Once you have an LPN license you are unfortunately not finished with the requirements for being an LPN. You also, in addition, need to engage in LPN license renewal on a regular basis. Licensure renewal rules tend to differ from state to state so you need to look into the specific procedures and standards that your state (which is the state in which you are licensed to work as an LPN) has for renewal.

Requirements For LPN Licensure Renewal

There are a number of requirements involved in LPN license renewal and you will be responsible for determining what the specific requirements for your state are and how far apart the license renewal periods tend to be. If you are uncertain on this count you could simply refer to your state board of nursing website for further information. In addition you will usually be sent a reminder letter that you LPN license requires renewal to the address that the board has listed as your current one (which is a good reason to keep your personal details updated).  Although there are state by state differences there are also a number of requirements that are fairly consistent across states:

Continuing Competency Requirements

The first thing that you may have to do in order to renew your LPN license in your state is to show continuing competency. This is different to continuing education and requires proof that you are still competent in your role as an LPN. There are state-based differences in this regard. Let’s look at Mississippi as an example. In this state you can prove continuing competency in one of three ways:

• You can complete a nursing board-approved orientation program and provide a copy of that certification to the state licensing board.

• You can complete 20 hours of contact educational work in nursing, accredited by an approved agency, within two years.

• You can take continuing education classes that amount to a minimum of three semester hours within the two-year nursing license period.

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education involves attending additional training programs in specific topics that count as continuing education credits in order to stay up to date in terms of developments in nursing and in order to ensure that the profession as a whole continues to function at a high level. The number of hours of continuing education credits required differs from state to state. IN Florida 24 hours are required. In some other states, there are no continuing education credits required for relicensing at all. Although continuing education is generally compulsory, many nurses choose to do more than necessary simply because they enjoy expanding their knowledge and their employment opportunities.

Criminal Background Check

Being an LPN requires that you have no criminal background as this may be a bad reflection on your moral character and therefore on your ability to successfully perform a job such as this. There are two things to keep in mind:

• All states require that you do a criminal background check before becoming an LPN> this will include a fingerprint check which you will usually have to pay for out of your own pocket.

• In addition several states require that you undergo a background check of this nature every time that you seek to renew your LPN license. Again you will usually be expected to pay for this yourself every time you renew your license.

Steps For LPN Licensure Renewal

The process of receiving LPN license renewal is a fairly simple one, although in most cases it will require a certain amount of hard work, especially in terms of the required continuing education hours. However there is a certain logic to the process and consequently it can be divided into some fairly basic st3eps that can be followed in order to achieve license renewal. Again, because of the differences that can be observed between states, the following steps may not be directly applicable to you. Specific information about the process in your state is required in order for you to become recertified and relicensed there. In addition you will need to consider licensing laws if you ever elect to move to a different state.

Step 1

The first step should be obvious based on the preceding discussion: the first thing that you need to do is to contact your state board of nursing and determine what the LPN license renewal requirements are for your state. Remember to find out what the procedures are regarding the following:

• Time frames: this refers to the points in time at which you are expected to renew your license. The most common time frame for LPN license renewal is one every two years.

• Fees: There are fees involved in renewing your license and these will differ from state to state. They are also required for license renewal.

• Continuing education credits and/or contact hours

Step 2

Once you have determined when and how you should renew your license, you will have t then submit proof to your state board of nursing that you have in fact completed the continuing education required by that state. These tend to differ as well, but the most common number of hours that you will usually need to provide proof of is 24 hours within a two period. 30 hours within a two year period is also often a requirement. Some states determine this based on the number of credits you earn rather than on the number of hours spent learning the work, so this is another thing that you will need to find out from your state board of nursing.

Step 3

Although most states allow you to complete continuing education credits or hours in any subject related to nursing that takes your fancy, some states require you to complete your continuing education in very specific areas. Here are two examples:

• In Ohio at least one contact hour submitted from LPN license renewal applicants must be related to Chapters 4723, 1-23 of the Ohio Nurse Practice Code and Rules.

• In New York State the Board of Nursing requires LPN renewal applicants to complete three contact hours every four years in the subject of infection control.

This is substantially more limiting than being allowed to study what you would prefer, but even in these states you will be able to choose the topics for the rest of your credits yourself.

