question regarding california PTA license

Perry in Coldwater, Michigan said: From my experience with boards: I know there are potentially slightly different tests for every candidate, but forget about the minute little things that your instructors drilled into your head as extremely important for your exam. By this I mean: muscle origins and insertions, all the different variations of hepatitis and how to contract/pass them...you know, all that stuff you spent so much time memorizing. Just remember the basics: muscle actions, nerve roots, distributions and plexuses, tests for peripheral nerve function, burns, wound care, safety, transfers, et cetera. If you can swing 70 dollars, go to Scorebuilders.com. Their book is comprehensive, and their practice tests are way harder than the real deal. There is a cd-rom with 3 or 4 mock exams on it. The highest I scored on any of them was a 120/150 (80%) nationwide pass rate on the real exam is 600/800 raw score (75% scale based on difficulty of your particular exam). I scored 792/800 on the real exam, first attempt three weeks after graduation.

Wow man.. I am totally impressed that you passed it three weeks out of school. I have been out a month and I am still not ready. I took your advice and am drilling through the Scorebuilders Books.. i have two of them 2008 and 2009. Thanks and Congrats on having a big brain. I am stressing out but you telling me that they are easier than the real deal took a little stress off my back. Ok back to studying... bye, Jennifer in Nor California.. will take NPTAE in August

I also have a question about taking the State Laws exam. A classmate has reg'ed to take the exam in Utah because it is cheaper than CA. This sounds strange to me. Does anyone have experience with this and is working for a travel PTA any different for a CA Licenced PTA. I am just wondering if I can take the State Laws Test anywhere and then transfer to CA if I choose to stay here.. I hear that the pay is much better in Texas than in CA. Any ideas. Ok enough coffee! I just got an 88 on Scorebuilders TEst #3. Thanks for all of your suggestions. Jenn

Hi Jenn, here's what I have been told...you can take the test anywhere and transfer it for a fee but the actual state may require you to also take their test depending on the score you recieve. The key here is to check out each state individually for their requirements. Good Luck, I will be taking my test soon, just graduated last week.

Hello, I have been on the boards before but not for a couple years. I graduated in 2008 with my PTA Associate's degree and made the biggest mistake of my life not taking the exam right away. I was young and was still not sure what I wanted to do for a career. Now, three years later, I am looking to get back into the field but I am very discouraged and believe I do not have high hopes of passing being out of the field for so long. On top of that, I am in New Hampshire and I am not sure if I can even sit for the exam or not after waiting this long. What is the best route I should take to start up again? Also, if anyone has any info on PTA exam policies regarding how long one can wait after graduating to sit for the exam that would be great. Any advice would be priceless and thanks in advance!- Brian

Brian in Peterborough, New Hampshire said: Hello, I have been on the boards before but not for a couple years. I graduated in 2008 with my PTA Associate's degree and made the biggest mistake of my life not taking the exam right away. I was young and was still not sure what I wanted to do for a career. Now, three years later, I am looking to get back into the field but I am very discouraged and believe I do not have high hopes of passing being out of the field for so long. On top of that, I am in New Hampshire and I am not sure if I can even sit for the exam or not after waiting this long. What is the best route I should take to start up again? Also, if anyone has any info on PTA exam policies regarding how long one can wait after graduating to sit for the exam that would be great. Any advice would be priceless and thanks in advance!- Brian

Brian,
Too bad you waited so long, but what can you do?
In order to take boards, you have to apply for the test (FSBPT), and a state license. Every state is a little different in their requirements as far as time is concerned. If you apply and they say you need to do some coursework, it will just be a refresher. If they give you the green light, you usually have a 60 day window to set-up and take the test.
I would recommend the "Scorebuilders" study guide. The practice exams were MUCH harder than the real thing.

Good luck to you,
Steve

Hi I was wondering if there was anyone that could help me in regards to this issue. I have decided that I would like to become a PTA but I have several questions.

1. Do I have to go to an accredited PTA school? There is one about 4 hours away from where I live (Tulare Ca) I was wondering if there was a way to get the schooling done closer to home.

2. I already have AA in Psychology; can they take some of the schooling from my AA in Psychology to go towards the 2 year AA in physical therapy, that way I can get it done faster?

3. Can I take some of the courses closer to home at a school near me, Pass with flying colors and then just go for the tests?

