Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in Michigan
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $307
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Renewal Costs $198
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CE Requirements 24 Units
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Michigan, you'll be working with the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through MiPLUS. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your license verifications or transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Documents Moving: Head over to the FSBPT website to transfer your NPTE scores and request a License Verification from the state where you currently hold a license. If you are a recent grad or the Board specifically requests it, you will also need to have your school send your official transcripts directly to the Board.
- The Application: Create an account on the MiPLUS portal and select the application for "Physical Therapist Assistant by Endorsement" (if you are already licensed elsewhere) or "Examination." Hit submit on the online form and pay the application fee.
- Background Check: You must complete a criminal background check using the state-approved vendor, IdentoGO. You will need the specific agency ID code found in the application instructions to ensure your results are sent to the correct department.
- Jurisprudence Exam: Michigan requires you to pass a Jurisprudence Exam covering state laws and rules. Once your application is processed, you will receive authorization to register for this exam through PSI.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Social Security Number, Driver's License, and details of your employment history.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NPTE Score Transfer (from FSBPT), and License Verification (from your current state board).
- Exams & Training: Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam (via PSI), Human Trafficking Training (one-time requirement), and Implicit Bias Training (required for all new applicants).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Michigan:
- Application Fee: $220
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $62 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $25
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $307
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget! Keep in mind that while Michigan doesn't charge to receive verifications, you will likely need to pay about $90 to the FSBPT for an official score transfer and additional fees to any states where you currently hold a license.
Renewals
When to Renew: Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every 2 years and is due by the expiration date printed on your license.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $198.
Note: You have a 60-day grace period to renew with a late fee, but be careful—if you miss that window, your license lapses and requires a more complex relicensure process.
CE Requirements
24 PDR credits required every 2 years.
Deadline: Every two years by the date of license expiration (biennial cycle based on your initial license date).
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Michigan allows all 24 PDR credits to be completed through online, asynchronous "Activity Code 1" programs, provided they meet board requirements.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the APTA, the Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA), or another state’s physical therapy board. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they maintain these specific accreditations.
Mandatory Topics
- Pain and Symptom Management (Minimum 1 PDR credit)
- Implicit Bias Training (2 hours total: 1 hour for each year of the license cycle. Note: These must often be "synchronous" or "interactive" depending on the specific training provider.)
- Human Trafficking (A one-time requirement for initial licensure or first renewal.)
- Jurisprudence: No specific exam is required for renewal, but you are expected to remain current on the Michigan Public Health Code.
Excluded Topics: Credits are not granted for CPR, first aid, billing, fraud/waste/abuse, or office management courses.
New Licensee Rule: If you have been licensed for less than 24 months at the time of your first renewal, the 24 PDR credit requirement is typically waived. However, you must still complete the Implicit Bias and Human Trafficking training requirements.
Reporting: Michigan uses an Audit-based system. You do not need to upload certificates to the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) unless you are specifically audited. Keep all certificates of completion for at least 4 years from the date of renewal.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 611 West Ottawa St, 3rd Floor Lansing, MI 48909-8170
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (517) 335-0918
- Email: BPLHelp@michigan.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 Assistant license in Michigan, you'll be working with the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through MiPLUS. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your license verifications or transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Documents Moving: Head over to the FSBPT website to transfer your NPTE scores and request a License Verification from the state where you currently hold a license. If you are a recent grad or the Board specifically requests it, you will also need to have your school send your official transcripts directly to the Board.
- The Application: Create an account on the MiPLUS portal and select the application for "Physical Therapist Assistant by Endorsement" (if you are already licensed elsewhere) or "Examination." Hit submit on the online form and pay the application fee.
- Background Check: You must complete a criminal background check using the state-approved vendor, IdentoGO. You will need the specific agency ID code found in the application instructions to ensure your results are sent to the correct department.
- Jurisprudence Exam: Michigan requires you to pass a Jurisprudence Exam covering state laws and rules. Once your application is processed, you will receive authorization to register for this exam through PSI.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Social Security Number, Driver's License, and details of your employment history.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NPTE Score Transfer (from FSBPT), and License Verification (from your current state board).
- Exams & Training: Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam (via PSI), Human Trafficking Training (one-time requirement), and Implicit Bias Training (required for all new applicants).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Michigan:
- Application Fee: $220
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $62 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $25
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $307
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget! Keep in mind that while Michigan doesn't charge to receive verifications, you will likely need to pay about $90 to the FSBPT for an official score transfer and additional fees to any states where you currently hold a license.
Renewals
When to Renew: Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every 2 years and is due by the expiration date printed on your license.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $198.
Note: You have a 60-day grace period to renew with a late fee, but be careful—if you miss that window, your license lapses and requires a more complex relicensure process.
CE Requirements
24 PDR credits required every 2 years.
Deadline: Every two years by the date of license expiration (biennial cycle based on your initial license date).
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Michigan allows all 24 PDR credits to be completed through online, asynchronous "Activity Code 1" programs, provided they meet board requirements.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the APTA, the Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA), or another state’s physical therapy board. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they maintain these specific accreditations.
Mandatory Topics
- Pain and Symptom Management (Minimum 1 PDR credit)
- Implicit Bias Training (2 hours total: 1 hour for each year of the license cycle. Note: These must often be "synchronous" or "interactive" depending on the specific training provider.)
- Human Trafficking (A one-time requirement for initial licensure or first renewal.)
- Jurisprudence: No specific exam is required for renewal, but you are expected to remain current on the Michigan Public Health Code.
Excluded Topics: Credits are not granted for CPR, first aid, billing, fraud/waste/abuse, or office management courses.
New Licensee Rule: If you have been licensed for less than 24 months at the time of your first renewal, the 24 PDR credit requirement is typically waived. However, you must still complete the Implicit Bias and Human Trafficking training requirements.
Reporting: Michigan uses an Audit-based system. You do not need to upload certificates to the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) unless you are specifically audited. Keep all certificates of completion for at least 4 years from the date of renewal.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 611 West Ottawa St, 3rd Floor Lansing, MI 48909-8170
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (517) 335-0918
- Email: BPLHelp@michigan.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.