Converdia
Physical Therapy Licensure

Physical Therapy Licensure Resources.

Keep your career moving forward.

Whether you're applying for your first physical therapy license, relocating to a new state, renewing your credentials, or preparing for a travel therapy assignment, understanding licensure requirements is an important step in your career journey. Converdia provides resources to help simplify the process and connect you with the information you need to practice confidently wherever opportunity takes you.

Physical therapist guiding a patient through rehabilitation exercises in a clinic

50-State

licensing directory

State Licensing Resources

Find licensing information by state.

Our state licensing directory covers physical therapy boards, license verification, renewal information, PT Compact participation, and credentialing resources.

Physical Therapy Boards

Access state licensing board information and application resources.

License Verification

Verify active PT and PTA licenses.

Renewal Information

Review renewal requirements and continuing education guidelines.

PT Compact Information

Explore participating states and compact privileges.

Credentialing Resources

Prepare for travel assignments and onboarding requirements.

Showing 51 states

Alabama

Processing3-4 weeks
Cost$100 application fee

Alaska

Processing4-6 weeks
Cost$215-$425 application fee

Arizona

PT Compact
ProcessingBased on board meeting
Cost$120-$260 application fee

Arkansas

PT Compact
Processing1 week
Cost$50-$150 application fee

California

Processing5-7 weeks with LiveScan, 8-10 weeks with fingerprint cards
Cost$300 application fee
  • LiveScan or fingerprint cards required

Colorado

PT Compact
Processing4-6 weeks
Cost$100

Connecticut

Processing2-3 weeks
Cost$285 initial application fee

Delaware

PT Compact
Processing4-8 weeks
Cost$174 application fee

District of Columbia

PT Compact
Processing120 business days or less
Cost$85 application fee
  • LiveScan or fingerprint cards required

Florida

Processing2-3 weeks
Cost$180 total application fee

Georgia

PT Compact
Processing5-7 weeks
Cost$75 application fee

Hawaii

Processing4-5 weeks
Cost$185-$300 application fee

Idaho

Processing3-4 weeks
Cost$25 application fee

Illinois

Processing6-8 weeks
Cost$100 application fee

Indiana

PT Compact
Processing2-4 weeks
Cost$100 application fee

Iowa

PT Compact
Processing2-4 weeks
Cost$120 application fee

Kansas

Processing2-3 weeks

Kentucky

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$225 application fee
  • HIV/AIDS education course required through the state

Louisiana

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks after board meeting
Cost$250-$390 application fee
  • Proof of 30 CEUs within the past 2 years
  • Interview with the board required for licensing

Maine

Processing2-3 weeks
Cost$25 application fee
  • Online application

Maryland

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$150 application fee

Massachusetts

Processing5-6 weeks
  • License processed through PCS in Tennessee

Michigan

Processing6-8 weeks
Cost$190-$240 application fee

Minnesota

Processing5 days (temporary permit)
  • Online application
  • Full license issued with board meeting

Mississippi

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$125 application fee
  • Online application
  • Fingerprint cards required

Missouri

PT Compact
Processing6 weeks
Cost$25 application fee

Montana

PT Compact
Processing2 weeks after board meeting
Cost$100 application fee, $125 for out-of-state
  • Online application

Nebraska

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$133 application fee

Nevada

Processing3-4 weeks with LiveScan, 6-8 weeks with fingerprint cards
Cost$300 application fee
  • LiveScan and fingerprint cards required

New Hampshire

PT Compact
ProcessingBoard review on the 3rd Wednesday of each month
Cost$110 application fee
  • Call (603) 217-8389 to obtain an application
  • Must obtain criminal history reports from any state lived/worked in (done through state police)

New Jersey

PT Compact
Processing4-8 weeks
  • LiveScan or fingerprint cards required

New Mexico

Processing1-3 weeks
Cost$250 application fee

New York

Processing4-8 weeks
Cost$294 application fee

North Carolina

PT Compact
Processing2-3 weeks after board review
Cost$150 application fee

North Dakota

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$200 application fee
  • Online application

Ohio

PT Compact
Processing3-4 weeks with LiveScan, 3-4 months with fingerprint cards
Cost$70-$100 application fee
  • Online application

Oklahoma

PT Compact
ProcessingBoard review (3 meetings per year)
Cost$150 application fee

Oregon

PT Compact
ProcessingTemporary permit issued 2-3 days with one license verification
  • One-hour pain management course required

