Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in Colorado
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $106
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Renewal Costs $14
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CE Requirements 30 Points
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Colorado, you'll be working with the State Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the DPO Online Services Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your Account & Apply: Head over to the DPO Online Services Portal to create your account. Once logged in, select "Apply for a New License" and choose the Physical Therapist Assistant application. Hit submit on the online form when you're ready.
- Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP): Colorado requires you to complete an online profile that helps the public learn about your practice history. You will be prompted to set this up during or immediately after your application process—don't skip it!
- Jurisprudence Exam: You must take the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (JP Exam). The good news is that it is an online, open-book assessment that covers the state's specific laws and rules. You can take this through the portal or the Board's designated testing link.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: You need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment for a background check. The Board recommends using IdentoGO for the fastest processing. If you are out of state, you can register with them to mail in your fingerprint cards.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and your employment history for the HPPP.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (must be sent directly from your school) and your NPTE/FSBPT scores (transfer these via the FSBPT website).
- Exams: Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (JP Exam).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Colorado:
- Application Fee: $57
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $49 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $106
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Colorado Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens biennially (every two years) and is due by October 31 of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $14.
Note: Colorado DORA adjusts fees based on the fund balance, so the exact amount changes each cycle; a 60-day grace period is available but includes late fees.
CE Requirements
30 PDA Points required every two years.
Deadline: October 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Colorado has no limit on distance learning or home-study. You can complete all 30 points through online platforms.
Provider Restrictions: The Colorado Board does not pre-approve specific providers or individual courses. It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure the activity meets the Board's standards for "Category 1" (Educational Coursework). General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted and used by travelers to meet these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): You must complete the Board’s SAT once per renewal cycle to identify your learning goals.
- Professional Development Plan: Based on your SAT, you must maintain a plan that links your chosen PDA points to your professional goals.
- Jurisprudence: While a Jurisprudence exam is required for initial licensure, it is not a recurring requirement for every renewal cycle unless specifically ordered by the Board.
- No specific clinical topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, First Aid, basic life support, office management, marketing, financial planning, and any course not directly related to the clinical practice of physical therapy.
New Licensee Rule: If you were issued your initial license within 12 months of the renewal date (October 31st of an even year), you are exempt from the PDA requirements for that first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Colorado uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit your records unless you are selected for an audit. You must maintain your "Professional Development Portfolio" and all certificates for 5 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Colorado State Physical Therapy Board:
- Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (303) 894-7800
- Fax: (303) 894-7764
- Email: dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us
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 Assistant license in Colorado, you'll be working with the State Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the DPO Online Services Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your Account & Apply: Head over to the DPO Online Services Portal to create your account. Once logged in, select "Apply for a New License" and choose the Physical Therapist Assistant application. Hit submit on the online form when you're ready.
- Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP): Colorado requires you to complete an online profile that helps the public learn about your practice history. You will be prompted to set this up during or immediately after your application process—don't skip it!
- Jurisprudence Exam: You must take the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (JP Exam). The good news is that it is an online, open-book assessment that covers the state's specific laws and rules. You can take this through the portal or the Board's designated testing link.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: You need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment for a background check. The Board recommends using IdentoGO for the fastest processing. If you are out of state, you can register with them to mail in your fingerprint cards.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and your employment history for the HPPP.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (must be sent directly from your school) and your NPTE/FSBPT scores (transfer these via the FSBPT website).
- Exams: Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (JP Exam).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Colorado:
- Application Fee: $57
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $49 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $106
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Colorado Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens biennially (every two years) and is due by October 31 of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $14.
Note: Colorado DORA adjusts fees based on the fund balance, so the exact amount changes each cycle; a 60-day grace period is available but includes late fees.
CE Requirements
30 PDA Points required every two years.
Deadline: October 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Colorado has no limit on distance learning or home-study. You can complete all 30 points through online platforms.
Provider Restrictions: The Colorado Board does not pre-approve specific providers or individual courses. It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure the activity meets the Board's standards for "Category 1" (Educational Coursework). General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted and used by travelers to meet these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): You must complete the Board’s SAT once per renewal cycle to identify your learning goals.
- Professional Development Plan: Based on your SAT, you must maintain a plan that links your chosen PDA points to your professional goals.
- Jurisprudence: While a Jurisprudence exam is required for initial licensure, it is not a recurring requirement for every renewal cycle unless specifically ordered by the Board.
- No specific clinical topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, First Aid, basic life support, office management, marketing, financial planning, and any course not directly related to the clinical practice of physical therapy.
New Licensee Rule: If you were issued your initial license within 12 months of the renewal date (October 31st of an even year), you are exempt from the PDA requirements for that first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Colorado uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit your records unless you are selected for an audit. You must maintain your "Professional Development Portfolio" and all certificates for 5 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Colorado State Physical Therapy Board:
- Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (303) 894-7800
- Fax: (303) 894-7764
- Email: dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.