43-26.1-04. Qualifications for licensure

43-26.1-04. Qualifications for licensure 1. Before being approved for a license as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, an applicant: a. Must be of good moral character. b. Shall complete the application process. c. Must be a graduate of a professional physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education program accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the board. d. Shall pass the examination approved by the board. 2. An applicant for a license as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who has been educated outside of the United States: a. Must be of good moral character. b. Shall complete the application process. c. Shall provide satisfactory evidence the applicant's education is substantially equivalent to the requirements of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant educated in an accredited education program as determined by the board. For the purpose of this section, "substantially equivalent" means an applicant for licensure educated outside the United States must have: (1) Graduated from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education program that prepares the applicant to engage in the practice of physical therapy without restriction. (2) Provided written proof the applicant's school of physical therapy or physical therapy assistant education is recognized by its ministry of education or other appropriate education agency. (3) Undergone a credentials evaluation as directed by the board determining the candidate has met uniform criteria for educational requirements as further established by rule. (4) Completed any additional education or clinical experience as required by the board. d. Shall pass the board-approved English proficiency examinations if the applicant's native language is not English. e. Shall pass the examination approved by the board. f. Shall obtain a criminal background check as referenced in section 43-26.1-05.1 and required under article III of chapter 43-26.2. 3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2, if the applicant is educated outside the United States and is a graduate of a professional physical therapist or physical therapist assistant educational program accredited by a national accrediting agency approved by the board, the board may waive the requirements in subdivision c of subsection 2.