Physical Therapist Licensure in Kentucky
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Timeline 9 weeks or more
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Initial Costs $276
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Renewal Costs $150
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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 Kentucky, you'll be working with the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy. Unlike many states with fully digital systems, Kentucky uses a hybrid process where you will access your application materials through the Endorsement Applicants page. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your license verifications to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application & Fee: Kentucky currently uses a PDF application for endorsement candidates. Head over to the Endorsement page, download the "Application" PDF, and fill it out. You will pay your application fee separately through their Online Payment Portal (linked on the same page). Be sure to save your payment receipt to include with your application package.
- Complete the Background Check: You must undergo a state and federal criminal background check. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO using the Service Code 27GK3Q. If you are out of state, you can register for a "Cardscan" submission online through IdentoGO and mail in your fingerprint cards.
- Take the Jurisprudence Exam: You are required to pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam (JE). This is an open-book, 20-question online exam that covers the state's specific laws and regulations. You can access the exam directly from the Board's website; make sure you take the version for the current biennium.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph (2x2), your Social Security Number, your driver's license, and your printed fee payment receipt.
- Items to Request: Request an FSBPT Score Transfer to be sent to Kentucky and order Verification of Licensure from every state where you have held a license (sent directly to the Board). Check the application instructions to confirm if official transcripts are required for your specific situation.
- Exams: You must pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam (online).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Kentucky:
- Application Fee: $225
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $276
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Kentucky Physical Therapist renewal happens biennially and is due by March 31 of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $150.
Note: Make sure to complete your 30 required hours of continuing education within the two-year cycle ending on the March 31 deadline to ensure a smooth process.
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: March 31st of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses, provided they are board-approved!
Provider Restrictions: All courses must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy. General portals like MedBridge are widely used by travelers, but always verify that the specific course is Kentucky-approved within the platform.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exam (2 Contact Hours): A mandatory open-book exam on the Kentucky Physical Therapy Practice Act and regulations is required for every renewal cycle.
- No other specific clinical topics are mandated—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business management, office management, and marketing courses do not count toward your total.
New Licensee Rule: If you are newly licensed in Kentucky during the second year of the biennial renewal period, you are exempt from the continuing education requirements for that first renewal.
Reporting: Kentucky is audit-based. You do not need to submit certificates unless selected for an audit, but you must maintain your records for at least 5 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Kentucky State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 312 Whittington Pkwy, Suite 102 Louisville, KY 40222
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (502) 429-7140
- Fax: (502) 429-7142
- Email: kybpt@ky.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 Kentucky, you'll be working with the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy. Unlike many states with fully digital systems, Kentucky uses a hybrid process where you will access your application materials through the Endorsement Applicants page. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your license verifications to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application & Fee: Kentucky currently uses a PDF application for endorsement candidates. Head over to the Endorsement page, download the "Application" PDF, and fill it out. You will pay your application fee separately through their Online Payment Portal (linked on the same page). Be sure to save your payment receipt to include with your application package.
- Complete the Background Check: You must undergo a state and federal criminal background check. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO using the Service Code 27GK3Q. If you are out of state, you can register for a "Cardscan" submission online through IdentoGO and mail in your fingerprint cards.
- Take the Jurisprudence Exam: You are required to pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam (JE). This is an open-book, 20-question online exam that covers the state's specific laws and regulations. You can access the exam directly from the Board's website; make sure you take the version for the current biennium.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph (2x2), your Social Security Number, your driver's license, and your printed fee payment receipt.
- Items to Request: Request an FSBPT Score Transfer to be sent to Kentucky and order Verification of Licensure from every state where you have held a license (sent directly to the Board). Check the application instructions to confirm if official transcripts are required for your specific situation.
- Exams: You must pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam (online).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Kentucky:
- Application Fee: $225
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $276
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Kentucky Physical Therapist renewal happens biennially and is due by March 31 of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $150.
Note: Make sure to complete your 30 required hours of continuing education within the two-year cycle ending on the March 31 deadline to ensure a smooth process.
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: March 31st of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses, provided they are board-approved!
Provider Restrictions: All courses must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy. General portals like MedBridge are widely used by travelers, but always verify that the specific course is Kentucky-approved within the platform.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exam (2 Contact Hours): A mandatory open-book exam on the Kentucky Physical Therapy Practice Act and regulations is required for every renewal cycle.
- No other specific clinical topics are mandated—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business management, office management, and marketing courses do not count toward your total.
New Licensee Rule: If you are newly licensed in Kentucky during the second year of the biennial renewal period, you are exempt from the continuing education requirements for that first renewal.
Reporting: Kentucky is audit-based. You do not need to submit certificates unless selected for an audit, but you must maintain your records for at least 5 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Kentucky State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 312 Whittington Pkwy, Suite 102 Louisville, KY 40222
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (502) 429-7140
- Fax: (502) 429-7142
- Email: kybpt@ky.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.