Utah

United States Physical Therapy Practice Acts

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Temporary License Requirements/Availability[1][edit | edit source]

Obtaining a temporary physical therapy license in the state of Utah is not available. A physical therapists must be licensed in order to pracitce physical therapy in Utah.

Requirements for License[1][edit | edit source]

To apply for a physical therapy license in the state of Utah, an applicant must:

1. be of good moral character

2. complete the application process, including payment of fees

3. submit proof of graduation from a professional physical therapist education program that is accredited by a recognized accreditation agency

4. pass an open-book, take-home Utah Physical Therapy Law and Rule Examination

5. after complying with Subsection (1)(c), pass a licensing examination

6. be able to read, write, speak, understand, and be understood in the English language and demonstrate proficiency to the satisfaction of the board and if requested by the board

7. meet any other requirments established by the division, by rule

Supervision[1][edit | edit source]

A licensed physical therapist assitant is authorized to practice physical therapy within their scope of practice only under the on-site supervision or general supervision of a licensed physical therepist. They may not be supervised by any person other than a licensed physical therapist.


A physical therapy aide may not engage in the practice of physical therapy, but may provide routine assitance to a licensed physical therapist if the physical therapy aide is under the on-site supervision of the licensed physical therapist.

A physical therapy aide may also provide routine assistance to a licensed physical therapist assistant if the physical therapy aide is under the general or on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist or under the on-site supervision of the licensed physical therapist assistant.


On-site supervision is defined in the Utah practice act as supervision and oversight of a person by a licensed physical therapist or a licensed physical therapist assistant when the licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant is continuously present at the facility where the person is providing services; immediately available to assist the person; and regularly involved in the services being provided by the person.


General supervision is defined in the Utah practice act as supervision and oversight of a person by a licensed physical therapist when the licensed physical therapist is immediately available in person, by telephone, or by electronic communication to assist the person.

Physical Therapy Students[edit | edit source]

The Physical Therapy Act for the state of Utah does not have specific guidelines addressing physical therapy students.

Continued Competence[2][edit | edit source]

Continuing education competency is required in the state of Utah, and must be reported at the time of license renewal every two years. The amount of continued education competency hours was not enclosed in the practice act but according to the Utah Physical Therapy Association (UPTA), 40 hours of continuing education needs to be completed every two years. 

Does the Act appear restrictive? Why/Why not?[edit | edit source]

Utah's physical therapy act does not appear to restrictive. The words "may not" were used a few times, but mostly the phrases "shall," "may practice if," and "may engage" were used when discussing physical therapist regulations. 

Is there anything unusual about this act?[edit | edit source]

A few unusual things about this practice act included the fact that in order to obtain a physical therapy license in Utah, one must be of good moral character. In what way does the state of Utah determine is one has good moral character? 


Also, there are a lot of sections and regulations for physical therapist practicing on animals for "animal physical therapy."


References[edit | edit source]

References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Steinagel M. Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Physical Therapist Practice Act, 58-24b. 07/01/2009 [cited 2012 Apr 19]. Available from: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Website: http://www.dopl.utah.gov/laws/58-24b.pdf
  2. Utah Physical Therapy Association. CEU Requirements. 06/01/2009 [cited 2012 Apr 19]. Available from: Utah Physical Therapy Association, Webiste: http://www.uptaonline.org/upta-continuing-education.php


Disclaimer:   Informational Content is assimilated from the state practice act is a resource only and should not be considered a  substitute for the content within the state practice act.  All state practice acts can change and it is recommended that you refer to the original resource in the link above.