Physical Therapist Licensure in Texas
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Timeline 4-6 weeks
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Initial Costs $306
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Renewal Costs $248
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CE Requirements 30 Units
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Texas, you'll be working with the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through the Online Licensing System. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application: Head over to the online portal to create an account and hit submit on your application. This gets you into their system so they can match your incoming documents to your file.
- Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TX JAM): Texas requires you to take the TX JAM, an online, open-book assessment on state laws and rules. You can register for this through the FSBPT website.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: You'll need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO. You will likely need a specific service code (often 11HY44 for PTs), so check your application instructions for the exact code before booking.
- Official Transcripts: Request your official transcripts from your PT program. These must be sent directly from your school to the Board; they will not accept copies sent by you.
- NPTE Scores: Log into your FSBPT account and request a score transfer to Texas.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a recent passport-style photo (if requested during the online process).
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent from school), NPTE Scores (sent from FSBPT).
- Exams: Texas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TX JAM).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Texas:
- Application Fee: $190
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $38 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $48
- Verifications: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $306
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Texas Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $248.
Note: Texas does not have a grace period; practicing with an expired license is strictly prohibited and will result in late fees and potential disciplinary action.
CE Requirements
30 CCUs (Continuing Competence Units) required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years.
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 CCUs through online platforms as long as they are from approved providers.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE) or the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA). General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they carry TPTA approval for most courses.
Mandatory Topics
- TX JAM (Jurisprudence Assessment Module) (2 CCUs): This is a mandatory legal/ethics exam required for every renewal cycle.
- Human Trafficking Prevention (Units vary): You must complete a course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
- Ethics & Professional Responsibility: While the TX JAM covers legalities, ensure your elective courses maintain high professional standards.
Excluded Topics: The board strictly excludes CPR/BLS, business management, marketing, social sciences, financial planning, and staff orientation/development from counting toward your 30 CCUs.
New Licensee Rule: If you are renewing for the first time and your license was issued for less than 24 months, the CCU requirement is waived. However, you must still complete the TX JAM and the Human Trafficking course.
Reporting: Texas uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit your certificates during renewal, but you must maintain your records for 4 years (two full renewal cycles) 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 Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 333 Guadalupe St Austin, TX 78701-3942
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (512) 305-6900
- Fax: (512) 305-6951
- Email: exam@ptot.texas.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 Texas, you'll be working with the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through the Online Licensing System. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application: Head over to the online portal to create an account and hit submit on your application. This gets you into their system so they can match your incoming documents to your file.
- Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TX JAM): Texas requires you to take the TX JAM, an online, open-book assessment on state laws and rules. You can register for this through the FSBPT website.
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: You'll need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO. You will likely need a specific service code (often 11HY44 for PTs), so check your application instructions for the exact code before booking.
- Official Transcripts: Request your official transcripts from your PT program. These must be sent directly from your school to the Board; they will not accept copies sent by you.
- NPTE Scores: Log into your FSBPT account and request a score transfer to Texas.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a recent passport-style photo (if requested during the online process).
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent from school), NPTE Scores (sent from FSBPT).
- Exams: Texas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TX JAM).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Texas:
- Application Fee: $190
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $38 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $48
- Verifications: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $306
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Texas Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $248.
Note: Texas does not have a grace period; practicing with an expired license is strictly prohibited and will result in late fees and potential disciplinary action.
CE Requirements
30 CCUs (Continuing Competence Units) required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years.
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 CCUs through online platforms as long as they are from approved providers.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE) or the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA). General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they carry TPTA approval for most courses.
Mandatory Topics
- TX JAM (Jurisprudence Assessment Module) (2 CCUs): This is a mandatory legal/ethics exam required for every renewal cycle.
- Human Trafficking Prevention (Units vary): You must complete a course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
- Ethics & Professional Responsibility: While the TX JAM covers legalities, ensure your elective courses maintain high professional standards.
Excluded Topics: The board strictly excludes CPR/BLS, business management, marketing, social sciences, financial planning, and staff orientation/development from counting toward your 30 CCUs.
New Licensee Rule: If you are renewing for the first time and your license was issued for less than 24 months, the CCU requirement is waived. However, you must still complete the TX JAM and the Human Trafficking course.
Reporting: Texas uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit your certificates during renewal, but you must maintain your records for 4 years (two full renewal cycles) 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 Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 333 Guadalupe St Austin, TX 78701-3942
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (512) 305-6900
- Fax: (512) 305-6951
- Email: exam@ptot.texas.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.