Welcome to future and practicing Physical Therapists! Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to advance your career in the field of Physical Therapy (PT), understanding the licensure process is essential. This guide serves as your all-inclusive companion, providing a clear and thorough insight into Physical Therapy Licensure across the United States.
Physical Therapy is an allied health profession that enables individuals to overcome physical challenges, restoring and improving their mobility and quality of life. If you're curious to dive deeper into what this role entails, we encourage you to explore our Physical Therapist Career Guide.
The field is slated for substantial growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a robust 17 percent increase in PT employment from 2021 to 2031, significantly above the average for all occupations. By stepping into the world of PT, you're entering a realm brimming with opportunities. Let's dive into all you need to know about your licensure!
- General Requirements to Become an Physical Therapist
- The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
- Physical Therapy Licensure Requirements by State
- Key Points to Remember About Physical Therapy Licensure
General Requirements to Become an Physical Therapist
If your goal is to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), here is a simple breakdown of the steps you’ll need to take for each track.
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
- Education: You need to graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant education program. These programs are typically two years (five semesters). Primary content areas in the PTA curriculum often include anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, and ethics/values.
- Clinical Education: PTA students spend an average of 16 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences. This crucial stage provides a practical platform for applying the knowledge and skills you've gained in the classroom.
- Licensure Examination: After your education and clinical experience, you need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam in order to be eligible for licensure to practice
- Initial License Application and Fees: Finally, with the exam cleared, you'll need to complete your initial license application and pay the respective fee for the state or jurisdiction where you want to practice.
Physical Therapist (PT)
- Education: To practice as a Physical Therapist in the U.S., you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist education program. The curriculum often includes biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal topics.
- Clinical Education: PT students spend an average of 27.5 weeks in their final clinical experience. This stage is pivotal in applying and refining the skills you've developed during your didactic coursework.
- Licensure Examination: Once your education and clinical experience are complete, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam in order to be eligible for licensure to practice
- Initial License Application and Fees: The last step involves submitting your initial license application and paying the respective fee for each state or jurisdiction where you wish to practice. This step marks your official entry into the professional Physical Therapist community.
The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
The Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) has made practicing across multiple states remarkably more streamlined. The PT Compact aims to expand access to physical therapy services by easing the process for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to practice in different states.
In a PT Compact member state, PTs and PTAs with a clear record can practice in other participating states using a "compact privilege" that functions similarly to a license. Currently, the PT Compact encompasses 39 states, with more to come.
The advantages of the PT Licensure Compact go well beyond facilitating multistate practice. It bolsters the capacity of PTs and PTAs to offer telehealth services, react quickly in emergency health situations, and remove geographical restrictions to better cater to patients' needs. It also introduces an interstate licensure data system, enabling real-time verification of licensure information for increased public safety.
The PT Compact's reach is continually expanding, with more states joining the initiative. You can track which states are participants in the map below:
If you're considering practice in several states, it's important to refer to the updated list of PT Compact member states regularly. This transition towards greater mobility and adaptability in practicing PT is reshaping many professionals' career trajectories, unlocking new opportunities.
Remember, each state in the PT Compact may still maintain its unique licensure requirements, so you should always consult the individual state's licensing board for the most precise information.
In the upcoming section, we will dissect the licensure requirements on a state-by-state basis to offer a comprehensive overview of what's needed to secure and maintain your license in each state.
Physical Therapy Licensure Requirements by State
Having a solid grasp of each state's specific licensure requirements empowers you to plan your career trajectory strategically and seize any opportunity. Whether you're aiming for a long-term position or eager to explore travel PT jobs, this guide is designed to streamline your licensure process. Bear in mind, each state's requirements may evolve over time, so make sure to consistently check the respective state's board page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Alabama
PT Licensure Compact? Pending, but not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary permits can be issued to students of an approved
PT program, who have met all other requirements for licensure, but who have not yet successfully completed the licensing exam. This allows for them to be involved in direct patient care as a PT/PTA graduate under the direct supervision of an Alabama licensed PT/PTA.
Initial Licensing Fee: $100 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Renewals are annual. Each license expires on October 1 of the year following its issuance. The renewal fee is $93 for PTA and $130 for PT.
