- How do you get licensed as a travel PT?
- How does licensing work?
- When should you get licensed?
- How to get licensed in states as a traveling therapist?
- How do you know which states to get licensed in?
- When should you begin applying for licenses as a travel PT?
- When should you start the licensure process as a travel PT?
You have to hold a physical therapy license in each state that you want to practice as a travel PT. Each state has different requirements for licensure, but there are there are 2 different ways you could get licensed in a state as a physical therapist ( and travel PT). Since licensing in every state differs and has different requirements, check the state’s PT board website for instructions and requirements for that specific state based on which type of licensure you need ( see below).
2 Types of Physical Therapy Licensing:
1. License by Exam
This is for PTs who are being licensed for the FIRST TIME based n whether they pass the NPTE Board exam. You can only choose to be licensed by exam in ONE state.
Use the this link to discover the process based on your state and planned jurisdiction (the state you plan to test for).
The NPTE Registration Process differs for some states. Typically, this is the process:
1. School sets up an FSBPT account
2. You complete FSBPT account set-up
3. School validates graduation: Confirms graduation Prior to graduation date
4. You register for the exam on FSBPT. Click here for important Dates and Deadlines.
5. Complete requirements through jurisdiction that you plan to register/ test: application and other requirements. Compare requirements HERE.
6. Jurisdiction grants eligibility: Once you have met all requirements through the jurisdiction you plan to get licensed
7. Get ATT letter from FSBPT: contains necessary info to schedule your exam.
8. Schedule and take the exam
9. Score is reported
10. Jurisdiction grants license
2. License by Endorsement
This is getting licensed in additional states based on the fact that you are already licensed in another state(s). The state that holds your license is “endorsing” you to be able to work in other states. If you apply via endorsement you would have to wait until your original (license by exam) license is available and verification is sent to the other states before they can process your license.
There is really no such thing as “Transferring” license between states. And each state has different Jurisdiction Requirements.
Jurisdiction Requirements
To approve a candidate to sit for the NPTE, at a minimum, jurisdictions will require that the candidate is a graduate of or graduating from a PT or PTA program that meets the accreditation standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or has an education that is has been determined to be substantially equivalent by a recognized credentialing agency.
For a complete list of jurisdiction requirements visit the website for the state in which you are seeking licensure.
When to get licensed as a Travel PT
- When to get licensed as a travel PT?
- When should I start the licensure process as a travel PT?
In some states, you can start the licensure process before sitting for the board exam. BUT check with each state for their requirements and process. Then, once the boards are completed, you can request the scores be sent to multiple states.
In some states you can sit for the NPTE Board Exam before graduation. Click HERE to see if your state is one of them.
There are two options and different thought processes as far as when to get licensed as a new travel PT.
Option 1: Job First
Find a job first, then apply for license. You could wait until you accept a job before applying for licensure.
Pro: not spending money on other states that you might not use.
Con: It’s harder to get a job if you don’t already have a license in that state.
Option 2: License First
Apply for a few licenses in hopes to find jobs in those states after graduation.
Pro: Your the likelihood of you getting a job improves, if you already have the state license
Con: You may feel tied to the states you have licenses in and feel obligated to find work in those states even if the right job opens elsewhere.
TIP: Get a few licenses (3 if traveling alone, 4 if traveling as a team), but be flexible if an opportunity opens in a state with a quick license process (2-3 weeks), if you have that kind of time. Explore other opportunities with quick licenses, and don’t feel tied to the states you are already licensed in. For example, the job opens up in a state where the licensure processes pretty quick, don’t let the fact that you are ready have 4 other state licenses keep you from applying to that job, if it would only take a few weeks for you to get the license, and if you had that time.
I got 4 state licenses out of school, since I was traveling as a team: MA, NC, SC, NY. Then, added FL, TX, and WA, and CO after traveling for a while.
However, the licensing process can be a LOT easier if you can participate in The Compact License.
To learn more about The Compact License.
CLICK HERE
How do you know which states to get licensed in?
Click HERE to learn how to decide which state to get licensed in as a new travel PT
