2. May a PT or PTA use the generic title “therapist”?

Use of the term “therapist” is not authorized by a license from the PT Board.  The PT must use the term “physical therapist” to identify himself, while the PTA must use “physical therapist assistant.”  You are required to identify yourself to the patient with those words, and not just as a “therapist”, so that it […]

1. Can I use the title “doctor” if I have a DPT, PhD, or other doctoral level degree?

The use of the title “Doctor” in front of your name is not authorized by your physical therapy license.  Correct licensure designation in the provision of physical therapy is the title “physical therapist” and the initials “PT”. However, the Healing Arts Identification Act states that if a person has an academic or honorary degree, they […]