If anyone could help me that would be wonderful! Thank you for reading this and for your time!

Shmer in Rosemead, California said: Hi I was wondering if there was anyone that could help me in regards to this issue. I have decided that I would like to become a PTA but I have several questions.

1. Do I have to go to an accredited PTA school? There is one about 4 hours away from where I live (Tulare Ca) I was wondering if there was a way to get the schooling done closer to home.

2. I already have AA in Psychology; can they take some of the schooling from my AA in Psychology to go towards the 2 year AA in physical therapy, that way I can get it done faster?

3. Can I take some of the courses closer to home at a school near me, Pass with flying colors and then just go for the tests?

If anyone could help me that would be wonderful! Thank you for reading this and for your time!

The PTA program, like most other degree programs of its type, is set up with a bare minimum of "fluff," or "filler" classes. Most requiring only 3-6 credit hours of electives. The rest are all core curriculum that have to be done at the school, and the majority of the PT classes are hands-on lab work.

There is no way to shorten it, as all of the courses have to be completed in a specific order (ie: fail one, start over), and there are clinical affiliations at the middle and the end of the program.

You will likely be able to transfer in your psychology 1 and 2, as intro and developmental are standards. You can also probably use your english and math, along with whatever humanities type electives you took.

I am licensed in 5 states, and every one of them asked for proof of completion of a CAPTE accredited PTA curriculum...I am sure the other 45 would as well.

Why don't you go ahead though: study up, show up on the day of finals and take the tests. Hell, why not even apply for state boards? Let me know how it goes. I really wouldn't mind having a doctor's salary, but I don't want to go through 6-8 more years of school...

Shelley in Capac, Michigan said: Hi Jenn, here's what I have been told...you can take the test anywhere and transfer it for a fee but the actual state may require you to also take their test depending on the score you recieve. The key here is to check out each state individually for their requirements. Good Luck, I will be taking my test soon, just graduated last week.

Shelly, did you ever take the exam and how did you do? Drop me a line and let me know about the requirements from state to state?

thankx

Yes I took the online State exam in Texas and passed so I am waiting on the NPTE. Congrats on your graduating, very nice!
I think I might have made a mistake with the Texas thing because
I am now rethinking my decision to work in Austin. I got excited by the number of jobs and the great pay down there but as a new grad, I really want more supervision at this point. I have a number of places I am going to send my resume and I am thinking that I might work in SF Bay Area because that is where my family is and I like to be near my STUFF. Also, I forgot that I wasn't 25.. OOPS! I am more attached to my stuff at 45 than I was at 25. Thank you so much for the note Shelly and good luck on the NPTE. If you are interested in talking to me via phone or e mail.. please do: abstractchick40@aol.com I don't have a ton of time to read indeed.com right now Blessings, Jennifer

I am a PTA graduate and studying for the NPTE. I am not sure what you meant by that.

Jennifer said: Hi Maria.. I am studying (right now) for the PTAE and I would like to hear about your experiences. I am getting 77 on the scorebuilders and 82 on the IER's. I take it you went to the program at Grossmont. I just finished the program at Sacramento City College. The teachers said it was very difficult so I am wondering if it is anything like the Scorebuilders and IER exams... they seem a little difficult. Anyway contrats to you for passing it and (bows down) being close to your PTA licence. I can ask some of my friends how long it took. I was in a program and had to repeat my last semester so i have 24 friends who did pass it and are working in CA as PTA's. I am excited about this growing occupation that will take me many different places. Blessings Maria... Jennifer from Nor Cal

Hi Jennifer. I'm currently applying for the Sac city program and I'd LOVE to ask you some questions. i_be_mark@sbcglobal.net Thank you so much!

Shelley in Capac, Michigan said: Hi Jenn, here's what I have been told...you can take the test anywhere and transfer it for a fee but the actual state may require you to also take their test depending on the score you recieve. The key here is to check out each state individually for their requirements. Good Luck, I will be taking my test soon, just graduated last week.

Hey Shelly, I have a question for you. I was just offered a job as a LPTA in CA but I am here out on the East Coast and my resume is on my home PC. I would love to see a copy of your resume as a format because I did my resume at school two years ago and I cannot for the life of me remember the format. I am going to the library in an hour to get help but you are so sweet, I thought that you might lend a hand. They want my resume today.. ACK! Exciting but yikes... people need PTAs everywhere. I am wondering if this has to do with the new laws that are affecting PT Aides? Not sure if this is a federal law or state by state. Do you know anything? Hit me back when you are free. Thanks, Jenn from Nor Cal

How many times are you allowed to take the board exam in CA?
Does any body know the answer?
I need to call board of CA soon.