More Information: Visit the Alabama State Board of Physical Therapy
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Alaska
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit can be issued to those who have applied and are awaiting their permanent license. A limited permit can be issued to students who have met education requirements for licensure, but have not yet passed the national exam. A test date must be scheduled. In either case there is a $65.00 temporary permit fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: A $150.00 nonrefundable application fee plus initial licensure fee of $200.00 for PTs or $130.00 for PTAs.
- Timeline: Application processing times can vary. Plan on 8-12 weeks from the date you submit your application.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The fees are $200.00 for PTs or $130.00 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Alaska State Board of Physical Therapy
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Arizona
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: If a foreign educated applicant satisfies the requirements of licensure, they can apply for an interim permit to practice under supervision while waiting on a license to be issued. An applicant who fails the national examination is not eligible for an interim permit until the applicant passes the examination. For US graduates, if they satisfy requirements, but the board determines that there is evidence that the applicant lacks the competence to practice as a PT or PTA, the board can issue an interim permit to the applicant to allow them supervised clinical practice. Interim permits are valid for 90 days and cannot be used beyond 6 months.
Initial Licensing Fee: $260 for PTs and $160 for PTAs, unless applying in the second year of a renewal cycle, in which case fees will be prorated.
Renewal: Licenses expire on August 31 of odd numbered years. Renewal fees are $160 for PTs and $55 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy
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Arkansas
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may be granted to any PT licensed in another state who comes to Arkansas on a temporary basis for educational purposes. A candidate for licensure by examination may be granted a temporary permit only under special circumstances.
Initial Licensing Fee: $3 for PTs and PTAs, plus a $10 jurisprudence exam fee if applying by examination. $5 for PTs and PTAs if applying by reciprocity.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually by March 1. There is a $70 fee for PTs and $45 fee for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
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California
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: CA allows for temporary licensure if a student applicant has met all other requirements, but is pending a passing score on the NPTE.
Initial Licensing Fee: There is an application processing fee and initial license fee of $450 for PTs and $300 for PTAs.
- Timeline: Once all deficiencies are fulfilled, a license is generally issued within 45 days. You can follow PTBC on social media to track current application processing times.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The expiration date is the last day of the licensee's birth month.
More Information: Visit the California State Board of Physical Therapy
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Colorado
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: The board may issue a provisional license to practice as a PT if an applicant has met all educational requirements and is awaiting exam.
Initial Licensing Fee: $100 for PTs and $57 for PTAs.
Renewal: All Colorado Physical Therapist licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years.
More Information: Visit the Colorado State Board of Physical Therapy
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Connecticut
PT Licensure Compact? In progress, not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: Applicants who have graduated from an approved US physical therapy school may practice under the direct supervision of a CT licensed PT for up to 120 following their application.
Initial Licensing Fee: $285 for PTs and $190 PTAS
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually with a renewal fee of $105 for PTs and $65 for PTAs
More Information: Visit the Connecticut State Board of Physical Therapy
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Delaware
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary licenses can be issued to applicants who have already applied for the permanent license by examination, have a job and work under the direct supervision of a Delaware-licensed Physical Therapist or Athletic Trainer. The permit allows them to work in Delaware while awaiting to take the NPTE. There is an associated $40 fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: $183 for PTs $169 for PTAs
Renewal: Licenses expire on January 31 of odd years. You are notified of the amount of the renewal fee at the time of renewal.
More Information: Visit the Delaware State Board of Physical Therapy
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Florida
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary permits can be issued to graduates from an approved US PT program who meet all eligibility requirements for licensure, but are awaiting their national licensure exam. They must have medical malpractice insurance and proof that they will be practicing under a supervising PT. These permits are valid 6 months from graduation.
Initial Licensing Fee: $180 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses expire November 30th of every odd-numbered year. The renewal fee is $80 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Florida State Board of Physical Therapy
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Georgia
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Georgia does not issue provisional or temporary licenses.
Initial Licensing Fee: $75 for PTs and PTAs
- Timeline: Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays.
Renewal: Renewal is required by December 31st of odd numbered years. The renewal fee is $65 for PTs and $45 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy
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Hawaii
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be issued to an applicant who is currently licensed and in good standing to practice in another state and meets the requirements for licensure by endorsement of the other jurisdiction while the application is being processed. A temporary permit may also be granted to a graduate who has completed the education and experience requirements and allows them supervised practice while awaiting examination or results. Temporary licenses expire within 6 months and are associated with an additional $50 fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: $300 for PTs and PTAs licensed during an odd numbered year or $85 during an even numbered year.
