- How to decide where to get licensed as a travel PT?
- How do you decide which states to get licensed in as a travel PT?
- Where should I get licensed as a travel PT?
- How do I know which states to get licensed in?
- How long does it take to get licensed?
How do you decide which states to get licensed in as a travel PT?
Deciding where to get licenses as a new travel PT can be daunting. There are 50 options, after all.
And since each state has different requirements, timeframes, and fees, you want to make sure your time and money are well spent.
Here’s my advice on how to decide where/ what states to get licensed as a travel PT:
1.) Make a List
List states and regions that peak your interest.
2.) Check with a Recruiter
Determine if current travel market matches your desires by speaking with Recommended Recruiter. Speak with a recommended recruiter who better knows the market, in order to make sure you are getting licensed in states that actually have a market need. For example, places like HI, CO, UT, don’t tend to have a lot of travel jobs, whereas CA & MA have more openings. This way you don’t get licensed in a spot where there are no travel jobs. The market is always fluctuating, so in order to find out which states have a market need for travel, check with my recommended recruiters and ask them. Fill out this for to be connected and to ask them what they recommend:
Click here to speak with WanderlustPTs’ recommended recruiters.
Set-up game plan with the recruiter to get licensed in the states based on the market and what your goals.
Also, according to traveltax.com, it’s a good rule of thumb to be licensed in your home state as well.
3.) Know States’ Requirements
Familiarize yourself with each state’s board requirements. Each state has different requirements for licensure. The best thing to do is to visit each state’s website and look up how they want you to fill out an application and what is required to apply. For example, google: “AK PT board” and look for a spot where it says “Apply for licensure.” Some states require fingerprints, pictures, or sit-down jurisprudence exam in a testing center (like the NPTE board exam), while others have an open- book jurisprudence exam that can be completed online.
Click here to view requirements for each state.
For a complete list of jurisdiction requirements visit the website here for the state in which you are seeking licensure.
Also keep in mind how long licensure can take for each states. Timeframes for licensure can vary drastically, from a few hours (with the Compact License) to a few weeks, to even months!
4.) Start the Process
Once you know where you want to be licensed and register for the board exam, you may be able to start the application process before taking boards/graduation. Check that state’s processes as each one differs. Then, once the boards/ graduation is completed, you can request the scores/ letter of completion be sent to multiple states and get licensed in other states in order to get licensed (by endorsement) in other states.
The Compact License
If your home state is in the compact license, GREAT! This will give you the opportunity to get licensed quickly in other compact states. However, if your home state is not in the compact license, (ptcompact.org) you cannot participate in it, and you have to get licensed individually in each state. If your home state is NOT in the compact, I recommend getting licensed in other NON Compact states, because the amount of therapists that can apply to those jobs is only limited to those who have licenses in those states, and is not open to ANYONE with a compact license. More on the Compact License Here.
Click here to learn more about how to get licensed as a travel PT.
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