Section 2639.

Every graduate of an approved physical therapist education program who has filed a complete application for licensure with the board for the first time may, following receipt of a letter of authorization to perform as a "physical therapist license applicant," perform as a physical therapist under the direct and immediate supervision of a physical therapist licensed in this state pending the results of the first licensing examination administered for which he or she is eligible following graduation from an approved physical therapist education program. During this period the applicant shall identify himself or herself only as a "physical therapist license applicant." If the applicant passes the examination, the physical therapist license applicant status shall remain in effect until a regular renewable license is issued, or licensure is denied, by the board. If the applicant fails the licensing examination, or if he or she passes the examination but licensure is denied, the applicant shall be prohibited from performing as a physical therapist license applicant at any time in the future.

A person shall not be considered a graduate unless he or she has successfully completed all the clinical training and internships required for graduation from the program.

If the applicant fails to take the next succeeding examination without due cause or fails to pass the examination or receive a license, all privileges under this section shall terminate upon notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. An applicant may only qualify once to perform as a physical therapist license applicant.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 970, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1999.)