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Licensure Reference Guide

Compare Jurisdictions

The Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide is a resource that compares some of the major similarities and differences among the jurisdictions. Developed by FSBPT, the guide is used as a reference for educational programs, students, licensing boards, professional associations, and others.

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Jurisdictions Help Keep the Guide Current

Although information has been collected directly from jurisdictions and validated on a quarterly basis with each jurisdiction, FSBPT does not claim that the information contained in this guide is completely up-to-date. The ultimate source for all state or jurisdiction regulatory information is the jurisdiction itself. Jurisdictions can provide updates to linked documents by contacting communications@fsbpt.org.

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Initial Licensure

  • Initial Licensure Requirements for PTs and PTAs

    Description: Requirements for graduates of CAPTE accredited programs that do not hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another US jurisdiction.

  • Taking the NPTE Prior to Graduation

    Description: Which jurisdictions allow students to take the NPTE prior to graduation and under what circumstances it is allowed.

  • PT Education Sitting for PTA the Exam

    Description: Which jurisdictions allow Physical Therapist educated individuals to sit for the Physical Therapist Assistant exam.

  • Licensure Endorsement Requirements

    Description: Requirements for graduates of CAPTE accredited programs that currently hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another US jurisdiction.

  • Retaking the NPTE

    Description: Which jurisdictions have limits on retaking the exam; whether or not remediation is required.

  • Foreign Educated PTs and PTAs
    • Requirements for Initial Licensure

      Description: Requirements for graduates of education programs NOT accredited by CAPTE that do not hold a license in another US jurisdiction.

    • Requirements for Endorsement Licensure

      Description: Requirements for graduates of education programs NOT accredited by CAPTE that currently hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another US jurisdiction.

    • Use of CWT for PTs

      Description: How the coursework tools are used to evaluate foreign educated physical therapist applicants.

    • Use of CWT for PTAs

      Description: How the coursework tools are used to evaluate foreign educated physical therapist assistant applicants.

    • English Language Proficiency Requirements

      Description: Which jurisdictions have an English language proficiency requirement and the passing score.

  • Physical Therapy Compact Members

    Description: Which jurisdictions are members of the PT Compact.

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Renewal of Licenses

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Management of Licenses

  • Temporary Licensure

    Description: Jurisdictions that give temporary licenses, for what reasons and for what length of time.

  • Supervision Levels by Setting

    Description: Level of supervision required for PTAs in various practice settings.

  • Supervision Ratios

    Description: If there is a limit on the number of personnel a PT can supervise, what the limit is, and which personnel are covered by this limit.

  • Role of Unlicensed Personnel

    Description: What level of supervision is required for unlicensed personnel, which personnel may supervise unlicensed personnel, and what type of assistance may be provided.

  • Direct Access

    Description: Which jurisdictions have unlimited direct access; what limits are specified for jurisdictions that have limited direct access; and from whom PTs can accept referrals.

  • Referral Requirements

    Description: Which Jurisdictions that have limited direct access and from whom PTs can accept referrals.

  • Reinstating Active License After Lapse in Licensure (Re-entry)

    Description: What jurisdictions define as time frames for re-entry into the workforce and the requirements prior to reinstating active licensure

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Jurisdiction Board Information

  • Level of Board Autonomy

    Description: What level of autonomy the licensing authorities have in developing budgets, hiring staff, developing administrative policies, discipline, etc.

  • Composition of the Board

    Description: What type and how many of each profession is on each licensing board.

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More tools

Below are more tools that we have developed for state licensing authorities in the regulation of physical therapy.

  • Coursework Tools (CWT)

    Find out how coursework tools are used to evaluate non-U.S. candidates.

  • Legislative tracking tool

    Track legislative issues important to your state.

  • Minimum Data Set

    The MDS will allow physical therapy to answer questions that will determine, among others, the number of providers; the race and sex of these individuals; and the facilities and geographic location in which services are provided.

  • Model practice act

    Read about the most effective tool for modernizing physical therapy practice acts.

  • NPDB Basis for Action

    Learn about this alert mechanism for sanctioned individuals.

  • Remediation resources

    Read detail information about ethics remediation courses.

  • Scope of practice

    Use this tool to help you make decisions about the physical therapy scope of practice in your state.

  • Telehealth in Physical Therapy

    The purpose of this document is to provide information and general guidance to physical therapy jurisdictional authorities for regulating the use of telehealth technologies in the practice of physical therapy.