How to become a physical therapist in Idaho
Requirements for Idaho Physical Therapist License
What are the requirements to become a physical therapist in Idaho?
The Idaho Physical Therapy Licensure Board (IPTLB) regulates physical therapist licensing in Idaho. To practice physical therapy in Idaho, you must obtain a license from the Board. You can become a licensed physical therapist in Idaho by examination or endorsement.
To be licensed by examination, applicants must:
- Graduate from a nationally accredited school of physical therapy with a curriculum acceptable to the Board.
- Submit a completed application and required documentation.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), with a score meeting the Board’s requirements.
- Meet Idaho’s applicable background and eligibility requirements.
To be licensed by endorsement, applicants must:
- Be of good character and meet Idaho’s general licensing requirements.
- Hold a current, active physical therapist license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction.
- Have graduated from a nationally accredited physical therapy program or meet applicable education requirements.
- Have passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent to the examination required by Idaho.
- Submit the required application, license verification, and supporting documentation.
How do I get a license to practice physical therapy in Idaho?
If you meet the requirements, simply submit an Application for Physical Therapy License, the required documents, and applicable fees to the Idaho Physical Therapy Licensure Board.
Applications can be obtained through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) website and submitted through its online licensing system.
For documents submitted by mail, use the following address:
Idaho Physical Therapy Licensure Board
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0063
How much does the physical therapist license cost?
The cost of obtaining a physical therapist license in Idaho includes the following fees:
- Application fee: $25
- Initial license fee: $50
- NPTE administrative fee: Up to $20
- NPTE examination fee: Set by the FSBPT
- Annual renewal fee: $25
- Biennial renewal fee: $50
Additional fees may apply for license reinstatement or other services.
Are there any continuing education requirements for Idaho physical therapists?
Licensed physical therapists are required to complete 32 contact hours of continuing education every two years. When renewing their licenses, physical therapists must certify that they have completed the required continuing education.
Physical therapists do not need to submit their documentation with every renewal application. However, they must maintain records of completed continuing education for two years and provide documentation to the Idaho Physical Therapy Licensure Board if they are audited or asked to provide proof of completion.
What else do I need to know about being a licensed physical therapist?
A licensed physical therapist may want to form an Idaho business entity with the Idaho secretary of state. Forming an Idaho business can be pretty easy. Idaho does not require physical therapists to set up any particular type of entity. Entities such as corporations and limited liability companies offer asset protection for physical therapists.
Idaho does not require businesses to indicate the type of business they perform (such as the words “physical therapist” or “PT”) in the business name.