Chapter 4755-23 | Licensing, Examination, and Continuing Education

Rule 4755-23-01 | Applications for initial license.

• Effective: May 15, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) To receive a license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, an applicant shall be at least eighteen years of age.

(B) All applications for initial licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall be submitted to the physical therapy section on forms provided by the section. All applications, fees, statements, and other documents so submitted shall be retained by the section.

(C) Applications shall be:

(1) Submitted electronically via the Ohio e-license system;

(2) Electronically signed via the Ohio e-license system;

(3) Accompanied by the fee prescribed by rule 4755-24-03 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application.

(D) For the purposes of filing an electronic application via the Ohio e-license system, the applicant will create a "UserID" and password. The use of the "UserID" and password is solely the responsibility of the person to whom it is issued. The "UserID" and password shall constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

(E) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing shall be considered to be abandoned and no further processing shall be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board.

(3) Submitted fees shall be neither refundable nor transferable.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.42, 4755.421
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 5/26/1978, 3/20/2008

Rule 4755-23-02 | Educational requirements.

• Effective: October 14, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) To be eligible for licensure as a physical therapist, an applicant shall complete a program in physical therapy accredited by the commission on accreditation of physical therapy education that includes:

(1) A minimum of one hundred twenty academic semester credits, or the equivalent academic quarter hours, with a specific distribution in humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, and other physical sciences;

(2) Instruction in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and physical therapy theory and procedures; and

(3) Satisfactory completion of all clinical education curriculum requirements.

(B) To be eligible for licensure as a physical therapist assistant, an applicant shall complete a program for physical therapist assistants accredited by the commission on accreditation of physical therapy education. The educational program shall include all clinical education curriculum requirements and courses in anatomical, biological, and other physical sciences and a distribution of course work as found in an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

(C) In accordance with division (A)(4) of section 4755.45 of the Revised Code, an applicant holding a license or registration to practice as a physical therapist in another state or foreign country is eligible for licensure in Ohio if the applicant's education is reasonably equivalent to the educational requirements that were in force for licensure in Ohio on the date of the applicant's initial licensure or registration in the other state or foreign country.

(D) In accordance with division (D) of section 4755.451 of the Revised Code, an applicant holding a license or registration to practice as a physical therapist assistant in another state or foreign country is eligible for licensure in Ohio if the applicant's education is reasonably equivalent to the educational requirements that were in force for licensure in Ohio on the date of the applicant's initial licensure or registration in the other state or foreign country.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.42, 4755.421
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 7/15/1995, 7/1/2015

Rule 4755-23-03 | License by examination.

• Effective: October 14, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) To be licensed by examination as a physical therapist an applicant shall pass the following examinations:

(1) The national physical therapy examination (NPTE) for physical therapists administered by the federation of state boards of physical therapy; and

(2) The examination approved by the physical therapy section on the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in the state of Ohio.

(B) To be licensed by examination as a physical therapist assistant an applicant shall pass the following examinations:

(1) The NPTE for physical therapist assistants administered by the federation of state boards of physical therapy; and

(2) The examination approved by the physical therapy section on the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in the state of Ohio.

(C) Applicants failing the NPTE may be approved to re-take the NPTE following the submission of the application for licensure by examination up to any limit set by the federation of state boards of physical therapy or as determined by the physical therapy section.

(D) In addition to the other requirements of this rule, a foreign educated applicant for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall meet the requirements established in rule 4755-23-12 of the Administrative Code.

(E) An applicant who satisfies all requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code and who passes the examinations specified in:

(1) Paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(2) of this rule shall be issued a license to practice as a physical therapist.

(2) Paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule shall be issued a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant.

(F) Pursuant to division (A)(1) of section 4755.45 and division (A) of section 4755.451 of the Revised Code, an applicant who passed the NPTE under the approval of another state physical therapy regulatory entity is eligible for a license by examination provided the applicant meets all other requirements contained in sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code and any rule adopted by the physical therapy section and provided that the applicant was never issued a license to practice in the state that approved the applicant to sit for the NPTE.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.42, 4755.441, 4755.44 , 4755.431, 4755.43 , 4755.421
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 3/20/1998, 5/25/2003, 3/20/2008, 10/19/2018

Rule 4755-23-04 | License by endorsement.

• Effective: October 15, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The physical therapy section may issue a license by endorsement to an applicant who is currently licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant under the laws of another state or country, provided the requirements for registration or licensure under the appropriate category in that state, including minimal education and passing score on the national physical therapy examination (NPTE) were reasonably equal to the requirements in force in this state on the date of the applicant's initial licensure in the other state or country.