Step 4

In some states there is a requirement that you have to submit proof of active practice as an LPN when renewing your license. In some cases this will serve as a substitute for actual continuing education, while in other situations you may be required to present proof of both active practice and continuing education. Once again there are differences from state to state that need to be taken into account. For example:

• In North Carolina you need to have proof of 640 hours in active practice within the two years prior to renewal.

• In Wyoming  you need to have proof of 1600 hours of nursing practice within the five years prior to renewal.

Step 5

The next step is to adhere to any criminal background checks that are required by your state. It is important to remember that, although you complete a criminal background check in order to receive your initial licensure, you also required in several states to undergo this process every single time you renew your license. This can make it an expensive ordeal as you generally have to pay for the criminal background check yourself. Add this to the license renewal fee and you will start to worry about the costs. However you will have to do what it takes to become relicensed because you will not longer be able to work as an LPN if you do not.

Step 6

The last step involves paying your renewal fee which, like everything else, can vary from state to state. Once you have completed all of the above and paid your fee you need to ensure that you submit all of your documentation in a timely fashion. To make sure that no one is left behind the state boards of nursing generally send notices to all LPNs who are due for renewal at least a month or two before the renewal deadline in order to make sure that everyone has enough time to submit all of their paperwork. It is suggested that you renew your license as early as possible.

License renewal is a fairly simple thing to do, although it does cost a fee. However it is not worth running into trouble in your nursing career by not renewing your license when the time arose. License renewal standards are very strict. If you work as an LPN on an expired license you will considered to be practicing illegally. Your state board of nursing will most probably inform you of when you license needs renewal, but it is also your responsibility to ensure that you meet the LPN license renewal requirements.

The post Rules Regarding LPN License Renewal appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Requirements For A Social Worker License

As with any license, there are a number of requirements that you will have to meet if you want to get a social worker license. Keep these three E’s in mind when thinking about social worker licensing. They are Examination requirements, Education requirements, and Experience requirements.

Examination Requirements

In order to get a social worker license you need to pass the licensing examination. This is something that cannot be avoided, so if you are someone who under-performs in examinations generally speaking then you will have to find a way to overcome this, for example a change in studying methods. There are two criteria on which the type of examination you receive will be based, namely:

• The level of education you have obtained.
• The type of position you are hoping to achieve.

There are four main types of social worker licensing examinations. These are:

• Bachelor’s degree level
• Master’s degree level
• Clinical social work specialization
• Advanced generalist examination

The examination will consist of 170 questions. Only 150 of these questions will count towards your final result.

Education Requirements

There are, of course, also some education requirements to keep in mind. In order to work as a social worker you need to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work. The minimum qualification that you can hold is a Bachelor’s degree. The school you attend to get this qualification must be accredited by either:

• The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), or
• The Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE)

Experience Requirements

The amount of experience that you need to be a social worker will vary by state. Some states have no experience requirements while others need you to have worked as a social worker for a minimum of time in order to get a social worker license. You need to look into the requirements for your particular state in order to find out what the requirements are that you need to meet.

How To Become A Licensed Social Worker

There are a few fairly straightforward steps that you can follow in order to obtain your social worker license. There are also a few very good tips for you to keep in mind when pursuing your social worker licensure.

Follow these broad steps and you will have no trouble at all:

Step 1

In most states you are required to have a Master’s Degree in Social Work before you can become licensed, it is therefore suggested that you do not apply for licensure until you have the Master’s degree. Of course in most cases you first have to earn the Bachelor’s degree before you can go in to earning the Master’s, so this will be the first step. Remember to ensure that the program or school that you eventually choose to attend is one that is appropriately accredited and that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need for the licensing exam.

Step 2

Step two involves working in a supervised capacity. You need to try to get an internship or job n which you will be carefully supervised by a skilled and qualified social worker. This is not a requirement in all states. However it is suggested that you do this even if you plant to practice in a state where it is not a requirement. This is because this type of interaction can provide you with a number of useful skills that cannot be picked up from books and will make your exam as well as you career far easier. In states where it is required you will normally have to work in this way for about 2 years before you are eligible to write the licensing exam.

