Become Registered

How to Become a Registered Kinesiotherapist

Registration by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT) represents a personal commitment to excellence in the practice of rehabilitation. The guidelines and requirements for eligibility have been established by the Council for the control and regulation of the profession. As individual practitioners wishing to ensure the protection of the public we serve, it is our responsibility to demonstrate our qualifications in the health care field.

The benefits of registration include:

1. increased prestige among other allied health care professionals
2. assurance of public confidence
3. enhancement of employment opportunities
4. promotes the strength and development of the AKTA
5. enhance professional competency, since maintenance of registered status requires continuing education each year, thereby demanding that practitioners stay abreast of the latest in theory and technique for therapeutic exercise and rehabilitative measures

Registration can also be an expected part of the educational curriculum in colleges and universities with Kinesiotherapy training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The emphasis on quality health care demands proof of the necessary credentials in Kinesiotherapy: education, practical experience, and registration.

Eligibility Requirements

1. An applicant for registration by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPS-KT) must be a graduate of a CAAHEP accredited Kinesiotherapy program.
2. The applicant must satisfy the minimum core course requirements, demonstrate the minimum grade point average for those courses, and provide a written letter of sponsorship from a Registered Kinesiotherapist documenting at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience.
   

   Minimum Course Requirements:

   • General Psychology
   • Human Anatomy
   • Human Physiology
   • Neurological & Pathologic Foundations of Rehabilitation
   • Exercise Physiology (or equivalent)
   • Therapeutic Exercise (or equivalent)
   • Kinesiology (or equivalent)
   • Statistics (or equivalent)
   • Organization and Administration of Kinesiotherapy
   • Motor Learning (or equivalent)
   • First Aid (or card)
   • Introduction to Kinesiotherapy

   Grade Point Average: An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the ten required courses. None of the ten courses may receive a letter grade less than a “C”, or else it will need to be re-taken.
   Clinical Experience: An applicant must document in writing a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience. All experience must be under the supervision of a Registered Kinesiotherapist (RKT). The supervisor must submit a written letter of verification.

3. Applicants that meet the above criteria will be required to take a written comprehensive objective examination.

Exam Information
The exam is offered twice yearly, every January and July. The Director of the Board of Registration will notify approved applicants of exam location, proctor name and contact information, date and time. Two hours is allotted for exam completion.

Special Testing Accommodations
Individuals who require special testing requirements should inform the Board of Registration for Kinesiotherapy (BOR-KT) director to allow for appropriate arrangements with exam proctor.

Exam Fees
A $60.00 non-refundable fee is required for application. Upon determination of eligibility, a separate exam fee will be assessed in the amount of $200.00 for the written exam. All fees payable to COPS-KT.  Exam fee includes initial registration fee (July-June).  Application fee can be made using this link. 

Applying for Exam

Use our printer-friendly online APPLICATION

Send All Application Materials To:

Doris A. Woods, Ph.D., R.K.T,

Director, Board of Registration for Kinesiotherapy

 6775 Brint Road

 Sylvania, OH 43560

Email:borkt@akta.org

Or call: (419) 885-5274
Monday –Friday 9am-3pm

Application materials should include official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, written verification of the clinical hours from clinical supervisors, and the non-refundable application fee, and should be sent directly to the Director of the Registration Board.  Upon determination of eligibility, candidates will be notified in writing of the next scheduled examination dates and locations, and will need to submit the examination fee.

All application materials must be received no later November 1st for the January exam and May 1st for the July exam. In the event an individual is lacking certain required courses, or is otherwise denied eligibility to take the exam, a written appeal may be sent to the Director of the Board, no later than 30 days after notification of ineligibility. A review of the applicant’s file will be conducted and decision returned to the applicant no later than 45 days following receipt of the appeal letter.

At the Test Center
Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the exam and bring personal identification and the written approval letter from the BOR-KT director with test candidate ID number. .

Receiving Your Score
Results are typically processed within four to six weeks of the test date.
Upon passing the examination, the individual is listed on the Registry of Kinesiotherapists, and may use the title RKT. Annual evidence of continuing education and payment of appropriate fees must submitted for the maintenance of continuing competency.