Physical Therapist Licensure in South Carolina
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $211
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Renewal Costs $80
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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 South Carolina, you'll be working with the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the LLR Online Application Portal. Before you start, I recommend gathering your personal documents, but hold off on the background check until you're instructed to do so.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Hit Submit on the Application: Head over to the online portal to create your account and start the "Application by Endorsement." You'll need to upload a standard 2x2 passport-style photo, a copy of your valid driver’s license (or passport), and a signed copy of your social security card.
- Wait for Background Check Instructions: Unlike some other states, South Carolina requires you to wait. Once the Board receives your application, they will send you specific instructions for the fingerprint criminal background check. Do not initiate this process until you receive those details, or you risk having to do it twice.
- Request Verifications: You'll need to verify your current permanent license. While the Board mentions a specific "Form C-10," most states can send this verification electronically. Contact your home state board to have this sent directly to South Carolina.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital 2x2 passport-style photo, a signed copy of your Social Security Card, and your Driver's License or Passport.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (must be mailed directly from your school to the Board) and your NPTE scores (transferred via FSBPT).
- Exams: Good news—there is no separate Jurisprudence Exam required for endorsement applicants in South Carolina.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in South Carolina:
- Application Fee: $150
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $10
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $211
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: South Carolina Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by December 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $80.
Note: Maintain thorough records of your 30 required continuing education hours, as the board conducts random audits following the biennial deadline.
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: South Carolina allows all 30 hours to be completed through online home-study or distance learning courses.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, the APTA, or other state PT boards. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they maintain these approvals.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exercise (A quiz on the South Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act is required for every renewal cycle).
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, office management, business, marketing, or financial planning.
New Licensee Rule: If you were licensed for less than one year prior to the renewal date, your CE requirements are waived. If licensed for more than one year but less than two, you must complete 15 contact hours.
Reporting: South Carolina uses CE Broker for tracking and reporting. It is recommended to upload certificates as you earn them to ensure a smooth renewal.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 110 Centerview Dr Columbia, SC 29211
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (803) 896-4655
- Email: Contact.PT@llr.sc.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 South Carolina, you'll be working with the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the LLR Online Application Portal. Before you start, I recommend gathering your personal documents, but hold off on the background check until you're instructed to do so.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Hit Submit on the Application: Head over to the online portal to create your account and start the "Application by Endorsement." You'll need to upload a standard 2x2 passport-style photo, a copy of your valid driver’s license (or passport), and a signed copy of your social security card.
- Wait for Background Check Instructions: Unlike some other states, South Carolina requires you to wait. Once the Board receives your application, they will send you specific instructions for the fingerprint criminal background check. Do not initiate this process until you receive those details, or you risk having to do it twice.
- Request Verifications: You'll need to verify your current permanent license. While the Board mentions a specific "Form C-10," most states can send this verification electronically. Contact your home state board to have this sent directly to South Carolina.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital 2x2 passport-style photo, a signed copy of your Social Security Card, and your Driver's License or Passport.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (must be mailed directly from your school to the Board) and your NPTE scores (transferred via FSBPT).
- Exams: Good news—there is no separate Jurisprudence Exam required for endorsement applicants in South Carolina.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in South Carolina:
- Application Fee: $150
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $10
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $211
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: South Carolina Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by December 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $80.
Note: Maintain thorough records of your 30 required continuing education hours, as the board conducts random audits following the biennial deadline.
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: South Carolina allows all 30 hours to be completed through online home-study or distance learning courses.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, the APTA, or other state PT boards. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they maintain these approvals.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence Exercise (A quiz on the South Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act is required for every renewal cycle).
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, office management, business, marketing, or financial planning.
New Licensee Rule: If you were licensed for less than one year prior to the renewal date, your CE requirements are waived. If licensed for more than one year but less than two, you must complete 15 contact hours.
Reporting: South Carolina uses CE Broker for tracking and reporting. It is recommended to upload certificates as you earn them to ensure a smooth renewal.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 110 Centerview Dr Columbia, SC 29211
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (803) 896-4655
- Email: Contact.PT@llr.sc.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.