You can take the NPTAE 3 times w/in a 12 month period. After that I believe you have to take some CE classes or something like that or go back to school and learn some things over. Not sure but I think that is the answer. Hope this helps, Green in NorCal

maria in San Diego, California said: I passed my PTA exam and the California Law exam recently and wonder if anyone in this forum would know how long should one wait for the PTA license?

Hi Maria, did anyone respond to your question of how long it will take to find out if you passed? I just took my PTA boards yesterday and don't know where to look to find out if I passed. Some help please..Thank you very much.

Does anyone know what to study for the CLE? I found a website (www.baainvestigations.com/CAPTAct.htm) that provides select sections of the practice act and didn't know if reviewing this site would be good enough or if I needed to review the 96 page document a few times as well. Thanks.

tfaeldan in Riverside, California said: Hi Maria, did anyone respond to your question of how long it will take to find out if you passed? I just took my PTA boards yesterday and don't know where to look to find out if I passed. Some help please..Thank you very much.

Hi, Did Maria answered your question how long she found out if she passed her exam in Calif PTAE ?

polkadots in Encinitas, California said: hi there,

I noticed you just recently passed your CLE.I just need to know what to focus, and study on the CLE exam. Do I have to memorize each law and all fees? Please, for those who already took the CLE recently, I need your advise what specific topic on the CLE I need to focus on and concentrate.

Thank you very much!

Polkadots,
Looking at the dates of this post I can only imagine that you have since taken your CLE. I have the 96 pages of material; have read through it; digested it; and still feel like it could be on either end of easy or ridiculous. Are there any practice exams out there for the CLE? What was the primary focus of the questions. I watched my husband getting through law school years ago and I am hoping that the questions are not as in-depth as those were. Any insight would be great. Thanks.

maria in San Diego, California said: I passed my PTA exam and the California Law exam recently and wonder if anyone in this forum would know how long should one wait for the PTA license?

Hello Maria,

I was just wondering how your CLE exam went? And probably by this time, you have your PTA license already. I just recently passed my PTA exam and currently waiting to sit for the CLE. How was the CLE exam? Is it something similar to the board exam? How long did it take you to get your license? Are you currently working right now? Thanks! ;-)

IamPTA in Santa Clara, California said: Hello Maria,

I was just wondering how your CLE exam went? And probably by this time, you have your PTA license already. I just recently passed my PTA exam and currently waiting to sit for the CLE. How was the CLE exam? Is it something similar to the board exam? How long did it take you to get your license? Are you currently working right now? Thanks! ;-)

hi if you have books i want to buy

Hello,

I am going to graduate from an accredited PTA school in NY this May. I want to make a move out to California. I know that in NY you can begin working right away as a graduated student and you have a year window during which you have to get your license. Does it work the same way in California? Will I be able to work the first few months before I get my license?

Thanks,
Rebecca

Hello,

I am going to graduate from an accredited PTA school in NY this May. I am looking to make a move to California when I graduate. I know that in NY you have a one year window during which you can work as a PTA student after you graduate while you are waiting to get your license. Does it work the same in CA? Will I be able to work those first few months while I am waiting to take my license exam?

Thanks, Rebecca

Rebecca in Hamburg, New Jersey said: Hello,

I am going to graduate from an accredited PTA school in NY this May. I am looking to make a move to California when I graduate. I know that in NY you have a one year window during which you can work as a PTA student after you graduate while you are waiting to get your license. Does it work the same in CA? Will I be able to work those first few months while I am waiting to take my license exam?

Thanks, Rebecca

I believe you can work while awaiting to take your licensing exam. I've heard of that. I also graduate in May!! Can't wait.

What part of the state are you moving to?

Not sure. maybe the Bay area.

Rebecca in Hamburg, New Jersey said: Not sure. maybe the Bay area.

Well, many choices as the Bay is big, good choice. There should be plenty of jobs to choose from.

maria in San Diego, California said: I passed my PTA exam and the California Law exam recently and wonder if anyone in this forum would know how long should one wait for the PTA license?