(B) In addition to the other requirements of this rule, a foreign educated applicant for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant by endorsement shall meet the requirements established in rule 4755-23-12 of the Administrative Code.

(C) An applicant who has been out of the practice of physical therapy for a period of five or more years shall:

(1) Retake and pass the NPTE; or

(2) Complete an action plan as approved by the physical therapy section.

(3) Out of practice is defined as being actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy for fewer than five hundred hours over the five year period prior to the date the applicant submits the endorsement application.

(D) An applicant who satisfies all requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code and who fulfills the requirements listed in paragraphs (A) to (C) of this rule shall be issued a license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.45, 4755.451
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 5/26/1978, 3/25/1985, 2/1/1992, 5/1/2006, 5/1/2007, 10/14/2019

Rule 4755-23-05 | Certificate of license; display.

• Effective: August 19, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Each applicant who is approved for licensure shall electronically receive a certificate of licensure for office display upon initial approval. Additional copies of the certificate shall be made available to license holders as prescribed in the rules of the physical therapy section.

(B) The physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall display the original license certificate at their principal place of business and all locations of service delivery. Display of the original license certificate includes the ability to show the copy that is available through Ohio eLicense. (http://elicense.ohio.gov).

(C) Verification of current licensure can be obtained from the Ohio eLicense center verification page (http://elicense.ohio.gov).

Last updated August 25, 2023 at 10:41 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.41, 4755.44, 4755.411, 4755.45, 4755.451
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 9/1/1982, 5/1/2007, 5/1/2010

Rule 4755-23-06 | Biennial renewal of licensure.

• Effective: July 13, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Renewal of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license shall be in accordance with section 4755.46 of the Revised Code.

(1) The entire licensure renewal application, including any required forms, compliance with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755-23-08 of the Administrative Code, and payment of the renewal fee prescribed by rule 4755-24-04 of Administrative Code, shall be completed to satisfy the requirements of the renewal procedure.

(2) The licensure renewal notice shall be sent to the e-mail address on file with the board.

(B) All persons licensed as a physical therapist shall renew their license by the thirty-first day of January in each even-numbered year. When a license to practice as a physical therapist is issued by the board on or after October first of an odd-numbered year, that license shall be valid through the thirty-first day of January of the second even-numbered year.

(C) All persons licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall renew their license by the thirty-first day of January in each odd-numbered year. When a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant is issued by the board on or after October first of an even-numbered year, that license shall be valid through the thirty-first day of January of the second odd-numbered year.

(D) Persons who fail to submit the renewal fee, completed application, any other required information, and/or comply with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755-23-08 of the Administrative Code, by the thirty-first day of January of the appropriate year shall have their license automatically expire.

(1) A license holder whose license expires for failure to renew must submit a reinstatement application in accordance with rule 4755-23-10 of the Administrative Code. The physical therapy section shall approve the reinstatement application before the individual may legally practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in Ohio.

(2) A license holder who continues to practice physical therapy or physical therapy assisting with an expired license shall be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.47 of the Revised Code.

(E) For the purposes of filing an electronic renewal application via the Ohio e-License system, the applicant will create a "UserID" and password. The use of the "UserID" and password is solely the responsibility of the person to whom it is issued. The "UserID" and password shall constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.46
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1992

Rule 4755-23-07 | Notice of change of name; place of business; address.

• Effective: March 20, 2008
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) A licensee shall notify the physical therapy section of any change of name, place of business or employment or mailing address within thirty days after the change.

(B) Notification may be made by:

(1) Mail;

(2) Fax;

(3) E-mail; or

(4) Electronically by logging into the Ohio e-license system.

Last updated August 25, 2023 at 10:41 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.411, 4755.47
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 9/1/1982

Rule 4755-23-08 | Continuing education.

• Effective: July 8, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Pursuant to sections 4755.51 and 4755.511 of the Revised Code, no person will qualify for license renewal as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant unless the person completed the required continuing education units outlined in paragraph (A) of this rule. A "unit" is one clock hour spent in a continuing education activity meeting the requirements established in section 4755.52 of the Revised Code.

(A) Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must participate in continuing education activities that meet the requirements outlined in division (B) of section 4755.52 of the Revised Code.

(1) License holders are not required to obtain any continuing education units for the first renewal.

(2) A physical therapist must complete a minimum of twenty-four units of continuing education activities within the two year renewal cycle. License holders must complete at least two hours of ethics through a renewal jurisprudence module as determined by the physical therapy section. The two hours earned through completion of the module must count as part of the total twenty-four hour requirement. A fee may be required to complete the module.