- Timeline: Application processing time is generally 45-60 business days, from receipt of a completed application.
Renewal: All licenses regardless of issuance date, need to be renewed by December 31, every even-numbered year. The on-time renewal fee is $230 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Hawaii State Board of Physical Therapy
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Idaho
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $80 for PTs and $75 PTAs.
- Timeline: Once a complete application has been reviewed, a license will be issued in approximately 3-5 business days.
Renewal: For your license to remain valid, it must be renewed before the expiration date each year. The fee is $25 for PTs and $20 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Idaho State Board of Physical Therapy
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Illinois
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may also be granted to a graduate who has completed the education and experience requirements and allows them supervised practice while awaiting examination or results.
Initial Licensing Fee: $100 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: PT licenses expire on September 30th of each even year and PTA licenses expire on September 30th of each odd year. The renewal fee is $60 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Illinois State Board of Physical Therapy
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Indiana
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may also be granted to a graduate who has completed the education and experience requirements and allows them supervised practice while awaiting examination or results. There is a $50 permit fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: $100 for PTs and PTAs.
Renewal: PT and PTA certifications expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $100 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Indiana State Board of Physical Therapy
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Iowa
PT Licensure Compact? Iowa
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available
Initial Licensing Fee: $120 for PTs and PTAs
- Timeline: The entire process can take up to 8 weeks or longer depending on the outcome of the FBI background check
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years by the 15th day of the licensee's birth month. The renewal fee is $60 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Iowa State Board of Physical Therapy
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Kansas
PT Licensure Compact? Pending, but not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary permits can be issued for those with a complete application except for testing scores. A temporary permit grants you all of the privileges and responsibilities of a permanent license. The temporary permit is issued for a three month period starting from the date your application is approved. You must request the temporary licenses and there is an additional $25 fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: $80 for PTs and PTAs.
- Timeline: Expect 4-8 weeks.
Renewal: Licenses expire on December 31 every year. The renewal fee is $70 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Kansas State Board of Physical Therapy
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Kentucky
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may be granted to an applicant who has completed all requirements except for national exam and allows them supervised practice while awaiting examination or results. A temporary permit may not be issued if an applicant has previously failed the exam in any state.
Initial Licensing Fee: $225 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by March 31st of every odd numbered year. The renewal fee is $190 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Kentucky State Board of Physical Therapy
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Louisiana
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A provisional license can be issued for 90 days when the NPTE is only offered on limited fixed dates. An applicant must meet all other requirements and submit a Supervisory Request Form to the Board office.
Initial Licensing Fee: Fees are determined by license date and birth date of the applicant. For an applicant with an even birth year on an odd application year or an applicant with an odd birth year and even application year, the fee is $250 for PTs and PTAs. If both the birth year and application year are even and vice versa, the application fee is $390 for PTs and PTAs.
- Timeline: Processing time varies for each application but in total may take up to 4 months.
Renewal: Licenses need to be renewed every two years on the type of year that matches the licensee's birth year (even or odd). The renewal fee is $280 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy
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Maine
PT Licensure Compact? Pending, but not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: While Maine does not provide a temporary license, they do provide graduate PT and PTA exemptions. The exemption allows an applicant for the examination to work in Maine under the supervision of a PT from the time the applicant is notified that they qualify to sit for the examination until they are notified of the examination scores.
Initial Licensing Fee: $51 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by March 31 every year. The renewal fee is $25 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Maine State Board of Physical Therapy
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Maryland
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board may issue Temporary Licenses to new Licensure by Examination applicants (both foreign educated and U.S. graduates) who have not yet taken the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The Temporary 90-day license allows new applicants to practice Physical Therapy while waiting to take the NPTE.
Initial Licensing Fee: $150 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses expire every two years on May 31. Renewal fees are $325 for PTs and $300 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy
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Massachusetts
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: The board does not grant temporary licenses for graduates of PT or PTA programs, however, the law does allow those who have submitted a complete and accepted application for licensure by examination to practice under the direction of a PT licensed in Massachusetts until the announcement of the results of the next exam.
