Physical Therapist Licensure in Montana
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $260
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Renewal Costs $60
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CE Requirements 30 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Montana, you'll be working with the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through the state's online system, the Citizen 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 Citizen Portal and register for a new account. Once logged in, select "Start a New License Application" and choose "New Health Care License" to begin your application for Physical Therapy.
- Submit Fingerprints: You will need to complete a fingerprint-based background check. This involves submitting fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice and the FBI. You can typically find the specific instructions and required forms within the "Forms" section of the Board's website or the application portal.
- Take the Jurisprudence Exam: Montana requires you to pass a state-specific Jurisprudence Exam. This is an open-book test that covers the state's laws and rules. You will likely complete this as part of your application process or submit the answer sheet through the portal.
- Request Official Documents: Contact your university to send your official transcripts directly to the Board. Additionally, log in to the FSBPT website to transfer your NPTE scores to Montana. These must come directly from the source—do not upload them yourself.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License or ID, your Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the past few years.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your PT program and your NPTE/NPTAE scores from the FSBPT.
- Exams: You must pass the Montana Jurisprudence Exam (open book).
- Verification: If you hold licenses in other states, you will need to provide verification for each one.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Montana:
- Application Fee: $230
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $30 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $260
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Montana Physical Therapist renewal happens annually and is due by April 1st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $60.
Note: The renewal window opens on February 1st, and licenses automatically lapse if not renewed by the deadline.
CE Requirements
30 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: March 31st of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: Montana currently has no limit on home-study or correspondence courses, meaning you can complete all 30 hours online.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the APTA, the Montana Physical Therapy Association (MPTA), other state physical therapy associations, or other state boards of physical therapy. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they carry these credentials.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, first aid, office management, business, or marketing courses.
New Licensee Rule: Continuing education requirements are waived for the first renewal cycle after initial licensure.
Reporting: Montana uses an audit-based system. You do not need to report hours upfront, but you must maintain your certificates for at least 4 years in case of a random audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 301 S Park, 4th Floor Helena, MT 59620
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (406) 841-2395
- Email: DLIBSDHELP@MT.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 Montana, you'll be working with the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through the state's online system, the Citizen 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 Citizen Portal and register for a new account. Once logged in, select "Start a New License Application" and choose "New Health Care License" to begin your application for Physical Therapy.
- Submit Fingerprints: You will need to complete a fingerprint-based background check. This involves submitting fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice and the FBI. You can typically find the specific instructions and required forms within the "Forms" section of the Board's website or the application portal.
- Take the Jurisprudence Exam: Montana requires you to pass a state-specific Jurisprudence Exam. This is an open-book test that covers the state's laws and rules. You will likely complete this as part of your application process or submit the answer sheet through the portal.
- Request Official Documents: Contact your university to send your official transcripts directly to the Board. Additionally, log in to the FSBPT website to transfer your NPTE scores to Montana. These must come directly from the source—do not upload them yourself.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License or ID, your Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the past few years.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your PT program and your NPTE/NPTAE scores from the FSBPT.
- Exams: You must pass the Montana Jurisprudence Exam (open book).
- Verification: If you hold licenses in other states, you will need to provide verification for each one.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Montana:
- Application Fee: $230
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $30 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $260
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Montana Physical Therapist renewal happens annually and is due by April 1st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $60.
Note: The renewal window opens on February 1st, and licenses automatically lapse if not renewed by the deadline.
CE Requirements
30 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: March 31st of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: Montana currently has no limit on home-study or correspondence courses, meaning you can complete all 30 hours online.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the APTA, the Montana Physical Therapy Association (MPTA), other state physical therapy associations, or other state boards of physical therapy. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they carry these credentials.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, first aid, office management, business, or marketing courses.
New Licensee Rule: Continuing education requirements are waived for the first renewal cycle after initial licensure.
Reporting: Montana uses an audit-based system. You do not need to report hours upfront, but you must maintain your certificates for at least 4 years in case of a random audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 301 S Park, 4th Floor Helena, MT 59620
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (406) 841-2395
- Email: DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.