Rehab Therapy Licensure Requirements
Therapeutic Resources encourages all rehab professionals to obtain multiple state licenses. With the exception of California Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants, all Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy professionals are required to hold a current license in the state of the hiring clinic before working in that state. Most hiring clinics require candidates to hold a license prior to applying for a job.
At Therapeutic Resources, we realize that obtaining a new license can be a time consuming, expensive and frustrating process. State requirements vary dramatically but the average time for obtaining a new license is approximately six weeks. Typically, the limiting factor in obtaining a license is receipt of the licensure verification from states currently licensed. The more licenses you hold, the longer the process. Some states do offer temporary licenses, which can be obtained quickly, other states require supplemental regulatory exams and background checks which can extend the time to over three months.
Therapeutic Resources’ staff is educated on licensure requirements for each state and are available to assist candidates in obtaining the appropriate license. Our job is to make the process as easy as possible for our candidates.
GET YOUR PT COMPACT STATE LICENSE NOW:
The New PT Compact has launched, giving PTs and PTAs new freedom to get licensing privileges in states that are part of the compact. This exciting new privilege allows PTs and PTAs to work in several states simply by completing a short application process.
The PT Compact is a solution to the headaches associated with having to obtain a license in every state in which PTs and PTAs can take advantage of the compact. To be eligible, your permanent residence must be in a member state that is currently issuing compact privileges. Here’s the full list of eligibility requirements:
- Hold a current, valid PT or PTA license in your home state.
- Your home state must be a member of the PT compact and actively issuing compact privileges.
- You cannot have any active encumbrances against any PT or PTA license.
- You cannot have any disciplinary action against any PT or PTA license for a period of two years.
- The state where you are seeking Compact Privilege must be a member of the PT Compact and actively issuing compact privileges.
Which States Are Accepting Compact Privileges?
The states in the list below are currently issuing compact privileges, which means that PTs and PTAs in good standing in their home state (your home license must be in a state that’s part of the compact) can apply to get licensed and immediately travel to any state issuing licenses.
Current States accepting PT Compact privileges include:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Arizona
- Utah
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Texas
- New Hampshire
- Tennessee
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Kentucky
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- North Carolina