Initial Licensing Fee: $226 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years on the licensee’s birthdate. The renewal fee is $100 for both PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Massachusetts State Board of Physical Therapy
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Michigan
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available
Initial Licensing Fee: $216.30 for PTs and PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $194.70 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Michigan State Board of Physical Therapy
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Minnesota
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: $25
Initial Licensing Fee: $193.25 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses expire on December 31 of each year. The renewal fee is $60 for PTs and PTAs
More Information: Visit the Minnesota State Board of Physical Therapy
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Mississippi
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may be granted to an applicant who has completed all requirements except for national exam and allows them supervised practice for 90 days while awaiting examination or results. A temporary permit may not be issued if an applicant has previously failed the exam in any state.
Initial Licensing Fee: There is an application fee of $125.00 and a background check fee of $50 for PTs and PTAs, as well as a license fee of $150 for PTs and $125 for PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses expire every 2 years on June 30th. Renewal fees are $150 for PTs and $125 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy
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Missouri
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may be granted to any first-time applicant who has completed all requirements except for national exam and allows them supervised practice for 90 days while awaiting examination or results. A temporary permit may not be issued if an applicant has previously failed the exam in any state. There is a $10 fee or PTs and PTAs
Initial Licensing Fee: $25 for PTs and PTAs
- Timeline: Allow a minimum of 6-10 weeks
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by December 31 on a two year renewal period. The renewal fee is $50 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Alabama State Board of Physical Therapy
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Montana
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Examination applicants are eligible for a temporary permit upon approval of the licensure application. The permit is valid until the applicant either fails the first national examination for which they’re eligible or passes the examination and is granted a license. Only one temporary permit will be issued per applicant and there is an associated fee of $100.
Initial Licensing Fee: A $100.00 Original License Fee must be paid by all applicants and there is a $125.00 Endorsement Fee for PTs and PTAs applying from out of state.
Renewal: All licenses need to be renewed by April 1 with a renewal fee of $60 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Montana State Board of Physical Therapy
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Nebraska
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available
Initial Licensing Fee: $133 for PTs and $90 for PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years and expire on November 1 of each odd-numbered year. The renewal fee is $133 for PTs and $90 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Nebraska State Board of Physical Therapy
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Nevada
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary permit may be granted to any first-time applicant who has completed all requirements and has been approved for the national exam. They can practice with supervision while awaiting examination or results. A temporary permit may not be issued if an applicant has previously failed the exam in any state.
Initial Licensing Fee: $300 for PTs and $200 for PTAs
- Timeline: The licensing process takes 5-7 business days once a full application is received and completed with all requirements.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every year. The renewal fee is $150 for PTs and $100 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Nevada State Board of Physical Therapy
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New Hampshire
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary licenses can be issued to out-of-state health care professionals with an active license in good standing for 120 days or until the board takes action on an application for full licensure, whichever happens first. There is an associated fee of $100 for PTs and PTAs.
Initial Licensing Fee: $60 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years by December 31st in even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $110 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the New Hampshire State Board of Physical Therapy
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New Jersey
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: There is an application fee of $125 for PTs and PTAs. Depending on where the applicant's eligibility falls within the renewal period, a PT can expect to pay $55 or $110 for their license and a PT can expect to pay $50 or $100.
Renewal: All licenses expire every two years on January 31 of any even-numbered year, regardless of the date of initial licensure. The renewal fee is $110 for a PT and $100 for a PTA.
More Information: Visit the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy
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New Mexico
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: Only new graduates are eligible for a temporary license. If you have recently graduated and are waiting for your official transcripts, a letter from the program director stating that the curriculum has been completed will be acceptable until official transcripts are received. The temporary license is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If a candidate fails the exam, the temporary license is immediately canceled. There is a $35 temporary permit fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: There is a $250 fee for PTs and $200 for PTAs
- Timeline: Upon receiving all required licensing information, the board has up to five business days to issue a license.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee is $160 for PTs and $120 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the New Mexico State Board of Physical Therapy
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New York
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: The board may issue limited permits to an applicant for licensure which authorize the practice of physical therapy under the on-site supervision of a New York State licensed and currently registered PT for 6 months. There is an associated fee of $70 for a PT and $50 for a PTA. New grads may be employed for 90 days immediately following graduation without holding a limited permit, though they must have applied for licensure and a limited permit and must be waiting to take the exam.
