Physical Therapist

“Physical therapy” means the evaluation and treatment of a person by physical measures and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devises, for the purpose of preventing, correcting or alleviating a disability. Physical therapy includes the establishment and modification of physical therapy programs, treatment planning, instruction and consultative services. Physical measures include massage, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound and the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to such treatment. Physical therapy does not include the diagnosis of a patient’s disability, the use of Roentgen rays or radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes or the use of electricity for cauterization or other surgical purposes. Physical therapy includes physiotherapy.  ORC § 4755.40 (A)

Each person who desires to practice physical therapy shall file with the secretary of the physical therapy section of the Ohio occupation therapy, physical therapy and athletic trainers’ board an application, and shall furnish satisfactory proof that he or she has the following qualifications:

1. At least eighteen (18) years of age;
2. Good moral character; and
3. Completed a program of physical therapy education approved by the section that includes:

• A minimum of sixty (60) academic semester credits or its equivalent from a recognized college, including courses in the biological and other physical sciences; and
• An accredited course in physical therapy education that has provided adequate instruction in the basic sciences, clinical sciences and physical therapy theory and procedures, as determined by the section.  ORC § 4755.42 (A)

Each person who desires to be licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall file an application with the secretary of the physical therapy section, and shall furnish satisfactory proof that he or she is of good moral character and has either completed a program of education approved by the section or on November 21, 1977, has been for at least two years engaged full-time in this state as a physical therapist assistant. An approved education program for physical therapist assistants shall be at least a two year program offered by a college accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, and shall include such elementary or intermediate courses in anatomical, biological and other physical sciences as are prescribed by rule of this section. ORC § 4755.42 (B)

The rules adopted by the State Medical Board of Ohio governing the practice of limited branches of medicine or surgery only apply to practitioners of those limited branches listed in ORC § 4731.15 or the Administrative Code, and they do not apply to physicians or surgeons, to podiatrists, to midwives, to nurse anesthetists or to physical therapists. OAC § 4731-1-02 (A)

Physical Therapist