(3) A physical therapist assistant must complete a minimum of twelve units of continuing education activities within the two year renewal cycle. License holders must complete at least two hours of ethics through a renewal jurisprudence module as determined by the physical therapy section. The two hours earned through completion of the module must count as part of the total twelve hour requirement. A fee may be required to complete the module.

(4) In the case of a license reinstatement according to rule 4755-23-10 of the Administrative Code, one of the following applies:

(a) If the reinstated license was valid for a period of twelve months or less, the license holder must complete half of the continuing education hours required within the renewal cycle. The category limits contained in paragraph (G) of this rule do not apply and the renewal jurisprudence module is not required. Continuing education hours used for the purpose of reinstating a license cannot be re-used for license renewal.

(b) If the reinstated license was valid for a period of more than twelve months, the license holder must complete the full amount of continuing education hours required within the renewal cycle. The category limits contained in paragraph (G) of this rule apply and the renewal jurisprudence module is required. Continuing education hours used for the purpose of reinstating a license cannot be re-used for license renewal.

(B) Accumulated continuing education units may not be carried over from one renewal period to another.

(C) Pursuant to sections 4755.52 and 4755.53 of the Revised Code, the physical therapy section may contract with the Ohio physical therapy association (OPTA) to assist the section with the performing of its continuing education duties. The OPTA must accept, review, approve, or deny proposals for professional workshops, seminars, and/or conferences for continuing education units or for other continuing education activities reported by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who qualify under section 4755.53 of the Revised Code. The OPTA must perform any other duties agreed upon by the section and the OPTA necessary for the approval, maintenance, and/or reporting of continuing education activities for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

(D) A license must not be renewed unless the license holder meets the requirements of paragraph (A) of this rule. Unless qualified under paragraph (G) of this rule, completed continuing education activities must have a current Ohio approval number.

(E) The physical therapy section must conduct an audit of the continuing education records of a number of the license holders to be determined by the section each renewal year. The section will notify license holders who are selected for the audit to determine compliance with the continuing education requirement specified in this rule.

(1) License holders chosen for the audit must submit to the board by the date specified by the board copies of all records and documentation of proof of completion of the continuing education activities used to meet the continuing education requirements of this rule.

(2) Failure to provide proof of the required number of continuing education hours for the specified time period will result in the commencement of disciplinary action.

(3) Failure to respond to or acknowledge receipt of an audit notice will result in the commencement of disciplinary action.

(F) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license must not be renewed unless the license holder certifies that the person completed the required number of continuing education hours specified in paragraph (A) of this rule.

A license holder who falsifies a renewal application may be disciplined by the physical therapy section for violating section 4755.48 of the Revised Code.

(G) Completion of academic coursework, clinical instruction, mentoring, residencies, fellowships, and volunteer work for continuing education credit.

(1) Passing the following specialty examinations will qualify for twenty-four contact hours of continuing education in the year the examination is taken:

(a) Specialty examinations administered by the American board of physical therapy specialties (ABPTS).

(b) The hand therapy certification commission (HTCC) certification examination.

(2) Renewal of certification of a specialty through ABPTS will qualify for six contact hours of continuing education in the year it is given.

(3) Renewal of HTCC certification may be counted for six hours of continuing education in the year it is given.

(4) The successful completion of an American physical therapy association credentialed residency or fellowship program will qualify for twenty-four contact hours of continuing education in the year the residency or fellowship is completed.

(5) Coursework completed at a commission on accreditation in physical therapy education accredited entry-level physical therapist education program or a postprofessional transition clinical doctorate program is eligible for continuing education credit.

(6) Serving as a clinical instructor will qualify for one contact hour for each eighty hours of clinical instruction.

(a) To be eligible for continuing education credit in accordance with this paragraph, a physical therapist must be an APTA certified level I or level II clinical instructor and a physical therapist assistant must be an APTA certified level I clinical instructor.

(b) A physical therapist may earn up to twelve contact hours per renewal cycle by serving as a clinical instructor.

(c) A physical therapist assistant may earn up to six contact hours per renewal cycle by serving as a clinical instructor.

(d) Proof of clinical instruction is a certificate from the student's school.

(7) Serving as a mentor in an APTA accredited clinical residency or fellowship program will qualify for one contact hour for each three hours of mentorship.

(a) To be eligible for continuing education credit in accordance with this paragraph, a physical therapist must meet one of the following criteria:

(i) Currently certified as an APTA certified level I or level II clinical instructor; or

(ii) Currently hold a specialty certification issued by the ABPTS or by the HTCC.