The America Association of State Counseling Boards is your next port of call. This is a website that will provide you with state board information for your state. You need to find out the particular requirements of your state’s counseling or behavioral health examination board as they can vary significantly from state to state. Make sure you meet the specified requirements before you bother registering for the exam.

Then you simply need to prepare for the examination and write it. After this, patience is required. Your results will come through eventually; you just need to wait for them. If you pass the exam your license will be sent to you by mail and you will be able to begin practicing as a licensed social worker.

Tips

The following tips are very important to keep in mind in order to ensure that you do not waste your time.

Firstly it is important that you are completely sure of the minimum age requirement for a social worker license in your state. Remember that these things can vary significantly from state to state and you do not want to register for the exam and then be told that you are too young.

• You should purchase the necessary study material well before your actual licensing examination date. If you do not do this you may find that you have inadequate time to go through everything that requires your attention before the examination is written. Advanced preparation will stand you in good stead and the sooner you start studying the easier you’ll find the exam and the more confident you will be when you write it.

• If you have an international degree, it can be recognized by the United States by the International Social Work Degree Equivalency Recognition Service provided through the Council on Social Work Education, but remember that additional licensing requirements apply to a social worker that holds an international degree.

These are some of the tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to the issue of the social worker license.

Preparation for the Licensing Exam

In order to get your license you will need to be well prepared for the licensing exam. This section will provide you with some of the important information that you need to pass your social worker licensing exam easily.

Firstly, on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website, you will find information for each of the following exams:

• Bachelor’s degree level
• Master’s degree level
• Clinical social work specialization
• Advanced generalist examination

This will give you an outline of what to expect from each of the exams. It will also give you an idea of what sections of the work you have studied will be covered and to what degree.

Order a study guide. No matter how confident you are feeling about the exam it is still better that you do all of the extra preparation that you can so that you do not take any chances with the outcome. Study guides are affordable and you will be glad that you bought one in the long run.

Go over any past papers that you can get your hands on. This will give you an idea of what topics come up frequently in the exam. In will also give you an idea of the way the questions are laid out. Note that in licensing exams question are often repeated, so make sure that by the time you write the exam you are comfortable that you know all of the answers to the practice exam questions. There are a number of online review courses that you can use to help you in this regard. These courses will provide you with test papers and study tips, but they usually come at a fee.

There are also seminars held across the country that you can attend in order to help you prepare for the licensing examination. These seminars are well worth the time and money as you will:

• Be adequately prepared for the actual content of the test

• Get an idea of what the best test taking strategy for you personally is

Now you should have a good idea of what you need to do in order to get your social worker license. It is very important that you take the time necessary to achieve this as you want to be a legal social worker. You will also find it far easier to get a job if you have a license. The steps, as you can see, are fairly easy, and after having received your qualification as a social worker at a formal institute the actual licensing exam should not present any difficulties for you are all.

The post Information About Social Worker Licenses appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

• It will gain you access to the stable and ever-expanding health care sector.
• It will open up new career paths for you in the future.
• It does not take a lot of time.

Eligibility Requirements

How Old Must You Be?

In order to apply for a certified nursing assistant license you do have to be at least 18 years of age. This holds true for all states in which the license is available and there is no point in applying if you are longer. Fortunately this is one of the requirements that you will have after time, so if you wait patiently you will soon be old enough.

The Competency Course

You will also have to pass a written competency course in order to get your CNA license. It is very important that you are well prepared for this course and that you work hard to pass it. The course includes a certain number of practical hours which you will have to complete under the close supervision of a qualified nurse.

High School Education

The nest thing that you will have to have is a high school diploma. You need to have completed high school or the equivalent thereof. You will have to submit your high school transcript when applying for entry into a license program. If you have attended any college courses in any subjects at all you will also have to provide those transcripts too so that the course you enrol in will be aware of your academic skill level.

How Good Is Your English?

A very important part of being a CNA involves speaking with patients on a regular basis. In fact this in some ways is the primary task that you will perform. As a result you will need to be fluent in English to make conversation easier if you want to get your CNA license.

CNA Licensing Exam

The license exam is divided into two parts, namely:

• The Clinical Exam, and
• The Theoretical Exam

Both of these exams are essential to getting your certified nursing assistant license and you will not be able to qualify as a CNA if you have not passed both aspects. This is just the way it is.

