FAQs and Information

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions and topics related to physical therapy in Iowa.

  • Does APTA Iowa handle physical therapy licensure in Iowa?

    No, APTA Iowa does not handle any aspect of licensure in Iowa.


    All issues regarding licensure are handled by the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy. Please contact the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy at 515-281-0254 or plpublic@idph.iowa.gov with any licensure questions.

  • What is the difference between APTA Iowa and the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy?

    APTA Iowa is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  We are a membership-based, non-profit organization representing the interests of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and PT and PTA students here in Iowa.  Our mission is to build a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.


    The Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy evaluates the qualifications of applicants for licensure and grants licenses to those who qualify. The board establishes rules and regulations to ensure the integrity and competence of licensed physical therapists and occupational therapists, and investigates complaints for unprofessional conduct. The board is the link between the consumer and licensees. As such, promotes the public health, welfare and safety. Licensees are responsible for meeting all licensure requirements and should periodically review the rules.


    APTA Iowa is not able to interpret what this language means for your practice.

  • How many licensed professionals does the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy regulate?

    The Iowa Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy regulates over 5,300 licensed professionals in the State of Iowa.


    Licensed physical therapy clinicians in the state of Iowa:

    • PTs: 3,608
    • PTAs: 1,710

    Source: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy 2023 Census of Licensed Physical Therapists and PTAs in the US

  • Physical Therapy: Iowa Administrative Code 481

  • Improper Use of the Term Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist

    If you see what you believe to be an improper use of the terms physical therapy or physical therapist please contact the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy plpublic@idph.iowa.gov.

  • Physical Therapist Assistant Supervision

    Observation of physical therapist assistants is addressed in IAC 147 (601 - 201.4) 


    https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/148A.pdf


    645—201.4(147) Delegation by a supervising physical therapist. A supervising physical therapist may delegate the performance of physical therapy services to a physical therapist assistant only if done in accordance with the statutes and rules governing the practice of physical therapy. A physical therapist assistant may assist in the practice of physical therapy only to the extent allowed by the supervising physical therapist. The supervisory requirements stated in this rule are minimal. It is the professional responsibility and duty of the supervising physical therapist to provide the physical therapist assistant with more supervision if deemed necessary in the supervising physical therapist’s professional judgment. 


    201.4(1) Supervision requirements. A supervising physical therapist who delegates the performance of physical therapy services to a physical therapist assistant shall provide supervision to the physical therapist assistant at all times when the physical therapist assistant is providing delegated physical therapy services. Supervision means that the physical therapist shall be readily available on site or telephonically any time the physical therapist assistant is providing physical therapy services so that the physical therapist assistant may contact the physical therapist for advice, assistance, or instruction. 

  • Prior Authorization Information

    Click here for details: https://hhs.iowa.gov/medicaid/provider-services/covered-services-rates-and-payments/prior-authorization

  • Dry Needling

    Following a 2016 ruling, dry needling is officially within the scope of practice for Iowa PTs. PTs performing this technique should have advanced training beyond entry-level education. Dry needling is not in the scope of practice for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) or Physical Therapy Aides


    Disclaimer: While authorized by the board, Always verify with your specific provider regarding their training and certification.