Physical Therapist Licensure in Alaska
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $430
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Renewal Costs $200
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CE Requirements 24 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Alaska, you'll be working with the State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board. You will submit your application through the myAlaska portal (look for "MY LICENSE"). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts, as these can take some time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Check the Compact Option: Great news for travelers—Alaska is now part of the PT Compact! Before applying for a full single-state license, head over to ptcompact.org to see if you are eligible for a Compact Privilege. It’s often faster and cheaper than the traditional route.
- Create Your Account: If the Compact isn't an option, go to myAlaska and create an account. Once logged in, select "MY LICENSE" to access the professional licensing section and start your "Physical Therapist by Credentials" (or Examination) application.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: This is a newer requirement (effective late 2024). You must obtain a standard fingerprint card (FD-258) and mail it directly to the Board's address in Juneau. You cannot do this step entirely online.
- Request Documents: Contact your university to have your official transcripts sent directly to the Board. If you are licensed in other states, request official license verifications to be sent directly to Alaska as well.
- Jurisprudence Questionnaire: You will need to complete the Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire. This is an open-book assessment based on state statutes and regulations, which you can download from the Board's website or access within the application.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the past 5 years.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent from your school), License Verifications from other states, and NPTE scores (transferred via FSBPT).
- Exams: You must pass the Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire (open book).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Alaska:
- Application Fee: $350
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $80 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $430
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Alaska Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by June 30 of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $200.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period, so it is illegal to practice once your license expires.
CE Requirements
24 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: June 30th of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: Alaska currently has no limit on home-study or online courses, meaning you can complete all 24 hours remotely.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of physical therapy and approved by the APTA, the Alaska Physical Therapy Association, or other state PT associations. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they maintain these high-level accreditations.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: Alaska does not accept hours for CPR/First Aid, office management, business, marketing, or social/recreational activities.
New Licensee Rule: If you have been licensed in Alaska for less than 12 months of the renewal cycle, you only need 12 contact hours. If licensed for 12 months or more, the full 24 hours are required.
Reporting: Alaska uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless selected for an audit, but you must maintain your records for at least four years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Alaska State PT & OT Board:
- Address: PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (907) 465-2580
- Fax: (907) 465-2974
- Email: PhysicalandOccupationalTherapy@Alaska.Gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Alaska, you'll be working with the State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board. You will submit your application through the myAlaska portal (look for "MY LICENSE"). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts, as these can take some time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Check the Compact Option: Great news for travelers—Alaska is now part of the PT Compact! Before applying for a full single-state license, head over to ptcompact.org to see if you are eligible for a Compact Privilege. It’s often faster and cheaper than the traditional route.
- Create Your Account: If the Compact isn't an option, go to myAlaska and create an account. Once logged in, select "MY LICENSE" to access the professional licensing section and start your "Physical Therapist by Credentials" (or Examination) application.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: This is a newer requirement (effective late 2024). You must obtain a standard fingerprint card (FD-258) and mail it directly to the Board's address in Juneau. You cannot do this step entirely online.
- Request Documents: Contact your university to have your official transcripts sent directly to the Board. If you are licensed in other states, request official license verifications to be sent directly to Alaska as well.
- Jurisprudence Questionnaire: You will need to complete the Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire. This is an open-book assessment based on state statutes and regulations, which you can download from the Board's website or access within the application.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the past 5 years.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent from your school), License Verifications from other states, and NPTE scores (transferred via FSBPT).
- Exams: You must pass the Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire (open book).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Alaska:
- Application Fee: $350
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $80 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $430
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Alaska Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by June 30 of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $200.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period, so it is illegal to practice once your license expires.
CE Requirements
24 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: June 30th of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: Alaska currently has no limit on home-study or online courses, meaning you can complete all 24 hours remotely.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of physical therapy and approved by the APTA, the Alaska Physical Therapy Association, or other state PT associations. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they maintain these high-level accreditations.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: Alaska does not accept hours for CPR/First Aid, office management, business, marketing, or social/recreational activities.
New Licensee Rule: If you have been licensed in Alaska for less than 12 months of the renewal cycle, you only need 12 contact hours. If licensed for 12 months or more, the full 24 hours are required.
Reporting: Alaska uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless selected for an audit, but you must maintain your records for at least four years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Alaska State PT & OT Board:
- Address: PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (907) 465-2580
- Fax: (907) 465-2974
- Email: PhysicalandOccupationalTherapy@Alaska.Gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.