In the clinical exam you will have to demonstrate that you have learned everything that you were required to earn during your practical training. You will be examined in a clinical setting and you will have to show that you know how to perform a number of tasks that you will be required to perform on a daily basis once you are a CNA. There are a few things to keep in mind during this part of the exam. The first thing is that you should not panic. Stay calm and do your best. You also need to remember that the examiner will be watching everything that you do, so concentrate hard and stay focused during the test. If you have prepared properly then this part of the license exam should be no trouble for you at all.

Once you have done the clinical exam you will need to write the theoretical exam. DO NOT attempt this exam unless you are sure you can pass it. A good way to determine whether or not you are ready is to look for sample questions online and keep on answering them until you get them right most of the time. Be well prepared.

Steps In Getting Your License

Step 1

The first thing that you will have to do is to get hold of the application form from the CNA license authority and then send it to the State Licensing Office. You will have to have your application form notarized before sending it off.

Step 2

You will then have to verify the training that you have undergone by completing the verification of training form. This is to check that the school or program you attended was accredited. If it was not accredited you will not get your license.

Step 3

To the Department of Public Safety you will have to submit a fingerprint card and a background check. You will also have to pass the required health check to ensure that you are fit and able.

Step 4

You will then have to sit back and wait to see if your application for your CNA license has been approved or not. This may take a while and there is nothing you can do to speed up the process, so patience is required at this point.

Step 5

You will have to pay a licensing fee in order to get your license, so make sure that you get this money together. The actual amount you will have to pay varies depending on the state you are in, so find out this information early

Step 6

Remember that you will be sent notification regarding your application. It is not a good idea to call the State Board of Nursing to check on the progress of your application.

CNA License Renewal

So now that you have your CNA license you will need to keep it updated. The license you are given will only be valid for a very limited time. You will need to find out all about license renewal for your particular state as this can also vary from state to state. In most states your license will have an expiration date and certified nursing assistant license renewal will have to occur about once a year. There is usually a fee involved, but again, the fee for license renewal depends on the state in which you are working as a CNA. These amounts can vary quite drastically so make sure you know well ahead of time exactly how much money you will have to get together to renew your license. In addition to the fee you may also have to provide proof of continuing education for your CNA license renewal in some states. Continuing education comes in the form of training programs that you have to complete in order to keep your knowledge of the field updated. This is very important and when it is made compulsory it means that the general standard of CNA service in that state is at a higher level. Find out how much continuing education, if any, you will have to do for your license renewal, and then do it with a smile on your face because it is very beneficial. Some states inform CNAs of CNA license renewal dates and requirements, but some states require that you check the information for yourself.

CNA License Verification

In order to practice as a CNA you will not only have to have a license, but you will also need to have a license that is valid. It is your responsibility to check the validity of your license, and the method that you go through to determine CNA license verification is very similar to that used in the previous section for renewing your license. There are a lot of factors involved in license verification, it is also suggested that you get your hands on the original copy of your CNA license as this is the copy containing the official seal of the state board of nursing and will therefore be the most convincing document you will have to prove that you have a certified nursing assistant license. Some steps in license verification are:

• Go to the Nurse’s Aide Registry and type in the name of your state to get the telephone number you need.
• Some states have an online CNA license verification system, so check your state’s registry site for this.
• If you decide to actually visit the registry office make sure that you take all information such as your licensing number with you.
• There is a fee to pay in order to get license verification, but again this varies from state to state.
• You can then have the license mailed or emailed to you, but the hardcopy option is definitely the best.
• There are also independent organisations through which you can get license verification.

Transferring Your License To Another State

If you want to start working in a different state you will have to transfer your CNA license from your current state to that other state in order to continue practicing as a CNA. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when doing this.

Some states have a reciprocity policy which means that they automatically accept licenses from other states without any trouble at all. This is true for states where the licensing procedures and coursework are very similar. All you will have to do if reciprocity is indeed practiced is to submit your employment proofs, social security number, educational proofs as well as background check. The license will still have to be transferred, but in many cases you will be able to start working while you wait for the transfer to go through, and thereby not waste any precious time.

