifications of physical therapist assistant; examination. Each applicant for a license as a physical therapist assistant shall: (1) Be at least 18 years of age. (2) Be of good moral character as determined by the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. (3) Be a graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant education program approved by the board. (4) Pass to the satisfaction of the board an examination approved by the board to determine the fitness of the applicant to work as a physical therapist assistant or to be entitled to be licensed as provided in ORS 688.080. An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant who does not pass the examination on the first attempt may retake the examination as provided by rules adopted by the board. [1969 c.339 §5; 1971 c.585 §5; 1973 c.827 §74; 1975 c.111 §5; 2005 c.627 §6; 2019 c.43 §17] Note: The amendments to 688.055 by section 12, chapter 627, Oregon Laws 2025, become operative July 1, 2027. See section 24, chapter 627, Oregon Laws 2025. The text that is operative on and after July 1, 2027, is set forth for the user’s convenience. 688.055. (1) The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy may issue a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant to an applicant who: (a) Applies to the board in a form and manner prescribed by the board; (b) Is at least 18 years of age; (c) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, submits proof of graduation from an accredited professional physical therapist assistant education program accredited by a national accreditation agency and approved by the board by rule; (d) Passes, to the satisfaction of the board, a national examination described in ORS 688.058 to determine the applicant’s fitness to practice as a physical therapist assistant and passes any other examinations required by the board; (e) Pays the fee required by the board; (f) Passes a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 to the satisfaction of the board; and (g) Meets any other requirements established by the board by rule. (2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, an applicant for a license as a physical therapist assistant who has completed an education program, including an education program of the Armed Forces of the United States, that is not accredited by a national accreditation agency and is approved by the board by rule shall: (a) Provide satisfactory evidence to the board that the applicant’s education: (A) Is substantially equivalent to that provided by an entry-level physical therapist assistant education program accredited as described in subsection (1) of this section; (B) Is approved by the board; and (C) Prepared the applicant to work as a physical therapist assistant; (b) Meet any criteria for educational requirements established by the board by rule, as demonstrated by a credentials evaluation directed by the board, and complete any additional education as the board requires; (c) If required, pass an English proficiency examination prescribed by the board; and (d) Complete any supervised clinical practice required by the board by rule. (3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, an applicant who graduated from an education program located in another country shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the education program is recognized by that country’s ministry of education or similar body. (4) In processing an application for licensure submitted under this section, the board shall notify the applicant of any deficiencies in the application. (5) A physical therapist assistant shall adhere to the recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession as established by rule.