(b) A physical therapist may earn up to twelve contact hours per renewal cycle by serving as a mentor.

(c) Proof of mentorship is a certificate from the director of the clinical residency or fellowship documenting the number of hours of mentorship completed.

(8) For authoring a published article or book, up to ten units per renewal period.

(9) Volunteer services to indigent and uninsured persons pursuant to section 4745.04 of the Revised Code. To qualify under this rule, volunteer services must:

(a) Be provided at a free clinic or other non-profit organization that offers health care services based on eligibility screenings identifying the client as an "indigent and uninsured person" as that term is defined in division (A)(7) of section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(b) Be documented in writing in the form of a certificate or a written statement on letterhead from an administrative official at the organization where services were rendered, specifying at a minimum the license holder's name, license number, date(s) of qualifying volunteer services, number of hours of services, and describing the services that were rendered.

(c) Include the submission of a written statement by the license holder explaining how the volunteer services have contributed to the license holder's professional competency.

(d) Not be credited for license holders in a paid position at the organization at which the services are rendered.

(e) Not be credited for license holders who are also using the hours toward educational and academic pursuits.

(f) Be physical therapy or physical therapist assistant services provided in compliance with the Revised Code and the Administrative Code.

(g) Be credited as one hour of CE for each sixty minutes spent providing services as a volunteer, not to exceed six hours for physical therapists and three hours for physical therapist assistants of the total biennial CE requirement.

(10) Completion of a renewal jurisprudence module will qualify for two contact hours.

(11) Continuing education activities identified in paragraph (G) of this rule do not require an Ohio approval number. Continuing education will be granted in the reporting period in which the academic coursework, clinical instruction, mentoring, residency, volunteer work or fellowship is completed.

Last updated July 8, 2022 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.46, 4755.47, 4755.51, 4755.511, 4755.52
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 7/15/1995, 5/1/2005, 5/1/2007

Rule 4755-23-09 | Waivers for continuing education.

• Effective: July 13, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The physical therapy section of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy and athletic trainers board may grant a waiver of the continuing education requirements in the case of illness, disability, or undue hardship. A request for waiver form, as provided by the physical therapy section, must be completed in full. In the case of illness or disability, a physician's statement is required. All completed forms must be received by the section for consideration no later than the first day of October of the year preceding the renewal date, unless that date is waived by the section. A waiver may be granted for any period of time not to exceed one renewal cycle. In the event that the illness, disability, or hardship continues to the next renewal cycle, then a new waiver request is required.

Should a waiver be granted due to disability or illness, the section may require the person to provide appropriate documentation from a physician or another qualified and appropriate practitioner to verify the person's competency and ability to practice physical therapy in the state of Ohio prior to the return to active practice of physical therapy in Ohio.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.52
Amplifies: 4755.51, 4755.511, 4755.52
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/2015

Rule 4755-23-10 | Reinstatement of license.

• Effective: May 4, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Reinstatement is mandatory for any person wishing to practice who held a license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the state of Ohio according to section 4755.40 of the Revised Code.

(B) A reinstatement application must be completed and returned to the physical therapy section of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board for review.

(C) The application must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by rule 4755-24-08 of the Administrative Code.

(D) The applicant must meet the appropriate continuing education requirements.

(1) For reinstatement applications submitted before March first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours of continuing education that were required to renew the expired license. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be in accordance with rule 4755-23-08 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirement of this paragraph shall not be used to renew the reinstated license.

(2) For reinstatement applications submitted on or after March first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours specified in paragraph (A) of rule 4755-23-08 of the Administrative Code within the two year period immediately preceding the date the board receives the application for reinstatement. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be in accordance with rule 4755-23-08 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirement of this paragraph shall not be used to renew the reinstated license.

(E) An applicant who has been out of the practice of physical therapy for a period of five or more years shall:

(1) Retake and pass the national physical therapy examination; or

(2) Complete an action plan as approved by the physical therapy section.

(3) Out of practice is defined as being actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy for fewer than five hundred hours over the five year period prior to the date the applicant submits the reinstatement application.

(F) The applicant must take and pass the renewal jurisprudence module as specified in rule 4755-23-08 of the Administrative Code.

(G) The physical therapy section may require persons filing reinstatement applications to appear in person before the section.

(H) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing shall be considered to be abandoned and no further processing shall be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board.

(3) Submitted fees shall be neither refundable nor transferable.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.411, 4755.46
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 9/21/2001

Rule 4755-23-11 | Verification of licensure.