Pennsylvania

Processing2-3 weeks
Cost$30 application fee
  • Online application

Rhode Island

Processing4-6 weeks
Cost$155 application fee

South Carolina

PT Compact
Processing4 weeks
Cost$110 application fee
  • Online application

South Dakota

PT Compact
ProcessingVaries
Cost$120 application fee
  • Online application or call (605) 367-7781

Tennessee

PT Compact
Processing3-6 weeks
Cost$135 application fee
  • LiveScan or fingerprint cards required

Texas

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
  • Online application

Utah

PT Compact
Processing2-4 weeks
Cost$90 application fee

Vermont

Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$100 application fee

Virginia

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
  • Online application

Washington

PT Compact
ProcessingTemporary permit within 3-4 weeks
Cost$80-$100 application fee
  • AIDS education and training requirement

West Virginia

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$35-$245 application fee based on application type

Wisconsin

PT Compact
Processing1-2 weeks
Cost$165 application fee

Wyoming

Processing3-4 weeks
Cost$240 application fee
  • Fingerprint cards required

Application fees, processing times, and requirements change frequently. Always confirm current details directly with the applicable state licensing board before applying.

Navigate PT Licensure

Everything you need to navigate licensure.

Licensure requirements for Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) vary by state and can impact how quickly you're able to begin working in a new location. Our goal is to provide helpful resources that make it easier to understand licensing requirements, renew credentials, verify licenses, and prepare for new opportunities.

Whether you're pursuing travel therapy assignments, relocating, or simply staying current with your profession, we're here to help.

What Is Physical Therapy Licensure?

Why licensure matters.

Physical therapy licensure helps ensure patients receive safe, effective care from qualified healthcare professionals. To practice as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, clinicians must meet state-specific requirements.

Maintaining active licensure is essential for protecting patients and expanding your career opportunities.

Explore State Requirements

Requirements often include

  • Graduation from an accredited program
  • National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
  • Background screening requirements
  • State-specific applications
  • Continuing competency requirements
  • License renewals
Physical Therapy Compact

One step closer to greater flexibility.

The Physical Therapy Compact allows eligible Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants to obtain practice privileges in participating states more efficiently.

Participation requirements vary, and not all states currently participate in the PT Compact.

Explore PT Compact States

Benefits may include

  • Faster access to new opportunities
  • Increased career flexibility
  • Simplified multistate practice
  • Reduced administrative barriers
  • Expanded travel therapy opportunities
Travel Therapy & Licensure

Preparing for your next assignment.

One of the most common challenges travel therapists face is navigating state licensing requirements. The more prepared you are, the more opportunities become available.

Being proactive can help

  • Increase available job opportunities
  • Reduce onboarding delays
  • Improve placement timelines
  • Expand assignment options
  • Create greater career flexibility
Credentialing For Physical Therapists

Beyond the license.

Before beginning a new assignment, healthcare organizations often require credentialing to verify qualifications and experience. Keeping these documents organized can help streamline the hiring process.

Active PT or PTA license
Employment history
Professional references
Education verification
Specialty certifications
Background screenings
Skills assessments
Immunization records
Physical Therapy Licensure FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the Physical Therapy Compact?

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The Physical Therapy Compact allows eligible PTs and PTAs to obtain practice privileges in participating states without completing a full licensure process in each state.

Do I need a separate license for every state?

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Requirements vary by state. Therapists may qualify for compact privileges in participating states, while other states require separate licensure.

How long does physical therapy licensure take?

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Processing times vary by state and application type. Some applications may be processed within weeks, while others can take several months.

Can Physical Therapist Assistants use the PT Compact?

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Yes. Eligible PTAs may qualify for compact privileges in participating states.

How often do PT licenses need to be renewed?

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Renewal schedules vary by state and often include continuing education or competency requirements.

What is license verification?

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License verification confirms that a PT or PTA license is active and in good standing, often required during credentialing.

Can Converdia help with licensing questions?

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Absolutely. Our recruiters can help direct you to state licensing resources and provide guidance throughout the process.

Resources For Therapy Professionals

Continue building your career.

Explore additional resources designed to help therapy professionals grow their careers.

Therapy Jobs
Housing ResourcesBenefits & Perks
Travel Tips
Clinician Checklists
First-Time Traveler Guide
New Graduate Resources
Your Next Step Starts Here

Ready for your next opportunity?

Whether you're pursuing your first travel assignment, relocating to a new state, or expanding your opportunities through compact privileges, Converdia is here to help.