Physical Therapist Licensure in North Carolina
-
Timeline 6-9 weeks
-
Initial Costs $233
-
Renewal Costs $120
-
CE Requirements 30 Points
-
Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in North Carolina, you'll be working with the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through their New Applications page. 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 Board's website to create a login. Once you're in, click "Apply for PT/PTA License" to start the online application. You'll need to upload a passport-style photo (white background) during this process.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: After you hit submit and pay your fees, keep an eye on your email. The Board will send you specific instructions for the FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. If you are currently in North Carolina, you can use Live Scan at a local law enforcement agency; otherwise, you may need to mail in fingerprint cards.
- Jurisprudence Exercise: This isn't a scary proctored exam, but it is required. Log in to the Board's website and complete the "Jurisprudence Exercise I" online. It’s an open-book style review of the state laws and rules.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital passport-style photo (headshot with white background) and your driver's license or government ID.
- Items to Request:
- Official Transcripts: Request these from your university. They must be sent directly from the school to the Board via email or mail.
- NPTE Scores: Go to FSBPT and request a score transfer to North Carolina.
- License Verification: Request verification from one state where you currently hold an active license. This must be sent directly to the Board.
- Two Character References: You need two references from people who have known you for more than one year (no family members). These forms must be sent directly by the reference to the Board.
- Exams: You must complete the online Jurisprudence Exercise I.
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: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $233
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 renewal happens annually and is due by January 31st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: Watch out—licenses automatically lapse if not renewed by the deadline, so ensure you submit on time to avoid penalties!
CE Requirements
30 Points required every 2 years.
Deadline: January 31st (The 25-month reporting period ends on December 31st of the year prior to your expiration).
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: there is no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 30 points through online platforms.
Provider Restrictions: The North Carolina Board does not "pre-approve" individual courses. Points are accepted if they fall under "Approved Providers" (such as the APTA or NCBPTE) or meet specific board criteria for clinical application. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted and used by travelers to meet these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exercise (1 point): A quiz on the NC Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board rules is required during each renewal cycle.
- No other specific clinical mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR/BLS certification, business or office management, financial planning, marketing, and repetitive take-home summaries of the same course.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new graduate licensed by examination in North Carolina, you are exempt from continuing competence requirements for your first renewal period.
Reporting: North Carolina uses an audit-based system. You must record your points in the NCBPTE online portal during renewal, but you only submit proof if you are selected for a random audit. Keep your certificates for at least 4 years.
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: 8300 Health Park, Suite 233 Raleigh, NC 27615
- 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.
Start your job search
Find vetted recruiters who have the jobs you want!
Get matched with vetted recruiters from multiple agencies who have the most jobs in your preferences!
How to Apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in North Carolina, you'll be working with the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through their New Applications page. 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 Board's website to create a login. Once you're in, click "Apply for PT/PTA License" to start the online application. You'll need to upload a passport-style photo (white background) during this process.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: After you hit submit and pay your fees, keep an eye on your email. The Board will send you specific instructions for the FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. If you are currently in North Carolina, you can use Live Scan at a local law enforcement agency; otherwise, you may need to mail in fingerprint cards.
- Jurisprudence Exercise: This isn't a scary proctored exam, but it is required. Log in to the Board's website and complete the "Jurisprudence Exercise I" online. It’s an open-book style review of the state laws and rules.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital passport-style photo (headshot with white background) and your driver's license or government ID.
- Items to Request:
- Official Transcripts: Request these from your university. They must be sent directly from the school to the Board via email or mail.
- NPTE Scores: Go to FSBPT and request a score transfer to North Carolina.
- License Verification: Request verification from one state where you currently hold an active license. This must be sent directly to the Board.
- Two Character References: You need two references from people who have known you for more than one year (no family members). These forms must be sent directly by the reference to the Board.
- Exams: You must complete the online Jurisprudence Exercise I.
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: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $233
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 renewal happens annually and is due by January 31st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: Watch out—licenses automatically lapse if not renewed by the deadline, so ensure you submit on time to avoid penalties!
CE Requirements
30 Points required every 2 years.
Deadline: January 31st (The 25-month reporting period ends on December 31st of the year prior to your expiration).
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: there is no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 30 points through online platforms.
Provider Restrictions: The North Carolina Board does not "pre-approve" individual courses. Points are accepted if they fall under "Approved Providers" (such as the APTA or NCBPTE) or meet specific board criteria for clinical application. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted and used by travelers to meet these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exercise (1 point): A quiz on the NC Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board rules is required during each renewal cycle.
- No other specific clinical mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR/BLS certification, business or office management, financial planning, marketing, and repetitive take-home summaries of the same course.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new graduate licensed by examination in North Carolina, you are exempt from continuing competence requirements for your first renewal period.
Reporting: North Carolina uses an audit-based system. You must record your points in the NCBPTE online portal during renewal, but you only submit proof if you are selected for a random audit. Keep your certificates for at least 4 years.
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: 8300 Health Park, Suite 233 Raleigh, NC 27615
- 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.