Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in North Carolina
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $203
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Renewal Costs $120
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CE Requirements 20 Points
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in North Carolina, you'll be working with the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through their 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: Head over to the Online Services page and create a login using an email you check regularly. Once you're in, select "Apply for PT/PTA License" to start the online application form. You'll need to upload a passport-style photo (white background) during this process.
- Fingerprints & Background Check: After you hit submit and pay the application fee, you'll receive an email with specific forms. If you are currently in North Carolina, you can use Live Scan at a local law enforcement agency. If you are out-of-state, you must complete a fingerprint card (FD-258) and mail it directly to the Board office. You will also need to upload the "ARI/ERI Form" to your dashboard after getting printed.
- Request Transcripts: Contact your PTA program to request your "Certification of Entry Level Education" (official transcripts). These must be sent directly from your school to the Board via mail or email. Do not upload these yourself.
- Character References: You need two (2) character references from individuals who have known you for more than one year (no family members). These forms must be sent directly by your references to the Board via email, mail, or fax.
- Jurisprudence Exercise: Once you have access to the portal, locate the "Jurisprudence Exercise I" link. This is an online, open-book exercise that you must complete. The system will automatically record your completion in your application file.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital passport-style photo (headshot with white background), your driver's license or government ID, and employment history for the application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent from school), NPTE Scores (requested from FSBPT), License Verification from one active state (sent directly to the Board), and two Character References (sent directly by the individuals).
- Exams: You must complete the online Jurisprudence Exercise I through the Board's website.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in North Carolina:
- Application Fee: $150
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $53 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $203
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: North Carolina Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by January 31st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period! If you miss the deadline, your license lapses immediately and you cannot practice.
CE Requirements
20 Points required every 2 years.
Deadline: January 31st following the end of the 2-year reporting period (which ends December 31st). Your specific cycle is determined by your license number.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: there is no limit on home-study or online courses! You can complete all 20 points through online platforms as long as they meet the Board's criteria for "Certified" or "Registered" activities.
Provider Restrictions: North Carolina uses a "Points" system where 1 contact hour equals 1 point. Activities are categorized as Certified (pre-approved by the NCBPTE, APTA, or NCPTA) or Registered (not pre-approved). General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for Certified points as they typically carry APTA or state chapter approval.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exercise (1 point): A mandatory online exercise provided by the NCBPTE must be completed during each renewal period.
- No other specific mandatory topics—choose clinical courses that best suit your practice!
Excluded Topics: CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), Heartsaver, first aid, business/management, financial planning, and marketing.
New Licensee Rule: If you are licensed in the first year of a reporting period, you must earn 20 points. If you are licensed in the second year of a reporting period, you only need 10 points for your first renewal.
Reporting: This is an Audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless you are selected for an audit, but you must maintain your records for at least 4 years. Up to 10 extra points may be carried over to the next cycle (excluding Jurisprudence).
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 18 W. Colony Pl., #140 Durham, NC 27705
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (919) 490-6393
- Fax: (919) 490-5106
- Email: PTBoard@ncptboard.org
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 North Carolina, you'll be working with the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through their 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: Head over to the Online Services page and create a login using an email you check regularly. Once you're in, select "Apply for PT/PTA License" to start the online application form. You'll need to upload a passport-style photo (white background) during this process.
- Fingerprints & Background Check: After you hit submit and pay the application fee, you'll receive an email with specific forms. If you are currently in North Carolina, you can use Live Scan at a local law enforcement agency. If you are out-of-state, you must complete a fingerprint card (FD-258) and mail it directly to the Board office. You will also need to upload the "ARI/ERI Form" to your dashboard after getting printed.
- Request Transcripts: Contact your PTA program to request your "Certification of Entry Level Education" (official transcripts). These must be sent directly from your school to the Board via mail or email. Do not upload these yourself.
- Character References: You need two (2) character references from individuals who have known you for more than one year (no family members). These forms must be sent directly by your references to the Board via email, mail, or fax.
- Jurisprudence Exercise: Once you have access to the portal, locate the "Jurisprudence Exercise I" link. This is an online, open-book exercise that you must complete. The system will automatically record your completion in your application file.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital passport-style photo (headshot with white background), your driver's license or government ID, and employment history for the application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent from school), NPTE Scores (requested from FSBPT), License Verification from one active state (sent directly to the Board), and two Character References (sent directly by the individuals).
- Exams: You must complete the online Jurisprudence Exercise I through the Board's website.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in North Carolina:
- Application Fee: $150
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $53 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $203
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: North Carolina Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by January 31st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period! If you miss the deadline, your license lapses immediately and you cannot practice.
CE Requirements
20 Points required every 2 years.
Deadline: January 31st following the end of the 2-year reporting period (which ends December 31st). Your specific cycle is determined by your license number.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: there is no limit on home-study or online courses! You can complete all 20 points through online platforms as long as they meet the Board's criteria for "Certified" or "Registered" activities.
Provider Restrictions: North Carolina uses a "Points" system where 1 contact hour equals 1 point. Activities are categorized as Certified (pre-approved by the NCBPTE, APTA, or NCPTA) or Registered (not pre-approved). General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for Certified points as they typically carry APTA or state chapter approval.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exercise (1 point): A mandatory online exercise provided by the NCBPTE must be completed during each renewal period.
- No other specific mandatory topics—choose clinical courses that best suit your practice!
Excluded Topics: CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), Heartsaver, first aid, business/management, financial planning, and marketing.
New Licensee Rule: If you are licensed in the first year of a reporting period, you must earn 20 points. If you are licensed in the second year of a reporting period, you only need 10 points for your first renewal.
Reporting: This is an Audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless you are selected for an audit, but you must maintain your records for at least 4 years. Up to 10 extra points may be carried over to the next cycle (excluding Jurisprudence).
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 18 W. Colony Pl., #140 Durham, NC 27705
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (919) 490-6393
- Fax: (919) 490-5106
- Email: PTBoard@ncptboard.org
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.