Rhode Island Physical Therapist License
Rhode Island DOH — PT Licensure
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Licensure Application — The official RIDOH application form for PT/PTA licensure. Download Form
- Official Transcripts — Transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar of your accredited PT school to the Board.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT directly to the Rhode Island Board. Request Score Transfer
- BCI Report — A full criminal background check from the RI Attorney General; endorsement applicants also need one from their state of residence.
How to Apply
-
Graduate from an Accredited Program ▾Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
-
Register for the NPTE ▾Create an account with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
-
Submit State Application ▾Download, complete, and mail the paper application form to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) along with the $155 application fee (check or money order).
Download Application PDF -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Have your university send official transcripts directly to the Rhode Island Board of Physical Therapy.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Obtain a full Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.
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Pass the NPTE ▾Successfully pass the NPTE. Scores must be sent directly from FSBPT to the Rhode Island Board.
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.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the standard PT application form, checking the 'Endorsement' box, and mail it with the $155 fee.
Download Application -
Verify Existing Licenses ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a PT license to be sent directly to the Board.
-
Transfer NPTE Scores ▾Request a score transfer from FSBPT to Rhode Island.
Transfer Scores -
Out-of-State Background Check ▾Provide a full background check from your current state of residence in addition to the RI BCI check.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Rhode Island DOH — PT Licensure
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island DOH — PT Licensure for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Transcripts
▾
Applications cannot be processed until official transcripts are received directly from the educational institution.
Out-of-State BCI Delays
▾
Endorsement applicants often face delays waiting for background check results from their current state of residence.
Incomplete Verifications
▾
Failure to provide license verification from all previous states of licensure will stall the application.
Questions
When does my Rhode Island PT license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on May 1st of even-numbered years.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years by March 31st of even-numbered years.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
New graduates may apply for a 'Graduate Status' permit which allows practice under supervision for up to 90 days while waiting for exam results.
Is Rhode Island part of the PT Compact?
▾
No, Rhode Island is not currently a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.