May physical therapists or physical therapist assistants work as personal trainers?
There is currently no requirement that personal trainers in South Carolina be licensed or hold any professional credential. The Physical Therapy Practice act defines physical therapy as the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Any such services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist would need to comply with the statute and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy. This would mean that a physical therapist assistant would not provide care unless there had been an evaluation performed by a physical therapist. A referral from a medical doctor is required if care was to continue beyond 30 days. However, if a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant DOES NOT hold him/herself out to be a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant or to be engaged in the practice of physical therapy, then this Board has no jurisdiction over their personal training practice.
