Certification of internationally educated applicants

(1) Every applicant for certification who is educated by a program that is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education or a comparable organization, as determined by the board, shall: (a) Have received education and training as a physical therapist assistant that is substantially equivalent to the education and training required by accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States; (b) Possess an active, valid license, certification, or registration in good standing or other authorization to practice as a physical therapist assistant from an appropriate authority in the country where the applicant is practicing or has practiced; (c) Pass a written examination approved by the board in accordance with section 12-285-205 (1)(b); (d) Submit an application in the form and manner designated by the director; and (e) Pay an application fee in an amount determined by the director. (2) Upon receipt of all documents and the fee required by subsection (1) of this section, the director shall review the application and determine if the applicant is qualified to be certified. (3) When the applicant has fulfilled all the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the board shall issue a certification to the applicant; except that the board may deny the application if the applicant has committed an act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under section 12-285-211.