§ 2101. Eligibility

(a) An applicant for a license as a physical therapist shall:

(1) be a graduate of a professional physical therapy education program accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the Director;

(2) pass an examination approved by the Director; and

(3) pass an approved English proficiency exam if the applicant's native language is not English.

(b) An applicant for a license as a physical therapist who has been educated outside the United States and has graduated from a professional physical therapy education program not accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the Director shall:

(1) provide satisfactory evidence that the applicant's education is substantially equivalent to the requirements of physical therapists educated in an accredited education program as determined by the Director. For the purpose of this section, “substantially equivalent” means that an applicant for licensure educated outside the United States shall have:

(A) graduated from a physical therapist education program that prepares the applicant to engage in the practice of physical therapy without restriction;

(B) provided written proof that the applicant's school of physical therapy education is recognized by its own ministry or department of education;

(C) undergone a credentials evaluation as directed by the Director that demonstrates that the candidate has met uniform criteria for educational requirements as adopted by rule; and

(D) completed any additional education as required by the Director;

(2) pass an approved English proficiency examination if the applicant's native language is not English; and

(3) pass an examination approved by the Director.

(c) An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant shall:

(1) be a graduate of a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the Director;

(2) pass an approved English proficiency examination if the applicant's native language is not English; and

(3) pass an examination approved by the Director.