Staffed by the state Division of Corporation and Professional Licensing, this board has seven members: one physician, three physical therapists or PTAs, two occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants, and one public representative. They are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.
The board adopts regulations to carry out laws governing the practice of physical therapy. It approves schools with curricula that meet certain standards, and makes licensing decisions based on applicants’ educational accomplishments and national certification exam scores.
These officials take disciplinary actions against PTAs who violate state statutes or professional ethics. Actions include the revocation and suspension of licenses. The board also sets rules regarding continuing education, sanctioning courses and providers.
Minimum Education Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Alaska
To become a physical therapy assistant in Alaska, a student needs a high school diploma or a general education development (GED) degree.
The following step is to win admission to a nationally accredited postsecondary school that the state board has accepted. The institution must be recognized by either the American Medical Association’s Council on Medical Education and Hospitals or the American Physical Therapy Association.
The curriculum has to meet stipulations established by the AMA’s Committee of Allied Health Education and Accreditation or the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Twenty-four hours of continuing education courses directly related to patient care must be completed every year to maintain a practitioner’s license. The board approves the classes and the institutions that provide them.