• Effective: July 13, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The physical therapy section must officially verify to another regulatory entity the status of a person's license to practice physical therapy in the state of Ohio upon:

(1) Receipt of a request through Ohio eLicense from a license holder; and

(2) Payment of the verification of license fee specified in rule 4755-24-06 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Official verifications issued by the board must include, but not be limited to:

(1) The license number and status of the license;

(2) Any disciplinary action taken against the license; and

(3) The initial issue date and expiration date of the license.

Last updated August 25, 2023 at 10:43 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.411
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 8/14/2000

Rule 4755-23-12 | Requirements for foreign educated applicants.

• Effective: March 20, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) An "internationally-educated applicant" is a person whose physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education was obtained in a program not accredited by the commission on accreditation of physical therapy education and located in a country other than the United States.

(B) All internationally-educated applicants applying to be licensed as a physical therapist must show an educational background deemed by the physical therapy section to be reasonably equivalent to the requirements established in section 4755.42 of the Revised Code, division (A)(4) of section 4755.45 of the Revised Code, and paragraph (A) of rule 4755-23-02 of the Administrative Code.

(C) All internationally-educated applicants applying to be licensed as a physical therapist assistant must show an educational background deemed by the physical therapy section to be reasonably equivalent to the requirements established in section 4755.421 of the Revised Code, division (A)(4) of section 4755.451 of the Revised Code, and paragraph (B) of rule 4755-23-02 of the Administrative Code.

(D) All internationally-educated applicants must submit to the section an evaluation of education credentials prepared by a professional education evaluating service approved by the section.

(1) Evaluations of the applicant's international education coursework content and required semester credits shall be completed utilizing the appropriate coursework evaluation tool adopted by the federation of state boards of physical therapy. The appropriate coursework evaluation tool means the latest edition coursework evaluation tool that applies to the period when the applicant was initially licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the initial country or state of license. The section may accept an evaluation completed for another state if the other state's educational requirements for licensure, including the coursework tool used, were substantially equivalent to Ohio's for the period of review.

(2) The following professional education evaluating services are approved by the section to conduct and submit an evaluation of education credentials to the section:

(a) Foreign credentialing commission on physical therapy, inc. (FCCPT).

(b) International consultants of Delaware, inc. (ICD).

(c) International education research foundation, inc. (IERF).

(3) A list of approved professional education evaluating services shall also be available on the board's website (http://otptat.ohio.gov).

(E) To be considered reasonably equivalent to the requirements established in rule 4755-23-02 of the Administrative Code, the applicant's international education must contain evidence of the content and distribution of coursework identified in the appropriate coursework evaluation tool identified in paragraph (D)(1) of this rule.

(F) The general education requirements established in rule 4755-23-02 of the Administrative Code may be satisfied by credits earned through successful completion of college level examination program (CLEP) or advanced placement (AP) credits.

(G) Evaluations prepared pursuant to paragraph (D) of this rule reflect only the findings and conclusions of the evaluating service and shall not be binding upon the physical therapy section. In accordance with division (B) of section 4755.45 of the Revised Code or division (B) of section 4755.451 of the Revised Code, if the physical therapy section determines that an applicant's education is not reasonably equivalent to the educational requirements that were in force for license in Ohio on the date of the applicant's initial license or registration in another state or international country, the physical therapy section shall send written notice via certified mail stating the reasons why the applicant's education is not reasonably equivalent.

(H) All internationally-educated applicants shall demonstrate a working knowledge of English by obtaining:

(1) Scores of at least:

(a) 4.5 on the test of written English (TWE);

(b) Fifty on the test of spoken English (TSE); and

(c) Two hundred twenty on the computer based test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) or five hundred sixty on the paper based TOEFL; or

(2) Scores on the TOEFL iBT of at least:

(a) Twenty-four on the writing section;

(b) Twenty-six on the speaking section;

(c) Twenty-one on the reading comprehension section;

(d) Eighteen on the listening comprehension section; and

(e) Eighty-nine on the overall examination.

(3) An internationally-educated applicant whose native language is English and who graduated from a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant education program located in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom shall not be required to demonstrate a working knowledge of English.

(I) An applicant must meet the requirements established in paragraph (H) of this rule prior to the board making the applicant eligible to sit for the examinations specified in rule 4755-23-03 of the Administrative Code.