If the state does not practice reciprocity you will have to write the clinical and theoretical examinations for that state in order to get a certified nursing assistant license that is valid for that state in particular. This is very important, and one of the first things that you will have to do before moving to another state is to find out what the license transference policies are so that you will actually be able to work once you are there. Once the license has been transferred it may take a while for it to actually get to you so you need to be patient and wait it out.

Suspension Of Your License

In some cases you may get your CNA license suspended. This is of course not ideal, and hopefully you will never be placed in this situation, but it is worth mentioning the procedures and so on here so that you are prepared for all outcomes.

The suspension of your license can be initiated by either the person or company you are employed by, or the State Board of Nursing. A complaint will need to be made about you to the State Board of Nursing and this will initiate an investigation into your actions as a CNA. Once the investigation is concluded it will be decided that either you were in the wrong or you were not. If you are deemed to be in the wrong, your CNA license will be suspended. The CNA in question will have to attend a hearing. In some cases, if the offense is particularly bad, the CNA may also be fined or even have their license permanently removed.

When applying for a job it looks bad to have on your record the information that your license was previously suspended. If you want to keep your credibility as a CNA you will have to do everything in your power to keep your certified nursing assistant license in good standing. If you do not this could affect you in a variety of extremely negative ways which you should avoid at all costs. Ensuring that your license has no blemishes in its history, and keeping your education up to date, are two of the best ways to keep your license in good standing.

Now that you have all of the information required should be well informed regarding your CNA license and how to get it. The facts above are fairly exhaustive and if you follow the suggestions and steps laid out in this article you will have no trouble at all getting your license. Becoming a CNA allows you to later progress to becoming an LPN and perhaps even an RN in the future so this qualification can be used as the first stepping stone in your nursing career.

The post Getting Your CNA License appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Where To Have Your RN License Verified

The place for you to go in order to confirm your RN license verification is Nursys.com where you will be able to check your license using one of three quick and easy methods. Nursys is the official nursing license verification body for the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing, so this is definitely the place to go if you are looking for information about the status of your RN nursing license. At this website you will be able to get information about your license’s verification details. If you need to certify yourself and your license this is also the website that you should consult in order to find out how to go about achieving this process. There are also a number of fees involved in RN license verification but you will be able to find out exactly how much it will cost you at the Nursys website. This is by far the most useful and reliable resource for getting your licensed verified for working in another state. There are three services offered by Nursys, namely the Licensure Quick Confirm service, Nurse License Verification service, and the Nursys Emergency Responder service. We will discuss all of these in more detail in a little while.

Because there is such a problem when it comes to providing nursing staff for all of the regions that need it so desperately, Nursys attempts to make the RN license verification process as painless and quick as possible so that everyone involved can get what they want. Moving to another state to work should be an easy process for you to undergo, so Nursys attempts to make it as easy as they believe it should be. Let us go on now to discuss exactly how you can get your license verified with Nursys.com.

Licensure Quick Confirm

The first option offered by Nursys is the Licensure Quick Confirmation option and, as the name implies, it is a quick and convenient way for you to retrieve information about your license and find any documentation that you may need for your job application. It is also a free way of obtaining RN license verification. The process is easy. Once you have reached the website click on the link that says “Nurse License Verification” above the paragraph that reads “I am a nurse who needs my license verified for another state where I am applying for a license”. This will take you to the RN license verification terms and conditions to which you should agree. Once you have agreed to the terms and conditions there will be a number of easy steps for you to follow in order to get RN license verification. Follow them carefully and obey all of the instructions given. Fill in the most accurate information possible so that you particular license can be found. Once you have found your license you will be able to check its status.

Not all states take part in this option, so you will not be able to use the Quick Confirm service if live in a state other than the ones listed below.

The states currently participating in the Licensure Quick Confirm option offered by Nursys are:

• Alaska
• American Samoa
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• DC
• Florida
• Guam
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virgin Islands
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

The states also involved in the Nursing Licensure Compact are:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

Nurse License Verification

The second option offered by Nursys is the Nurse License Verification option. This is specifically for nurses looking for RN license verification in order to work in other states and it is a very quick and convenient method of finding out about your verification options. In order to do this you will have to accurately complete the Nursys verification process which can be found online at their website. There is also a fee involved in this verification process. The fee is $30. This amount of $30 is payable for each license type that you are interested in and form each state board of nursing hat you will have to work under. This can be expensive, but it is definitely worth it as you will then have the opportunity to work in another state in a potentially much better position.

