School Physical Therapist First Time

This application is for people seeking their first-tier certification for the school physical therapist role.

• Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required if a valid certificate is not already on record.
• Bachelor's degree in physical therapy from an American Physical Therapy Association-approved institution; must submit official transcripts showing degree conferral.
• Hold a valid physical therapist license issued by the Washington State Department of Health or the Physical Therapy Compact Commission. 
• Must provide verification of ONE of the following:
  A 15-clock-hour or one semester-hour course approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) prior to or within one year of application.
  OR
  Completion of any state's approved preparation program leading to K–12 certification for the school physical therapist role (Form 4099E)
  OR
  Three years of out-of-state experience in the school physical therapist role (Form 4020F-1)

PERMIT NOTE: An individual may be issued a temporary permit valid for one year, allowing them to practice in the role if they meet all other requirements (fingerprinting, degree, license if required), but have not yet provided verification of ESA course, out-of-state program completion, or appropriate out-of-state experience. The candidate shall verify one of the three requirements (course, program, or experience) to the OSPI Professional Certification Department during the one-year period.

Apply

If you have all the necessary documentation to apply for this certificate, log in to: E-Certification