(J) An internationally-educated applicant who is a candidate for licensure by endorsement may request a waiver for the TOEFL requirements established in paragraph (H) of this rule. In order to qualify for a waiver, the applicant must show proof of completion of a minimum of one thousand hours of clinical practice each year in a state or territory of the United States or in a country listed in paragraph (H)(3) of this rule for three of the last ten years immediately prior to application. No more than five years can have elapsed since the applicant has been actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy. The physical therapy section may, at its discretion, grant a waiver of the TOEFL requirement.

Last updated March 20, 2023 at 11:43 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.42, 4755.421, 4755.43, 4755.431, 4755.44, 4755.441, 4755.45, 4755.451
Five Year Review Date: 2/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/2010, 7/1/2015

Rule 4755-23-13 | Requirements for teaching physical therapy.

• Effective: May 1, 2009
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Pursuant to section 4755.482 of the Revised Code, no individual shall teach a physical therapy theory and procedures course in physical therapy education as the faculty of record without obtaining a license to practice physical therapy in Ohio.

(B) Notwithstanding paragraph (A) of this rule, an individual may teach a physical therapy theory and procedures course as the faculty of record without holding an Ohio physical therapy license in the following situations:

(1) A physical therapist who holds a current, valid license to practice physical therapy in another U.S. state or territory may teach physical therapy theory and procedures for up to one year without obtaining a license in Ohio.

(2) A physical therapist who holds a current, valid license or registration to practice physical therapy in another country who is not licensed as a physical therapist in any U.S. state or territory may teach a physical therapy theory and procedures course without holding an Ohio physical therapy license if the following apply:

(a) Either the foreign licensed individual or the physical therapy educational institution apply to the physical therapy section for authorization for the individual to teach for up to one year; and

(b) A designated member(s) of the physical therapy section approves the application.

(C) One year means three hundred sixty-five consecutive days from the first day that the individual teaches in Ohio.

(D) If a non-Ohio licensed physical therapist plans on teaching physical therapy theory and procedures for more than one year, the individual must obtain an Ohio physical therapist license prior to the completion of the one year period.

(E) An individual teaching physical therapy theory and procedures as the faculty of record without a current Ohio license pursuant to paragraph (B) of this rule must notify the physical therapy section. The notification shall include:

(1) The individual's name;

(2) The physical therapy education institution where the individual will teach;

(3) The name and number of the course(s) that the individual will teach;

(4) The date that the individual will commence teaching in Ohio; and

(5) The license number for all valid physical therapy licenses held in the United States or any foreign country.

Last updated May 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.482
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025

Rule 4755-23-14 | Criminal records check.

• Effective: May 1, 2012
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) In addition to the requirements established in rules 4755-23-01 to 4755-23-04 of the Administrative Code, all applicants for initial licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall submit to a criminal records check completed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with section 4755.70 of the Revised Code. The results of the criminal records check shall be received by the board prior to the issuance of a license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

(B) An applicant requesting a criminal records check shall provide the bureau of criminal identification and investigation with the applicant's name, address, and any other information required by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the purpose of completing the criminal records checks. The applicant shall cause the results of the criminal records checks to be forwarded to the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board at "77 South High Street, 16th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108."

(C) In the request, the applicant shall ask the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to obtain from the federal bureau of investigation any information it has pertaining to the applicant.

(D) The physical therapy section will only accept the results of a criminal records check that is submitted to the board directly by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in compliance with this rule.

(E) A criminal records check will not be required if the applicant has caused the results of a criminal records check to be filed with the board in accordance with the requirements of this rule within six months of the date that the board received the results of the criminal records check. A new criminal records check will be required if the applicant's criminal records check on file with the board is greater than six months old based on the date the board received the report.

Last updated August 25, 2023 at 10:43 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4776.03
Amplifies: 4755.70
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/2009

Rule 4755-23-15 | Reinstatement or reconsideration of denied/revoked license.

• Effective: July 13, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) A person whose license is revoked or denied under the provisions of section 4755.47 of the Revised Code may apply for reinstatement of the license or reconsideration of the denial of license prescribed by the rules of the section after either of the following dates, whichever is later:

(1) One year from the date of recovcation or denial; or

(2) Date set in the board's recovcation or denial order.

(B) In evaluating an application for reinstatement of a license or reconsideration of denial of a license, the physical therapy section must consider the following:

(1) The nature and severity of the acts that resulted in revocation or denial of license;

(2) The time elapsed since the commission of the acts;

(3) Possible additional violations occurring after the revocation or denial;

(4) Compliance with previous orders of the physical therapy section; and

(5) Any evidence of rehabilitation that the applicant may submit to the section.

