1. Get the application to be licensed in a new state. Start by checking the state’s website or the websites for your license’s professional organizations to find more information about the application process.
Full Answer
How do I become a licensed PT or PTA?
You must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The NPTE is administered by FSBPT. You must pass the NPTE if you are seeking to become a licensed PT or PTA in the United States. Licensure is required in order to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States.
How do I apply for licensure in another state?
The process of applying for licensure in another state may vary, but the information below will help get you started. Contact the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which you want to practice for the most up-to-date information on licensure requirements.
Do Pts need a license to practice?
Licensure is required in order to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States. Licensure is managed by individual state regulatory boards. FSBPT maintains a list of licensing authorities with links to each state/jurisdiction’s practice act.
Do physical therapists have to be licensed in the US?
Only those who "meet and maintain prescribed standards" established by the state's regulatory board will be allowed to profess their qualifications and provide their services to the public. PTs must practice within the scope of physical therapy practice defined by licensure laws (physical therapy practice acts).
What are the different ways to become licensed to practice PT in the state of North Carolina?
The PT License Process in North CarolinaStep 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree.Step 2: Apply for a license with the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.Step 3: Pass the required exams for North Carolina.Step 4: Maintain and renew your license.National Physical Therapy Exam.Jurisprudence Exercise.
How many US states currently participate in the PT licensure compact?
What is the PT Compact? The Physical Therapy Compact is an agreement between states to improve access to physical therapy by making it easier for physical therapists to work in multiple states. There are currently 39 member states — with 25 of those states issuing compact privileges — and the number continues to grow.
How do I transfer my physical therapy license to Florida?
Can I transfer my license from one state to Florida? No, however you can apply by endorsement. Florida does not have reciprocity with any state; we endorse the National Physical Therapy Examination given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Is California a PT compact state?
Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Existing law, the Physical Therapy Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physical therapists by the Physical Therapy Board of California, and establishes education, examination, and other requirements for licensure in this state.
Is Florida in the PT Compact?
At this time, the Florida Legislature has determined that the PT Compact is not a feasible model for Florida adoption. There are special Florida regulatory requirements the PT Compact will need to meet before the Legislature will consider authorizing adoption.
Is New York a PT compact state?
Jamie is not eligible for Compact Privileges because her permanent residence/home state (New York) is not a member of the Compact, even though she is licensed in a Compact member state (Tennessee).
How long does it take to get a PT license in Florida?
between two and three weeksIt typically takes between two and three weeks to receive your physical therapy license in Florida. This is fast compared to other physical therapy licenses across the United States.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist in Florida?
three yearsPhysical therapy programs in Florida tak three years to complete. Your costs will run anywhere just under $28,000 if you're a Florida resident attending a school that accepts state funding to just over $97,000 if you attend a private university.
How do I get my physical therapy license in Hawaii?
First you must submit a complete application for licensure with the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy....How to Become a Physical Therapist in HawaiiStep 1: Complete a Degree in Physical Therapy.Step 2: Apply for a PT or PTA License.Step 3: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)Step 4: Renew Your License.
What states are in PT?
The Pacific Time Zone includes the states of California, part of Idaho, Nevada, most of Oregon, and Washington. Idaho is in both the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones.
Is Michigan in PT compact?
Michigan, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have all introduced PT compact legislation, although none have passed through both houses of the respective state legislatures yet.
Is South Carolina in the PT Compact?
There are currently 25 members of the PTCC including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West ...
Is Michigan in PT compact?
Michigan, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have all introduced PT compact legislation, although none have passed through both houses of the respective state legislatures yet.
Is NJ part of the PT Compact?
2017, c. 304 entered New Jersey into the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (Compact). The Compact is an agreement between states in which physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in one member-state may work in another member-state without obtaining a license in the second state.
Is Michigan part of PT compact?
Senate Bill 18 would enter Michigan into the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, which gives the option for eligible physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to obtain a “compact privilege” in other participating states.
Is Ohio in the PT Compact?
The PT Section of the OTPTAT Board is pleased to announce that Ohio has begun issuing PT Compact privileges effective October 1, 2021.
