RCW 18.74.030
Qualifications of applicants

An applicant for a license as a physical therapist shall have the following minimum qualifications:

• Be of good moral character; and
• Have obtained either (a) a baccalaureate degree in physical therapy from an institution of higher learning approved by the board or (b) a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher learning and a certificate or advanced degree from a school of physical therapy approved by the board.
  The applicant shall present proof of qualification to the board in the manner and on the forms prescribed by it.

RCW 18.74.010
Definitions

Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Board" means the board of physical therapy created by RCW 18.74.020.

(2) "Department" means the department of health.

(3) "Physical therapy" means the treatment of any bodily or mental condition of any person by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, and therapeutic exercise, which includes posture and rehabilitation procedures; the performance of tests and measurements of neuromuscular function as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition; performance of treatments on the basis of test findings after consultation with and periodic review by an authorized health care practitioner except as provided in RCW 18.74.012; supervision of selective forms of treatment by trained supportive personnel; and provision of consultative services for health, education, and community agencies. The use of Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, and the use of spinal manipulation or manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations, are not included under the term "physical therapy" as used in this chapter.

(4) "Physical therapist" means a person who practices physical therapy as defined in this chapter but does not include massage operators as defined in RCW 18.108.010.

(5) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.

(6) Words importing the masculine gender may be applied to females.

(7) "Authorized health care practitioner" means and includes licensed physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, podiatric physicians and surgeons, dentists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed as altering the scope of practice of such practitioners as defined in their respective licensure laws.