Physical Therapist Initial Application Instructions

The following outlines general license information for Physical Therapists.

License Fee Schedule

North Dakota licensing cycle expires January 31st each year. Applicants must pay a $200 application fee plus the current criminal background fee.

Application Fee $ 200.00
Criminal Background Check Fee $ 41.25
Additional Fee Information:
  • Credit or Debit card payment must be remitted at time of application submission.
  • The application fee is non-refundable.

Application and Documentation Information

The requirements for physical therapists interested in applying for licensure with North Dakota & taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) are as follows:

  1. Complete the online license application as a Physical Therapist.
    • Once your application is received, a BCI fingerprint packet will be mailed to you.
    • Documentation for any "yes" answers to the legal questions.
  2. Juris Prudence: This is an open book exam which can be completed by using up the Rules & Regulations and ND PT Practice Act located under Regulations in the menu bar.
    • Note: The Juris Prudence is included in the online application. The Juris Prudence Exam must be passed prior to issuance of a license.
  3. Applications for the NPTE must be done online through the FSBPT. Your school will need to notify FSBPT that you have either graduated or are on track to graduate. North Dakota participates in the alternate approval pathway. FSBPT will make you eligible to sit for the exam, not the ND board.
    • Note: Please refer to the FSBPT website at www.fsbpt.net/pt for the NPTE Handbook, the school codes and general information regarding the examination.
  4. Official Transcript indicating completion of an accredited physical therapist program, must be sent directly from the school of graduation prior to being issued a license. North Dakota does accept transcripts by electronic means if sent directly from the school of graduation.

Eligibility for a permanent license is only possible when a passing score on the NPTE and an official transcript indicating graduation have been received.

Application and Documentation Information

For those physical therapists interested in applying for license by endorsement to practice in the State of North Dakota, the following information is required:

  1. Complete the online license application as a Physical Therapist.
    • Once your application is received, a BCI fingerprint packet will be mailed to you.
    • Documentation for any "yes" answers to the legal questions.
  2. Juris Prudence: This is an open book exam which can be completed by using up the Rules & Regulations and ND PT Practice Act located under Regulations in the menu bar.
    • Note: The Juris Prudence is included in the online application. The Juris Prudence Exam must be passed prior to issuance of a license.
  3. Contact the institution granting your physical therapy degree to have an official transcript, indicating verification of graduation from an accredited program, sent directly to the ND Board of PT.
  4. Upload a copy of any current license(s).
  5. Contact all states you hold/held a license in and have that Board send a verification of your license to the ND Board. You might also find this service available to you on some state's websites to download and scan to the ND Board.
  6. Contact the FSBPT to have your NPTE scores forwarded directly to ND Board of PT.
  7. Upload letters from the department supervisor or human resources from the last two places of employment, verifying employment.

Eligibility for permanent licensure is only possible upon receipt and review of all required documents and verification of license(s).

You must contact the ND Board of PT if you are no longer licensed as a Physical Therapist or have not passed the NPTE.

ADA Accommodations

Please refer to the FSBPT website, www.fsbpt.org, for the NPTE Handbook, the school codes and general information regarding the examination.

Continuing Competence Requirements

All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must obtain twenty-five units of continuing competence every two years to be eligible for licensure renewal. There shall be no carryover of continuing competence units to the next reporting period.

If you have questions you may view the Practice Act, the Rules & Regulations and an explanation of continuing competence requirements can be viewed on our site located under Regulations in the menu bar.

License Renewal

The license renewal fee is $100. Licenses must be renewed by January 31st every year. A license that has not been renewed by Januarty 31st is an expired license.

Once a license has expired, the person who held the expired license may not practice under state law. A person whose license has expired but who continues to practice is grounds for board discpline.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the board.

 

Page Updated: 8/28/2024 8:22:08 AM