Initial Licensing Fee: $294 for a PT and $103 for a PTA
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $224 for PTs and $103 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the New York State Board of Physical Therapy
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North Carolina
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $150 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses need to be renewed annually by January 31. The renewal fee is $120 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the North Carolina State Board of Physical Therapy
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North Dakota
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $200 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses need to be renewed annually by January 31. The renewal fee is $100 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the North Dakota State Board of Physical Therapy
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Ohio
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $100 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses need to be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $70 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Ohio State Board of Physical Therapy
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Oklahoma
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A letter authorizing practice under the supervision of a licensed PT may be issued provided all requirements for licensure have been met and verified. This permits legal practice during the interim from the time the application is complete and the time at which the Board grants a license.
Initial Licensing Fee: $150 for PTs and $135 for PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses need to be renewed annually by January 31. The renewal fee is $50 for PTs and $35 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Oklahoma State Board of Physical Therapy
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Oregon
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: If you have completed your physical therapy education at a CAPTE accredited institution, but you have NOT yet been able to take the NPTE due to scheduling, you may be eligible to begin working under an Exam Temporary Permit with supervision of a license PT while you wait to take your exam. Temporary permits allow the applicant to work for up to 90 days after the permit is issued. There is an associated fee of $50.
Initial Licensing Fee: $187 for PTs and PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses are valid for up to two years, and expire on March 31st of even years. The renewal fee is $200 for PTs and $130 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Oregon State Board of Physical Therapy
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Pennsylvania
PT Licensure Compact? Pending, but not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be granted to an applicant who has graduated from an accredited program and has secured employment. This allows the applicant to practice under the supervision of a licensed PT for 6 months maximum, until the exam has been passed.
Initial Licensing Fee: $30 for PTs and PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The fee is $90 for PTs and $45 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy
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Rhode Island
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: New graduates who have graduated from a program accredited by CAPTE, have met all other requirements, and are applying to take the licensure examination. This allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed PT for 90 days or until they fail the exam.
Initial Licensing Fee: $155 for PTs and $50s for PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses expire on the first day of May 1 of even years. The renewal fee is $155 for PTs and $50s for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Rhode Island State Board of Physical Therapy
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South Carolina
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $110 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses expire on December 31 or even numbered years. The renewal fee is $80 for PTs and $70 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the South Carolina State Board of Physical Therapy
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South Dakota
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $60 for PTs and PTAs.
- Timeline: When a file is complete, the license is issued that day or no later than the next business day or two.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is $50 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the South Dakota State Board of Physical Therapy
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Tennessee
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available
Initial Licensing Fee: $135 for PTs and $125 for PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee is $55 for PTs and $45 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Tennessee State Board of Physical Therapy
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Texas
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary Licenses are issued only after all requirements for licensure have been met with the exception of a score report for the NPTE, and the appropriate affidavits have been submitted along with the Temporary License fee of $80 for PTs and $60 for PTAs.
Initial Licensing Fee: $190 for PTs and $125 for PTAs
Renewal: The renewal fee is $248 for PTs and $184 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Texas State Board of Physical Therapy
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Utah
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be issued to an applicant who meets all qualifications for licensure except for the passing of the required exam. The applicant must be authorized and registered to sit for the NPTE exam, be a graduate of a CAPTE accredited PT school within the previous 3 months, and be under the direct supervision of a licensed PT. The license expires in 6 months, after the applicant has failed the exam twice, or upon receiving full licensure. There is an associated $50 fee for PTs and PTAs.
Initial Licensing Fee: $90 for PTs and PTAs
Renewal: Licenses expire on May 31 of odd years. The renewal fee for PTs and PTAs is $47.
More Information: Visit the Utah State Board of Physical Therapy
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Vermont
PT Licensure Compact? Pending, but not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: Applications for licensure by endorsement are eligible for a 90-day provisional license while the board awaits receipt of your license verification.
Initial Licensing Fee: $100 for PTs and PTAs.
- Timeline: Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.
Renewal: All licenses expire on September 30th of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $150 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Vermont State Board of Physical Therapy
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Virginia
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: An unlicensed applicant who meets all other requirements can be employed as a trainee under direct supervision of a licensedPT until results of the national exam are received, following approval from the president of the board.
