What is the PT Compact?
Compact physical therapy states refer to the group of states that have passed or are in the process of passing the Physical Therapy Compact legislature. This agreement allows licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to hold one compact license in their primary state and practice in multiple states without requiring additional licenses.
Essentially, a physical therapist or assistant who is licensed in a compact physical therapy state can efficiently work in another compact physical therapy state without having to go through the time-consuming and costly process of obtaining a separate license. It’s important to note that not all states participate in this agreement, so practitioners must check if the state they want to work in is part of the Physical Therapy Compact before practicing there. Over 30 states have joined the PT Compact and offer this option for qualified practitioners.
What is a PT Compact License?
The PT Compact License is a multi-state license that allows physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to practice in member states without obtaining additional licenses. The Compact License was established in 2014 as an interstate agreement between participating states, to increase access to quality healthcare by allowing licensed practitioners to work across state borders.
What are the PT Compact States?
Physical therapists can work in any participating compact state with a compact multistate license. Here is a full list of compact physical therapy states that accept a universal multi-state license:
- Alabama(awaiting implementation)
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Indiana (awaiting implementation)
- Iowa
- Kansas(awaiting implementation)
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey(awaiting implementation)
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio (awaiting implementation)
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania(awaiting implementation)
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Some states are in the process of introducing or enacting legislation to become member states.
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
States/Territories that don’t have compact privileges
- California
- Idaho
- Maine
- Michigan
- Puerto Rico
- US Virgin Islands
- Wyoming
The physical therapy licensure compact offers numerous benefits for physical therapists, patients, and healthcare facilities. Here are some of the key advantages:
Benefits for Physical Therapists
Increased job opportunities: With a PT Compact license, physical therapists can practice in multiple states without requiring additional licenses, which can expand their career opportunities.
Reduced costs: Obtaining multiple state licenses can be time-consuming and expensive. A PT Compact license simplifies this process by allowing physical therapists to hold one compact license in their primary state.
Enhanced professional mobility: Physical therapists can easily move from one participating compact state to another without having to go through the lengthy process of obtaining a new license.
Benefits for Patients
Improved access to care: Patients in remote or underserved areas may have limited access to physical therapy services. A PT Compact license allows licensed physical therapists to provide care across multiple states, increasing access to quality care.
Consistent standards: The PT Compact Commission ensures that all participating states have consistent standards of licensure and practice, which helps ensure that patients receive high-quality care regardless of where they are located.
Increased patient choice: Patients have more options when it comes to choosing a physical therapist who meets their specific needs since licensed therapists with a PT Compact license can practice across different states.
Benefits for Healthcare Facilities
Increased staffing flexibility: Healthcare facilities can benefit from the increased mobility of licensed physical therapists with a PT Compact license since they can easily work across different states as needed.
Reduced recruitment costs: Since recruiters no longer need to spend time or money obtaining multiple licenses, recruiting talented physical therapists becomes less costly and more efficient.
Improved patient outcomes: When healthcare facilities have access to a larger pool of qualified physical therapists, they’re better equipped to provide high-quality care that results in improved patient outcomes.
In summary, obtaining a PT Compact License offers significant benefits for everyone involved in the delivery of quality healthcare services, including increased job opportunities and reduced administrative burdens for physical therapists; improved access to care with consistent standards for patients; and increased staffing flexibility and improved patient outcomes for healthcare facilities.
Requirements for a PT Compact License
To obtain a PT Compact license, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a current, unrestricted, and unencumbered license to practice as a physical therapist or assistant in your primary state.
- Have no disciplinary actions against your license within the past two years.
- Meet the eligibility criteria set by the PT Compact Commission for licensure by endorsement, which includes completing all educational and examination requirements necessary for licensure as a physical therapist or assistant in your primary state.
- Not have any criminal convictions related to the practice of physical therapy.
To apply for a PT Compact license, you will need to:
- Provide proof of licensure from your primary state.
- Pay an application fee.
- Complete an application form through the online portal provided by the PT Compact Commission.
It’s important to note that not all states participate in the PT Compact agreement, so it’s crucial to check if the states where you want to practice are part of this program before applying for a PT Compact license.
Provide Physical Therapy Services in PT Compact States
If you want to become a physical therapist, now is the time to do it! With new legislature and access to compact state licenses, it is easier than ever for physical therapists to find jobs in their desired locations. Check out our job board to find travel therapy jobs in your state!