Last updated August 25, 2023 at 10:41 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.47
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/2010

Rule 4755-23-16 | Physical therapy compact privileges.

• Effective: October 1, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) As required by section 4755.57 of the Revised Code, the physical therapy section shall comply with all by laws, rules, and administrative regulations of the physical therapy compact commission.

(B) Pursuant to section 4.A.7. of the compact in section 4755.57 of the Revised Code, all physical therapy compact privilege applicants seeking to obtain a compact privilege in Ohio are also required to successfully pass the Ohio jurisprudence assessment module (JAM) that is offered through the federation of state boards of physical therapy. The JAM must be passed prior to the individual practicing physical therapy in the state of Ohio. The JAM is also required prior to renewal of a compact privilege to continue practicing physical therapy in Ohio. Practicing physical therapy in Ohio prior to passage of the JAM may result in disiciplinary action, including termination of the applicant's compact privilege.

Last updated October 1, 2021 at 8:57 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.57
Amplifies: 4755.57
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2026

Rule 4755-23-17 | Militaryprovisions related to licensure.

• Effective: March 22, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Definitions.

(1) "Armed forces" means:

(a) The armed forces of the United States, including the army, navy, air force, marine corps, and coast guard;

(b) A reserve component of the armed forces listed in paragraph (A)(1)(a) of this rule;

(c) The national guard, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state;

(d) The commissioned corps of the United States public health service;

(e) The merchant marine service during wartime; or

(f) The Ohio organized militia when engaged in full-time national guard duty for a period of more than thirty days.

(2) "Member" means any person who is serving in the armed forces.

(3) "Military duty" includes service in the uniformed services on active duty, in the active guard and reserve, and as a military technician dual status under 10 U.S.C. 10216.

(4) "Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, who has been discharged under honorable conditions or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

(B) Temporary military licensure when the eligible person has a license in another state.

(1) In accordance with section 4743.041 of the Revised Code, a person who presents the following qualifications is eligible for a temporary military license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in Ohio.

(a) The person holds a valid license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant issued by another state;

(b) The person is in good standing in all states of licensure;

(c) The person presents adequate proof to the physical therapy section that the person or the person's spouse is on military duty in the state of Ohio; and

(d) The person complies with the criminal records check requirements in section 4755.70 of the Revised Code. The results of the criminal records check must be received by the board prior to the issuance of a military license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

(2) The physical therapy section must abide by the timelines set forth in division (D) of section 4743.041 in granting a temporary military license.

(3) An application for a temporary military license must include the following:

(a) Proof of either of the following:

(i) That the applicant is on military duty and is stationed in Ohio; or

(ii) That the applicant is married to a person on military duty who is stationed in Ohio.

(b) Proof that the applicant holds a valid unrestricted license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in another state;

(c) Attestation that the applicant has complied with the criminal records check in section 4755.70 of the Revised Code;

(d) Attestation that the applicant is aware that the temporary military license will be revoked in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code if:

(i) The person's licensed issued by another state expires or is revoked, or the person is not in good standing;

(ii) For a person who is a military spouse, six months have elapsed since the divorce, dissolution, or annulment of the marriage to a person on military duty;

(iii) The person is disqualified from obtaining a license because of a conviction, judicial finding of guilt, or plea of guilty to a disqualifying criminal offense specified on the list the board has made available pursuant to division (C) of section 9.78 of the Revised Code.

(4) A temporary military license expires six years after the date of issuance. A person may apply for a non-military license by endorsement while the military license is active.

(5) The physical therapy section must waive all fees associated with a military license.

(6) A person holding a military license must practice within the scope of practice for physical therapy for the state of Ohio and may not exceed the person's education or training.

(C) Military programs of training which may be accepted for members of the military who do not have an out of state license.

In accordance with section 5903.03 of the Revised Code, the following military programs of training, military primary specialties, and lengths of service are substantially equivalent to or exceed the educational and experience requirements for licensure as a:

(1) Physical therapist.

(a) Military programs of training.

A person serving in a military primary specialty listed in paragraph (C)(1)(b) of this rule must be a graduate of a physical therapist program accredited by the commission on accreditation in physical therapy education (CAPTE) to serve in that specialty or attend the "United States Army Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy (School 083; Course 6-250-C18-65B)."

(b) Military primary specialties.

(i) Army: physical therapist (AOC 65B)

(ii) Navy: physical therapy (NOBC 0873)

(iii) Air force: physical therapist (AFSC 42B3)

(c) Lengths of service.

There are no minimal lengths of service that would be substantially equivalent to or exceed the educational and experience requirements for licensure as a physical therapist.

