(1) Every applicant for a license by examination shall:
(a) Successfully complete a physical therapy program:
(I) That is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency; or
(II) That the board has determined to be substantially equivalent. The general assembly intends that this determination be liberally construed to ensure qualified applicants seeking licensure under this article the right to take the qualifying examination. The general assembly does not intend for technical barriers to be used to deny such applicants the right to take the examination.
(b) Pass a written examination that is:
(I) Approved by the board; and
(II) A national examination accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency;
(c) Submit an application in the form and manner designated by the director; and
(d) Pay a fee in an amount determined by the director.
(2) The board may refuse to permit an applicant to take the examination if the application is incomplete, if the applicant is not qualified to sit for the examination, or if the applicant has committed any act which would be grounds for disciplinary action under section 12-41-115.
(3) When the applicant has fulfilled all the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the board shall issue a license to the applicant; except that the board may deny the license if the applicant has committed an act which would be grounds for disciplinary action under section 12-41-115.