Physical Therapist Licensure in Arkansas
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Timeline 4-6 weeks
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Initial Costs $51
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Renewal Costs $4
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CE Requirements 30 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. While the initial application is often paper-based, you will utilize the Arkansas Service Portal for specific steps like your jurisprudence exam. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download the Application Packet: Head over to the Board's "Forms" section and download the "Reciprocity App and Instructions." This document is your roadmap. It contains the actual forms you need to fill out and mail in. Since this is a paper application, double-check that you have the most current version before you hit print.
- The Jurisprudence Exam: Arkansas requires you to pass a state-specific law exam. Good news—this part is digital! You can register for and take the "Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam" directly through the online portal. Make sure you review the study materials provided by the Board beforehand.
- Background Check: You will need to complete a criminal background check. The application packet will have specific instructions on how to obtain the fingerprint card and where to send it. This process is handled by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI, so follow the directions exactly to avoid delays.
- Submit Your Application: Once you've filled out the forms, attached your passport-style photo, and gathered your fees (check or money order), mail the complete package to the Board's office in Little Rock. I suggest using a trackable shipping method so you know exactly when it arrives.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (2x2), your social security number, and a check or money order for the application fees.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school to the Board), NPTE scores (transferred via FSBPT), and License Verifications from every state where you hold or have held a license.
- Exams: You must pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam.
- Compact Privilege: Arkansas is a member of the PT Compact. If you have a compact license from another member state, you might be able to purchase a privilege to work in Arkansas instantly instead of applying for a full license!
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:
- Application Fee: $5
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $36 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $10
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $51
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arkansas Physical Therapist renewal happens annually and is due by March 1st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $4.
Note: Watch out—renewals not received by the deadline are immediately assessed a $100 late fee!
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapy pros: Arkansas currently allows all 30 hours to be completed via online or home-study formats, provided they are from approved "Certified" providers.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy or a Board-approved entity (such as the APTA or other state boards). Popular online platforms like MedBridge are accepted for meeting Travel Physical Therapy CEUs in Arkansas.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence or Ethics (2 Contact Hours): Every renewal cycle must include at least two hours covering the Arkansas Physical Therapy Practice Act or professional ethics.
Excluded Topics: Credit is not granted for CPR, basic first aid, business management, marketing, or secretarial/clerical tasks.
New Licensee Rule: If you are licensed during the first year of the biennium, you owe 15 hours. If you are licensed during the second year of the biennium, you are exempt from CEU requirements for your first renewal.
Reporting: Arkansas uses CE Broker for digital tracking. While you should maintain your own records for at least 4 years, ensure your completions are logged in the CE Broker portal for the Board to verify.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 9 Shackleford Plz, Suite 3 Little Rock, AR 72211
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (501) 228-7100
- Fax: (501) 228-0294
- Email: arptb@arkansas.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 Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. While the initial application is often paper-based, you will utilize the Arkansas Service Portal for specific steps like your jurisprudence exam. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download the Application Packet: Head over to the Board's "Forms" section and download the "Reciprocity App and Instructions." This document is your roadmap. It contains the actual forms you need to fill out and mail in. Since this is a paper application, double-check that you have the most current version before you hit print.
- The Jurisprudence Exam: Arkansas requires you to pass a state-specific law exam. Good news—this part is digital! You can register for and take the "Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam" directly through the online portal. Make sure you review the study materials provided by the Board beforehand.
- Background Check: You will need to complete a criminal background check. The application packet will have specific instructions on how to obtain the fingerprint card and where to send it. This process is handled by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI, so follow the directions exactly to avoid delays.
- Submit Your Application: Once you've filled out the forms, attached your passport-style photo, and gathered your fees (check or money order), mail the complete package to the Board's office in Little Rock. I suggest using a trackable shipping method so you know exactly when it arrives.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (2x2), your social security number, and a check or money order for the application fees.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school to the Board), NPTE scores (transferred via FSBPT), and License Verifications from every state where you hold or have held a license.
- Exams: You must pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam.
- Compact Privilege: Arkansas is a member of the PT Compact. If you have a compact license from another member state, you might be able to purchase a privilege to work in Arkansas instantly instead of applying for a full license!
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:
- Application Fee: $5
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $36 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $10
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $51
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arkansas Physical Therapist renewal happens annually and is due by March 1st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $4.
Note: Watch out—renewals not received by the deadline are immediately assessed a $100 late fee!
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapy pros: Arkansas currently allows all 30 hours to be completed via online or home-study formats, provided they are from approved "Certified" providers.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy or a Board-approved entity (such as the APTA or other state boards). Popular online platforms like MedBridge are accepted for meeting Travel Physical Therapy CEUs in Arkansas.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence or Ethics (2 Contact Hours): Every renewal cycle must include at least two hours covering the Arkansas Physical Therapy Practice Act or professional ethics.
Excluded Topics: Credit is not granted for CPR, basic first aid, business management, marketing, or secretarial/clerical tasks.
New Licensee Rule: If you are licensed during the first year of the biennium, you owe 15 hours. If you are licensed during the second year of the biennium, you are exempt from CEU requirements for your first renewal.
Reporting: Arkansas uses CE Broker for digital tracking. While you should maintain your own records for at least 4 years, ensure your completions are logged in the CE Broker portal for the Board to verify.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 9 Shackleford Plz, Suite 3 Little Rock, AR 72211
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (501) 228-7100
- Fax: (501) 228-0294
- Email: arptb@arkansas.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.