Physical Therapist Licensure in Massachusetts
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $290
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Renewal Costs $100
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CE Requirements 24 Points
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Massachusetts, you'll be working with the Board of Allied Health Professions. You will submit your application through the Health Professions Licensing Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your Account: Head over to the Health Professions Licensing Portal and create a new user account. This is the new system that replaced the old PCS process, so make sure you are on the correct site.
- Start the Application: Once logged in, select "Start a New Application" and choose "Physical Therapist" from the list. Fill out the required personal and professional information. Hit submit when you're ready.
- Background Check (CORI): Massachusetts requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. You will typically complete a CORI Acknowledgement Form as part of your application or be prompted to submit it through the portal. Follow the specific instructions provided in the application to authorize this check.
- Request Official Transcripts: Contact your physical therapy school and request that your official transcripts be sent directly to the Board. If your school offers electronic delivery, check the application instructions for the specific email address (often alliedhealth@mass.gov), otherwise, have them mailed to the Board's official address.
- NPTE Scores: Log in to your FSBPT account and request a score transfer of your NPTE results to Massachusetts. This must come directly from the Federation.
- Jurisprudence Requirement: Massachusetts requires you to be familiar with the state laws and rules. You may be asked to complete a Jurisprudence Exam or an attestation within the portal confirming you have read the regulations.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo, your Social Security Number, Driver's License, and a list of all past and current professional licenses.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your PT program and your NPTE Score Transfer from FSBPT.
- Exams: You will need to have passed the NPTE. Check the portal for any specific Jurisprudence Exam requirements or attestations.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Massachusetts:
- Application Fee: $265
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $0 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $25 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $290
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Massachusetts Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by your birthday.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $100.
Note: Be careful—licenses expire on your specific birth date, not at the end of the month, and late renewals incur a penalty fee.
CE Requirements
24 Points required every two years.
Deadline: Your birthday in even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 24 points through distance learning as long as they meet board standards.
Provider Restrictions: Massachusetts requires courses to be "recognized" by the Board, which includes those approved by the APTA or the APTA Massachusetts Chapter. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they are APTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you! (While Ethics and Jurisprudence are not mandated, they are highly recommended for professional development).
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business or office management, orientation to a specific facility, and marketing.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or recently licensed in Massachusetts, you are not required to complete points for the renewal period in which you received your initial license.
Reporting: Massachusetts is an audit-based state. You do not need to report points upfront, but you must maintain your certificates and documentation for at least two full renewal cycles (4 years) in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professionals:
- Address: 1000 Washington St, Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (617) 727-0054
- Email: alliedhealth@mass.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 Massachusetts, you'll be working with the Board of Allied Health Professions. You will submit your application through the Health Professions Licensing Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your Account: Head over to the Health Professions Licensing Portal and create a new user account. This is the new system that replaced the old PCS process, so make sure you are on the correct site.
- Start the Application: Once logged in, select "Start a New Application" and choose "Physical Therapist" from the list. Fill out the required personal and professional information. Hit submit when you're ready.
- Background Check (CORI): Massachusetts requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. You will typically complete a CORI Acknowledgement Form as part of your application or be prompted to submit it through the portal. Follow the specific instructions provided in the application to authorize this check.
- Request Official Transcripts: Contact your physical therapy school and request that your official transcripts be sent directly to the Board. If your school offers electronic delivery, check the application instructions for the specific email address (often alliedhealth@mass.gov), otherwise, have them mailed to the Board's official address.
- NPTE Scores: Log in to your FSBPT account and request a score transfer of your NPTE results to Massachusetts. This must come directly from the Federation.
- Jurisprudence Requirement: Massachusetts requires you to be familiar with the state laws and rules. You may be asked to complete a Jurisprudence Exam or an attestation within the portal confirming you have read the regulations.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo, your Social Security Number, Driver's License, and a list of all past and current professional licenses.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your PT program and your NPTE Score Transfer from FSBPT.
- Exams: You will need to have passed the NPTE. Check the portal for any specific Jurisprudence Exam requirements or attestations.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Massachusetts:
- Application Fee: $265
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $0 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $25 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $290
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Massachusetts Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by your birthday.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $100.
Note: Be careful—licenses expire on your specific birth date, not at the end of the month, and late renewals incur a penalty fee.
CE Requirements
24 Points required every two years.
Deadline: Your birthday in even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 24 points through distance learning as long as they meet board standards.
Provider Restrictions: Massachusetts requires courses to be "recognized" by the Board, which includes those approved by the APTA or the APTA Massachusetts Chapter. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they are APTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you! (While Ethics and Jurisprudence are not mandated, they are highly recommended for professional development).
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business or office management, orientation to a specific facility, and marketing.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or recently licensed in Massachusetts, you are not required to complete points for the renewal period in which you received your initial license.
Reporting: Massachusetts is an audit-based state. You do not need to report points upfront, but you must maintain your certificates and documentation for at least two full renewal cycles (4 years) in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professionals:
- Address: 1000 Washington St, Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (617) 727-0054
- Email: alliedhealth@mass.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.