Sooo…. You got accepted into a PT/PTA program - great.
You graduated the PT/PTA program - Super Job!
You have received a passing score on your NPTE - You are on a roll!
You applied for a WA state PT/PTA license - Check!
Now you’re ready to start work, right? - NOOO….
What?...Why?
Because you haven’t passed the JP exam!
The what?
The Washington State Jurisprudence Exam.
All Washington State physical therapy licensure applicants are required to pass the 18 question Jurisprudence Exam (JP exam, for short) with a score of 100 percent. By successfully passing the exam, applicants demonstrate knowledge of the Washington physical therapy practice laws and rules (chapter 18.74 RCW and chapter246-915 WAC). Think of it as an assessment of your knowledge of the nuts and bolts of attaining and maintaining a license; including the associated fees, endorsement requirements, and professional and legal responsibilities, to name a few.
To think of it another way - your therapy education gave you the knowledge to help return people to their highest level of function. Knowing the Washington physical therapy practice laws helps keep you functioning at your highest level and give your clients assurance that they are going to receive a high standard of care.
Instead of going through the rules line by line, let’s take a look at a sample question:
As a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, under WAC 246-915-180 you are required to:
a. Release information regarding a patient’s care to any of the patient’s healthcare providers at their request.
b. Have a referral from an authorized healthcare practitioner for all conditions.
c. Recognize the need for continuing education and be open to new procedures and changes within your statutory scope of practice.
d. All of the above.
The answer here is: c. Recognize the need for continuing education and be open to new procedures and changes within your statutory scope of practice.
This question demonstrates that even after you pass the JP exam you are not done. Your knowledge and growth should continue throughout your career. This ensures the sharpest skills for you, and the best outcomes for your clients.
Good luck!