Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in Tennessee
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $235
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Renewal Costs $55
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CE Requirements 30 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Tennessee, you'll be working with the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the state's online system, LARS (Licensure and Regulatory System). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and gathering a few unique documents that Tennessee requires, like a professional letter of recommendation.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get the Ball Rolling: Head over to the LARS portal to create your account and start the application. You'll need to complete the mandatory "Practitioner Profile" as part of this process. Hit submit on the application itself so the Board opens your file.
- Background Check: Tennessee requires a criminal background check for all applicants. You'll need to schedule your fingerprinting through Identogo. Make sure you use the specific Service Code provided in the application instructions so your results are sent directly to the Board.
- The "Character" Reference: This is a unique Tennessee requirement. You must submit a Letter of Recommendation from a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant who can attest to your good moral character. This cannot be from a relative.
- Declaration of Citizenship: You are required to complete and notarize the Declaration of Citizenship (Form PH-4183). This form, along with a copy of your ID (like your driver's license), must be uploaded or mailed to the Board.
- Verifications: Request your official transcripts be sent directly from your school to the Board. You'll also need to transfer your NPTE scores via FSBPT and request license verifications from every state where you have held a license.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph (digital is usually fine for upload), your Driver's License (for the citizenship form), and your Social Security Number.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from the registrar), NPTE Scores (via FSBPT), and License Verifications from other states.
- Special Requirements: A Letter of Recommendation from a licensed PT/PTA and the notarized Declaration of Citizenship (Form PH-4183).
- Heads Up: While there isn't a pre-licensure jurisprudence exam for endorsement applicants, you are required to complete an Ethics & Jurisprudence course as part of your continuing education during your licensure period.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Tennessee:
- Application Fee: $135
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $65
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $235
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Tennessee Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every 2 years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $55.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period, so be sure to submit your requirements on time to avoid late fees!
CE Requirements
30 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: As of late 2025, Tennessee has removed the cap on online learning! You can now complete all 30 hours through asynchronous online courses, provided they meet the "Class 1" criteria.
Provider Restrictions: Crucial Update: Effective December 29, 2025, all courses must be specifically approved by the Tennessee Chapter of the APTA (TPTA). General APTA or other state board approvals are no longer sufficient. At least 20 hours must be "Class 1" (formally approved). Portals like MedBridge are excellent for finding TPTA-approved content.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics: (2 hours)
- Jurisprudence: (2 hours)
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business, management, or marketing courses.
New Licensee Rule: New graduates and newly licensed PTAs are exempt from continuing competence requirements for their first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Tennessee uses CE Broker for tracking. It is recommended to upload certificates as you go, as the board conducts random audits.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the TN Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 665 Mainstream Dr, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37243
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (615) 741-3807
- Email: Unit2HRB.Health@tn.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 Tennessee, you'll be working with the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the state's online system, LARS (Licensure and Regulatory System). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and gathering a few unique documents that Tennessee requires, like a professional letter of recommendation.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get the Ball Rolling: Head over to the LARS portal to create your account and start the application. You'll need to complete the mandatory "Practitioner Profile" as part of this process. Hit submit on the application itself so the Board opens your file.
- Background Check: Tennessee requires a criminal background check for all applicants. You'll need to schedule your fingerprinting through Identogo. Make sure you use the specific Service Code provided in the application instructions so your results are sent directly to the Board.
- The "Character" Reference: This is a unique Tennessee requirement. You must submit a Letter of Recommendation from a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant who can attest to your good moral character. This cannot be from a relative.
- Declaration of Citizenship: You are required to complete and notarize the Declaration of Citizenship (Form PH-4183). This form, along with a copy of your ID (like your driver's license), must be uploaded or mailed to the Board.
- Verifications: Request your official transcripts be sent directly from your school to the Board. You'll also need to transfer your NPTE scores via FSBPT and request license verifications from every state where you have held a license.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph (digital is usually fine for upload), your Driver's License (for the citizenship form), and your Social Security Number.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from the registrar), NPTE Scores (via FSBPT), and License Verifications from other states.
- Special Requirements: A Letter of Recommendation from a licensed PT/PTA and the notarized Declaration of Citizenship (Form PH-4183).
- Heads Up: While there isn't a pre-licensure jurisprudence exam for endorsement applicants, you are required to complete an Ethics & Jurisprudence course as part of your continuing education during your licensure period.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Tennessee:
- Application Fee: $135
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $65
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $235
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Tennessee Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every 2 years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $55.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period, so be sure to submit your requirements on time to avoid late fees!
CE Requirements
30 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: As of late 2025, Tennessee has removed the cap on online learning! You can now complete all 30 hours through asynchronous online courses, provided they meet the "Class 1" criteria.
Provider Restrictions: Crucial Update: Effective December 29, 2025, all courses must be specifically approved by the Tennessee Chapter of the APTA (TPTA). General APTA or other state board approvals are no longer sufficient. At least 20 hours must be "Class 1" (formally approved). Portals like MedBridge are excellent for finding TPTA-approved content.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics: (2 hours)
- Jurisprudence: (2 hours)
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business, management, or marketing courses.
New Licensee Rule: New graduates and newly licensed PTAs are exempt from continuing competence requirements for their first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Tennessee uses CE Broker for tracking. It is recommended to upload certificates as you go, as the board conducts random audits.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the TN Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 665 Mainstream Dr, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37243
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (615) 741-3807
- Email: Unit2HRB.Health@tn.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.