Skip to main content

When to Get Licensed

 

  • When to get licensed 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: 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: 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.

 

My advice: 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.

 

Click here to learn more about The Compact License.

 

 

TRAVEL THERAPY RESOURCES:

To learn more about travel therapy, check out the free webinar here:
https://university.wanderlustpts.com/travelpt

If you want to be connected with my recommended recruiters, click HERE:
https://wanderlustpts.com/recruiters/

If you want step-by-step guidance on how to become a travel PT: https://university.wanderlustpts.com/rst