The states that participate in this are:

• Alaska
• American Samoa
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Guam
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virgin Islands
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Nursys Emergency Responder

The last option offered by Nursys is the Emergency responder option. This is for the mass RN license verification of numerous nurses all at once. You may wonder why this form of RN license verification is needed. Well in general it is only used in cases where a national emergency is declared and qualified RN nurses are needed on a large scale in order to deal with the problem. This allows a government or company to quickly verify the licenses of nurses from other states so that they will be allowed to temporarily relocate to the area where the disaster has occurred and assist in the medical issues that arise there.

Only nurses from the following states will be able to have their licenses verified in this way:

• Alaska
• American Samoa
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• DC
• Florida
• Guam
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virgin Islands
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Differences by states

As with practically everything else verifying your license differs from state to state so you will have to look up your license for you particular state to find out if it is verified or not. Luckily there are many states that offer this function online so you will easily be able to check you RN license verification in this way quickly and efficiently. A good place to go to get RN license verification is Health Guide USA. Remember though that this is not possible in all states as not all of them offer an online verification process.

Now you are fully equipped with all of the knowledge you need about RN license verification. It is a quick and easy thing to do and you should be able to find out in a matter of minutes whether or not you have a license that can be used in another state. There are plenty of options open to you and, because nurses are in high demand, they do try to make the verification process as easy as possible for all concerned.

The post About The RN License Verification appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

From a legal stand point a physical therapist that employs an assistant will be covered from malpractice law suits which have become common place and can cost professionals millions of dollars.

There are also benefits for a physical therapy assistant license in that on average licensed assistants get paid more and are also more likely to be employed than one who is not.

The Federation Of States Boards Of Physical Therapy

This an umbrella organisation was founded in 1986 and strives to protect the public by ensuring that physical therapy assistants are adequately trained and are competent to carry out the profession in a satisfactory manner and also to ensure that the public have access to best possible procedures and therapies available.

These boards are also there to protect the professional who are also open to abuse from both the public and professional employers. Regulation does exactly what it claims to do. It sets minimum standards which have to be met and practiced ensuring the best interests of all parties at all times.
The following is the mission statement State Board of Physical Therapy of Pennsylvania and gives one some idea of how the governments see its role.

Mission Statement:
“The State Board of Physical Therapy regulates the practice of physical therapy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the Board’s duty to pass upon the qualifications of applicants for licensure as physical therapists and registration as physical therapist assistants. Among its other functions, the Board issues, renews, suspends and revokes licenses and registrations.“

“Citation: Physical Therapy Practice Act, Act of October 10, 1975, P.L. 383, as amended, 63 P.S. § 1301 et seq.”

“Regulations of the State Board of Physical Therapy, 49 PA. CODE § 40.1 et seq.”

Laws And regulations

In the United States of America licensing laws differ from state to state. The U. S. Bureau for Labor statistics mentions that most states regulate physical therapy assistants buy requiring them to register and or hold a physical therapy assistant license.

Requirements for Registration and Licensing

Before a person can register they will need to have completed certain minimum schooling and other training requirements which can vary slightly from state to state. Generally speaking a candidate needs to obtain an associate degree after completing high school which takes about two years. The course, physical therapy assistant degree offered by the school or college needs to be accredited by the regulatory bodies and it is advisable that the student enquire whether or not the school is registered with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (CAPTE). On completion of the course the prospective assistant will be required to write an exam know as (NPTE) or National Physical Therapy Examination.

An example of a course that does meet with CAPTE approval would be Associate of Science in Physical Therapy assisting which can be taken in many schools and institutions across America.

A student can expect the course to start off with a whole lot of foundational subjects relating to the human anatomy and general medicine before moving on to more physical therapy type subjects. Core classes include therapeutic exercise, orthopaedics, pathology, neurological disorders and advanced physical therapy procedures.

Ethics

Ethics is most probably the founding reason for the formulation of regulatory bodies in any medical arena. Unethical practices are not uncommon in the physical therapy profession and the following are some examples of unethical behavior and related material.