How was the California law exam? I have scheduled to take it this week but was wondering what are the key points I should be focusing on? There is so much information. I live in Florida and am licensed here however, I am starting to do travel PT & need to take the law exam for California. Any input is appreciated, thanks!

Giselle

good day. how Long does it take for the caLi to give me my PTA License? i took the test Last Feb 1.. and i passed both CLE and PTA tests. im from South Cal. Can i apply for a job already? a reply from anyone would be really much appreciated..thank you

baby in Fairfield, California said: hai friends,i am a foreign graduated pt,here with my husband and kids.i am in the process of doing my credentials,but to work as a pt here,i heard that i have to take another 30 units from a college.so i called the credentials and asked them can i do the credentials for pta with my pt degree,so that i can go for license exam directly?they said we will do!is there anyone like me who have done their pt in foreign country and now working as a pta here.and one more thing i heard that the license exams are very tough and there are only 2 chances to pass.is that true?because i am going to do

this after 10 years,even though i have a pt degree with me,i almost forgot all my studies,i am very much confused now,i should go for this or go to some other field?can anyone please give some sugesstions?thank you all.

Hi are you a filipina?what is Ur email add?

ana in San Jose, California said: Hi are you a filipina?what is Ur email add?

are you fiLipina too?

marx in Los Angeles, California said: are you fiLipina too?

yes i am..do you hae ym or skype? thanks!

anybody knows if i can work as a ptala while waiting for my license here in california?

I know that in NY state they have what they call a "limited permit" that can be used by people that meet all requirements for admission to the licensing exam. It's good for 6 months and can be renewed once for another 6 months. We can use that here after we graduate from PTA school while we are waiting to get our license, that way we can work while we are waiting. I don't know if CA has something similar, but maybe you can do a search on "limited permits". Good luck and let me know, I was thinking about moving out to CA when I graduate and was wondering the same thing.

hi maybe somebody can help me..I graduated BSPT back in 1998 at Philippines but i didnt pass the local board exam. I believed i can take NPTE to pursue a PTA in California.I was looking for steps and requirements and it seems that I just need to have FCCPT, ICA, IEC one of this should evaluate my credentials. If apprved I will just have to pay the NPTE exam, then if passed register for CA lic and also have to take CLE and pay?
Thanks

marx in Los Angeles, California said: are you fiLipina too?

hi marx maybe u can share with me ur experience or steps how you begin with ur PTA lic? I graduated last 1998 and i want to take the PTA exam at CA. what are the steps? ill be going to phils nxt month for vacation, i was thinking to gather all docs that will be needed.maybe u can help me. pls email me at ebz_faith76@yahoo.com
thanks

www.ptbc.ca.gov/applicants/applicant_faq.shtml

I had many of those same questions and you can get them all answered here, don't call the CA board because the message is that they are broke and won't return your calls. Good luck. The wait is 6-8 weeks to get the CA license. : )

i cant find this 96 pages of laws and regulations for CA for the licensing process please send me the site. my email is jcdf143@yahoo.com

go to www.ptbc and then you will see a bunch of options and one of them is Law and Regs just click it and it will pop up but I believe when I printed out the 96 pages it was all in one bunch. I just told another PTA where to go and she said its broken down into 4 groups so make sure you get it all. I am waiting for my letter to test. CA takes forever to get a license. If you want a job next week, go and take the TX law and reg exam online and its multiple choice and you will pass it tonight and have a job by Tuesday. There are many jobs for travelers in TX. I just came from there. I spent my first 16 mos in TX as a PTA and it was a great experience and good moulah!! Hit me back if you want more information. I have a great recriter who will take good care of you. There are a few flakey ones out there that only care about the money that you are going to make them. Don't get stuck making less than 1200 a week. Travelers pay really well and they will take new grads. They took me with zero experience and I had a great time down there. The summers are pretty rough though.. FYI. At least in Southern Texas but still the cultural aspects of being close to Mexico were really awesome and the people are just great. I am thinking of going back to Dallas if CA doesn't get busy with sending out my letter to take the CLE soon. Sacramento needs to guiddy-up. : ) Have fun and oh.. i am studying the CLE right now if you need a study partner we can quiz each other. There are a bunch info on corporate law. Its confusing!! bye, PTA_Sonoma