(2) Physical therapist assistant.

(a) Military programs of training.

The following program at the medical education and training campus at fort Sam Houston, Texas, is substantially equivalent to the educational requirements for licensure as a physical therapist assistant, provided that the applicant completed one of the bridge programs identified in paragraphs (C)(2)(a)(iv) to (C)(2)(a)(vi) of this rule.

(i) Army: school 083; course 303-68F10 (course 303-N9 prior to 2014).

(ii) Navy: school 083; course B-303-0150.

(iii) Air force: school 083; course L8ABJ4J032 01AA.

(iv) Community college of the air force in fort Sam Houston, Texas.

(v) Arapahoe community college in Littleton, Colorado.

(vi) Lake Superior college in Duluth, Minnesota.

(vii) An applicant who completed a program identified in paragraphs (C)(2)(a)(i) to (C)(2)(a)(iii) of this rule but not one of the bridge programs identified in paragraphs (C)(2)(a)(iv) to (C)(2)(a)(vi) of this rule may submit to the section the results of a physical therapist assistant educational equivalency review (PTA-EER) from the foreign credentialing commission on physical therapy, inc. (FCCPT). The section will inform the applicant of any educational deficiencies identified in the evaluation that must be remediated prior to being eligible for a license.

(b) Military primary specialties.

(i) Army: physical therapy specialist (MOS 68F).

(ii) Navy: physical therapy technician (NEC L20A).

(iii) Air force: physical medicine (AFSC 4J032).

(c) Lengths of service.

There are no minimal lengths of service that would be substantially equivalent to or exceed the educational and experience requirements for licensure as physical therapist assistant.

(D) License renewal for active members of the military.

(1) In accordance with section 5903.10 of the Revised Code, a license holder whose license expired due to the license holder's service in the armed forces is eligible for renewal of the expired license in accordance with section 4755.46 of the Revised Code and rules 4755-23-06 and 4755-24-04 of the Administrative Code, if the following conditions are met:

(a) The license holder presents the board with satisfactory evidence that, not more than six months prior to the date the evidence is submitted to the board, the license holder was honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions;

(b) The license holder is not suffering a mental or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perception skills, that affect the license holder's ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care; and

(c) The license holder meets the requirements for license renewal required by section 4755.46 of the Revised Code and rules 4755-23-06 and 4755-24-04 of the Administrative Code.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (D) of this rule also apply if the license holder's spouse served in the armed forces and the spouse's service resulted in the license holder's absence from this state.

(E) Continuing education for active members of the military.

(1) In accordance with section 5903.12 of the Revised Code, the provisions of this paragraph apply to a license holder who has been a member of the armed forces who has served on active duty for a period in excess of thirty-one days.

(2) A license holder who meets the provisions contained in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule may submit an application to the board requesting an extension of the current continuing education reporting period.

(a) The license holder must submit proper documentation certifying the active duty service and the length of that active duty service.

(b) Upon receiving the application and proper documentation, the board must extend the current continuing education reporting period by an amount of time equal to the total number of months that the license holder spent on active duty during the current continuing education reporting period. Any portion of a month served must be considered one full month.

(F) Determining fulfillment of continuing education for active members of the military.

(1) In accordance with section 5903.121 of the Revised Code, the board must consider relevant education, training, or service completed by a license holder as a member of the armed forces in determining whether a license holder has met the continuing education requirements needed to renew the license.

(2) For the board to consider relevant education, training, or service completed by the license holder in accordance with paragraph (F) of this rule, the license holder must submit a request for consideration and documentation of the education, training, or service to the board at least ninety days prior to the expiration of the license.

(G) The application fee must be waived for an applicant who is a current member of the armed forces for the following application types.

(1) Initial licensure by examination, outlined in rule 4755-24-03 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Initial licensure by endorsement, outlined in rule 4755-24-03 of the Administrative Code; and

(3) Reinstatement of an expired license, outlined in rule 4755-24-08 of the Administrative Code.

(H) Application process.

(1) The board's applications must include a question to identify if the applicant is a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or a spouse or surviving spouse of a member of the armed forces or veteran. This status must be stored in the licensing system.

(2) When the board receives an application from a person identified in paragraph (H)(1) of this rule, the processing of that application must be prioritized, with a goal of ensuring that a license is issued the same day that the application is complete.

Last updated April 8, 2021 at 12:20 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4743.041, 5903.03, 5903.04,
Amplifies: 4743.041, 5903.121, 5903.12 , 5903.10, 5903.03, 5903.04,
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 9/1/2014