Ohio — Cleveland skyline over the Cuyahoga

Ohio Physical Therapist License

Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Certification of Entry-Level Education — Form completed by your academic program to verify degree completion.
  • Official Transcripts — Official transcripts sent directly from the CAPTE-accredited institution to the Board.
  • BCI and FBI Background Check Results — Fingerprint-based criminal history results sent directly from the vendor to the Board. View Instructions
  • NPTE Score Report — Official scores transferred via FSBPT Score Transfer Service. Transfer Scores
  • OH JAM Results — Completion certificate for the Ohio Jurisprudence Assessment Module. Take OH JAM

How to Apply

  1. Create an eLicense Account
    Register for a new account on the Ohio eLicense portal to begin your application.
    Register on eLicense
  2. Submit Initial Application
    Complete the 'Physical Therapist by Examination' application and pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
    Apply Online
  3. Register for NPTE and OH JAM
    Register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the Ohio Jurisprudence Assessment Module (OH JAM).
    Register with FSBPT
  4. Complete Background Checks
    Complete both BCI (state) and FBI (federal) criminal records checks. Use a WebCheck vendor and ensure results are sent directly to the Board.
    Background Check Instructions
  5. Submit Educational Verification
    Have your school submit an official transcript or the Certification of Entry-Level Education form directly to the Board.
    Download Education Form
  6. Pass Required Exams
    Achieve a passing score on the NPTE and the OH JAM. Results are sent automatically to the Board once completed.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License
    Request official verification from every jurisdiction where you hold or have ever held a license.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application
    Apply via eLicense Ohio for 'Physical Therapist by Endorsement' and pay the $100 fee.
    Endorsement Application
  3. Transfer NPTE Scores
    Request an official score transfer from FSBPT to the Ohio Board.
    FSBPT Score Transfer
  4. Complete OH JAM
    All endorsement applicants must pass the Ohio Jurisprudence Assessment Module.
    Register for OH JAM
  5. Criminal Records Check
    Complete the required BCI and FBI background checks as per the Board's instructions.
    Background Check Info
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board

Keeping Your License Active

Ohio Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incorrect Background Check Reason
Failure to use the correct ORC code (4755.70) or failing to select 'Direct Copy' to the Board at the WebCheck station.
Missing Education Verification
Applying before the school has submitted the Certification of Education or official transcripts.
Incomplete Jurisprudence Module
Forgetting that the OH JAM is a separate requirement from the NPTE and must be completed for initial licensure.
Application Expiration
Applications expire one year after submission; if requirements aren't met, a new application and fee are required.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for renewal?
Physical Therapists must complete 24 contact hours of approved continuing education every two years, which must include the 2-hour OH JAM.
When does my Ohio PT license expire?
Physical Therapist licenses expire on January 31 of even-numbered years.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
No. You may not practice physical therapy in Ohio until you have been issued a valid license.
What is the definition of 'out of practice' in Ohio?
The Board defines 'out of practice' as working less than 500 hours over a five-year period.
Is the OH JAM required for every renewal?
Yes, the OH JAM must be completed during each renewal cycle and counts as 2 hours of CE.

Board Info

Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board
Sources
Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25