Do I want a hybrid remote or full telehealth practice?
In many cases, you will be practicing with at least some of your clients remotely if you are working with clients in multiple states. This may seem obvious, but it is worth taking some time to think about whether you enjoy telehealth and would like to start (or continue) practicing remotely.
Do my clients move to another state often? (Are they moving to the same or similar states?)
The COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened a trend we have seen before of therapy clients moving from New York to California or Florida. In fact, a few of our community members are licensed in all three states so that they can continue working with clients as they move back and forth.
Am I comfortable with the extra costs of being licensed in more than one state?
The process of getting a license in another state comes with both upfront and ongoing costs:
Do you have time to wait?
Getting licensed in a new state can take months, depending on your license type and licensing board.
1. Get the application to be licensed in a new state
Start by checking the state’s website or the websites for your license’s professional organizations to find more information about the application process. You may have to contact the state’s licensing board directly for the application.
2. Figure out which documents the application requires and collect them
Most states and license types will require supporting materials, including graduate school transcripts, test scores, and/or license verification from your current state.
3. Reconnect with your supervisor (and sometimes professors)
Now is a great time to reach out to your supervisors--and sometimes even your professors--because many states will require your supervisors’ signature or other supporting materials from the people who trained you.
How to become a PT in the US?
Here are the three main steps for practicing in the US as a foreign-trained PT: 1 Obtain permission to work in the US (in most cases, an HCWC). 2 Complete Education Evaluation and Remediation (based on state requirements and the CWT). 3 Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
How to become a physical therapist in the US?
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). The first step qualifies you to work in the US as a healthcare worker. The second step qualifies you to register for the NPTE, and the third step qualifies you to practice Physical Therapy in the US. 1. Obtain Permission to Work in the United States. Before you start the long journey ...
What is the best way to compare coursework to the CWT?
Using a credentialing agency is highly recommended. Not only will they compare your coursework to the CWT, they will also help you meet specific requirements based on the state in which you plan to practice.
What is the NPTE exam?
Pass the NPTE. The National Physical Therapy Examination is a standardized exam every PT, US- or foreign-trained, must pass to obtain a physical therapy license. For foreign-trained PTs, there are a couple of things to address before registering for the exam.
What degree do you need to become a physical therapist?
In the United States, students seeking a career in physical therapy must first earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from a CAPTE -accredited school. Upon graduation, they must take and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Then, they are licensed therapists with permission to work as a PT.
Is NPTE hard to take?
It’s like studying everything afresh if you are foreign trained and this can take some time. The NPTE is particularly more difficult for foreign trained PTs. You have to figure out your strengths and your weakness by practicing questions every day. NPTE is by far the hardest exam I have taken.
Connecticut State Department of Public Health
February 15, 2022 – Commissioner’s order: Out of state licensed providers should read this updated order from DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD and note the list of authorized professions.
Physical Therapist Licensure
Most of the frequently asked for services are listed in the left margin of this page.
Where are PTs licensed?
Purpose and Requirements for State Licensure. PTs are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What is the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education?
Department of Education-recognized specialized accrediting agency for physical therapy education programs, sets the quality threshold standards that physical therapy education programs must meet in order to be accredited.
What is scope of work for PTA?
PTAs' scope of work and supervision requirements are defined by the physical therapy practice act in each state. You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination if you are seeking to become a licensed PT or PTA in the United States.
Do PTAs need to be certified?
Licensure or certification is required in each state/jurisdiction in which a PTA works and must be renewed on a regular basis, with a majority of states requiring continuing education as a requirement for renewal. PTAs' scope of work and supervision requirements are defined by the physical therapy practice act in each state.
What is required to practice as a PTA?
Licensure. Licensure is managed by individual state regulatory boards and is required to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States. Licensure is required in order to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States.
Who administers the NPTE?
The NPTE is administered by FSBPT. You must pass the NPTE if you are seeking to become a licensed PT or PTA in the United States. Licensure is required in order to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States. Licensure is managed by individual state regulatory boards.
