Are you a physical therapist and looking to expand and looking to expand your horizons then the first thing you should do is get your Physical Therapy Compact License (PT license). With the help of this license, you will be able to practice as a physical therapist anywhere in the United States without applying for multiple licenses. Are you ready to travel and explore the world while doing what you love as a physical therapist? Learn what is the Physical Therapy Compact state license and what are the physical therapy compact states.
What is a PT compact license?
PT compact license or Physical Compact license allows physical therapists (PT) and Physical therapists assistants (PTA) to practice across multiple states without applying for multiple licenses. Key benefits of a PT compact license are:
- One license to work in multiple states.
- Improved mobility.
- Expanded workforce.
- Increased access to care.
- Reduces time and cost of multiple licenses.
Key elements of PT (physical therapist) compact license
Some of the key elements of the PT (physical therapist) compact license are as follows:
- A group of states known as compact member states have signed an agreement. These states allow PTs and PTAs to work in these states under one license known as the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
- Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can work in these compact states without applying for multiple licenses saving both money and time.
- To get this license they should be eligible for it set by the compact such as clean record, passing required examinations, etc.
- This agreement provides flexibility for PT and PTAs to provide their services where there is a shortage of staff.
Requirements to get a physical therapist compact license
You need to fulfill some requirements before you apply for a physical therapist compact state license.
- Valid license in the home state.
- No criminal background.
- Meeting continuing education requirements.
- Maintaining active practice standards.
- Primary state residence license must be active.
Who benefits from a physical therapist compact license?
- Physical therapist and physical therapist assistants
- Patients
- employers
Which states are in the PT compact (physical therapy compact state license)?
Currently, 30 states are in the PT compact, but more and more states are also trying to be part of this agreement.
The list of PT states includes the following:
- Washington
- Oregon
- Utah
- Arizona
- Colorado
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Indiana
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Ohio
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Delaware
Conclusion
Physical Therapy compact license provides opportunities for physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to work in multiple states. There are 30 PT states which have signed the agreement. You have to be eligible for it before you apply for a PT compact license such as required education, active license etc. The benefits of a PT compact license include flexibility, mobility, cost-effectiveness, etc.