Initial Licensing Fee: $140 for PTs and $100 for PTAs.
- Timeline: Once all documentation has been received, the licensing process takes approximately 10 business days.
Renewal: Licenses expire by December 31 of each even numbered year. The renewal fee is $135 for PTs and $70 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Virginia State Board of Physical Therapy
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Washington
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Interim permits are available for graduates of CAPTE approved PT programs while they await licensure exam results. This allows them to work under the direct supervision of a licensed PT as a graduate PT or PTA.
Initial Licensing Fee: $80 for PTs and $75 for PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every year on or before the licensee’s birthday. The renewal fee is $100 for PTs and $95 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Washington State Board of Physical Therapy
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Washington, D.C.
PT Licensure Compact? Pending, but not yet active.
Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be granted to applicants who hold an unrestricted license in another state and have applied for licensure in Washington, D.C. The temporary license is only valid for 90 days or until a full license is issued.
Initial Licensing Fee: $264 for PTs and PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $179 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Washington, D.C. Board of Physical Therapy
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West Virginia
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary permits can be issued to applicants who have met the criteria for licensure and have submitted an application and are either a graduate of a CAPTE PT program awaiting exam or a applicant for licensure by endorsement who holds an unencumbered license in another state. There is an associated fee of $35 for PTs and $20 for PTAs.
Initial Licensing Fee: $245 for PTs and $165 for PTAs
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $100 for PTs and $60 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the West Virginia State Board of Physical Therapy
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Wisconsin
PT Licensure Compact? Yes
Temporary/Limited Permit: If an applicant has graduated from an approved school and is scheduled for the national exam, they may be eligible for a 90 day temporary license. There’s an associated $10 fee.
Initial Licensing Fee: $165 for PTs and PTAs.
Renewal: Licenses expire on February 28th of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $56 for PTs and PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Wisconsin State Board of Physical Therapy
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Wyoming
PT Licensure Compact? No
Temporary/Limited Permit: Not available.
Initial Licensing Fee: $240 for PTs and $190 for PTAs.
- Timeline: Once your file is determined to be complete, application processing time is approximately 7-10 business days.
Renewal: Licenses expire annually on October 1st. The renewal fee is $75 for PTs and $50 for PTAs.
More Information: Visit the Wyoming State Board of Physical Therapy
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Key Points to Remember About Physical Therapy Licensure
Launching your career as a licensed Physical Therapist requires careful planning and consideration, but you have the freedom to practice wherever best suits you! Here are some useful pointers to help you navigate through:
- State Applications: As a Physical Therapist, you're not confined to a single state. You can apply for licensure to practice in multiple states, giving you the liberty to choose your work location. The easiest way to do this is to have a compact license from your home state, but bear in mind that not all states participate in the compact. Always keep in mind that every state has its unique set of licensure requirements. Stay updated by checking each state board's website for the latest information.
- Organization is the Winning Strategy: The licensure process can be made less daunting by being organized. Keep your documents related to licensure, exams, and health requirements in an organized file. The licensure process typically includes a state or federal criminal background check, official academic transcripts, and evidence of passing the state's laws and regulations exam related to physical therapy practice.
- Job Hunt: Feel free to start your job search and take interviews before you have graduated- some states will even let you take the exam before your graduation date! The key here is communication - always keep potential employers in the loop about your licensure status. Many states offer an interim solution by providing a temporary license for recent graduates, with specific supervision rules. However, if you fail to pass the necessary examination or your license isn't issued, you'll be required to wait until your permanent license is secured before beginning practice.
- Licensure Timing: Keep in mind that license processing timelines can vary widely by state. You may need to consider this and the availability of a temporary license as you plan your employment. You can always check directly with the board as to what their processing time looks like and how you can track your application.
In a nutshell, becoming a licensed Physical Therapist is a journey that calls for careful planning, adherence to each state's individual requirements, and patience as you traverse the licensure terrain. But remember, you're embarking on an exciting pathway, and these insights can act as your guide, helping you achieve your career aspirations!
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We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in laying out the path ahead. As you embark on or continue your journey as an PT or PTA, remember that the adventure is just as important as the destination.
So, why wait? Broaden your horizons and experience the unique opportunity to travel and work as an PT or PTA. Sign up with Trusted today and unlock a world of possibilities!