It has been suggested that professionals break rules for four main reasons, namely, Stuff happens, Human error, negligence and recklessness. The worst offender is her or she who willfully and or purposefully violates a rule or standard of ethics.

Ethical decision making is something that takes time and experience and has to be regulated to a degree. The regulatory boards have over time worked out ways of accessing whether people have these abilities or not and hence the examinations and licensing procedures.

Reasons for a Physical Therapy Assistant License being Revoked

• Sexual misconduct. Very often healthcare workers are in a situation that makes this far easier than one would think. Often times a patient is very vulnerable and easy to take advantage of. The types of practices that could constitute sexual misconduct are, kissing, touching, inappropriate touching, male female physical contact, same sex contact in an inappropriate manner, speech and many others could have sexual connotations.

• Substance Abuse. It stands to reason the professional persons judgement could be impaired while under the influence which could result in bad decision making and poor judgement.

• Professional discipline. It is essential that accurate and honest records are professional kept for are patients and all correspondence and billing procedures.

• Fraud and misrepresentation. False record keeping and irregular billing procedures where private versus insurance companies are different. Billing of non-existent patients or patients who have not received all the care billed for to insurance companies.

• Patient Abuse. There are many cases where professionals are aware that their patients are being abused but do not report them. This could be spousal abuse, child abuse or others. Physical therapy assistants as well as other professionals are obliged to report any suspected cases of abuse to the relevant authorities.

• Medication violation. Where professionals assist patients in obtaining prescription medication for recreational use and abuse.

• Unethical behavior. Professionals may not be discriminatory in terms of race or sexual orientation. All patients deserve equal care. Other areas of unethical behavior may be in the case of advertising or false advertising.

• Poor documentation. Accurate and detailed reports are to be kept by medical professionals at all times and such records are to be kept in such a way as to protect and preserve them.

• Unlicensed practice. Certain medical disciplines have to be licensed and cannot under any circumstances be practiced without physical therapy assistant license.

• Boundary violations. This has to do with practicing in the states or areas where the licenses are valid. Geographical boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions Asked by Candidates for NPTE

What are the steps I need to take to write the exam:

• Obtain application forms from the relevant licensing authority
• Register for FSBPT online
• If you have documented a disability you can arrange for special conditions for writing your exam
• The jurisdiction licensing authority will approve or disapprove the candidates eligibility
• The FSBPT will send confirmation of eligibility or authorization to write
• An appointment will be scheduled for the examination with Prometric
• Write the exam on the predetermined dates and confirmed location.

Must I sit the exam in the jurisdiction in which I am seeking licensure:

• You may sit the exam at any of the over 300 testing centers

May I register to license with more than one jurisdiction at the same time:

• You may only register in one jurisdiction at a time

What are costs involved with registration for the exam:

• The licensure fees vary from state to state but as of January the 1st 2010 the NPTE is three hundred and seventy USD.

What is Prometric:

• Prometric is the name of the company that provides computer based testing for NPTE.

When can I take my examination:

• Examinations are scheduled with the candidate and can be arranged at any time.

What information must I provide when applying to take my Prometric exam:

• Name of the examination (Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jurisprundence Exam)
• Where and when the candidate would prefer the exam to take place
• The full names of the candidate
• Social security number or other identification number
• Contactable daytime telephone number
• Means of payment

What is the Prometric examination fee:

• National Physical Therapy PT’s is seventy dollars and sixty cents and for PTA’s the fee is fifty five dollars and sixty cents.

How long is the examination:

• Five hours are allowed for the candidates to write the exam. It is advisable to arrive half an hour before testing.

Can I cancel my exam and get a refund:

• Cancellations must be in advance and must be done in writing. Only cancellations done in writing are eligible for a refund.

How will I know what my scores were after writing the exam:

• Your scores will be available from the local licensing authority

How often can I retake an exam should I fail:

• This varies from state to state but as a general rule any candidate is usually allowed three attempts at the exam.

Who can I call if I have any queries regarding the NPTE programs:

• Write to: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy / 124s. West street, 3rd floor / Alexandria VA 22314
• Email: npte@fsbpt.org
• Telephone: 703-739-9420

The post Requirements Of A Physical Therapy Assistant License appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.