{"application_form_url":"https://health.ri.gov/applications/PhysicalTherapist.pdf","application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":"https://health.ri.gov/contact/","board_email":"See board website","board_fax":"N/A (contact by phone)","board_mailing_address":"See board website","board_name":"Rhode Island DOH \u2014 PT Licensure","board_parent_org":"Rhode Island Department of Health","board_phone":"(401) 222-2828","board_physical_address":"See board website","board_source_url":"https://health.ri.gov/licenses/","board_url":"https://health.ri.gov/licenses/","canonical_url":"https://statelicensingreference.com/rhode-island-pt","ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Applications cannot be processed until official transcripts are received directly from the educational institution.","title":"Missing Transcripts"},{"description":"Endorsement applicants often face delays waiting for background check results from their current state of residence.","title":"Out-of-State BCI Delays"},{"description":"Failure to provide license verification from all previous states of licensure will stall the application.","title":"Incomplete Verifications"}],"compact_member":false,"compact_name":"PT Compact (Physical Therapy Licensure Compact)","compact_privilege_fee":"N/A","created_at":"2026-04-09T17:05:34.583742+00:00","credential_type":"PT, DPT","description":"Apply for a Rhode Island Physical Therapist credential. Learn about the requirements, NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination), and state fees.","endorsement_application_url":"https://health.ri.gov/applications/PhysicalTherapist.pdf","endorsement_fees":{"app_fee":"$100","background_check_fee":"$0 (included in application)","jurisprudence_exam_fee":"$0","total_estimated_cost":"$100"},"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Complete the standard PT application form, checking the 'Endorsement' box, and mail it with the $155 fee.","title":"Submit Endorsement Application","url":"https://health.ri.gov/applications/PhysicalTherapist.pdf","url_label":"Download Application"},{"description":"Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a PT license to be sent directly to the Board.","title":"Verify Existing Licenses","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Request a score transfer from FSBPT to Rhode Island.","title":"Transfer NPTE Scores","url":"https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates/National-Physical-Therapy-Examination-NPTE/Score-Reports","url_label":"Transfer Scores"},{"description":"Provide a full background check from your current state of residence in addition to the RI BCI check.","title":"Out-of-State Background Check","url":null,"url_label":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"Licenses expire biennially on May 1st of even-numbered years.","question":"When does my Rhode Island PT license expire?"},{"answer":"Physical Therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years by March 31st of even-numbered years.","question":"How many CE hours are required for renewal?"},{"answer":"New graduates may apply for a 'Graduate Status' permit which allows practice under supervision for up to 90 days while waiting for exam results.","question":"Can I practice while my application is pending?"},{"answer":"No, Rhode Island is not currently a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.","question":"Is Rhode Island part of the PT Compact?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":"2-4","fingerprint_fee":"$35-$50 (varies by state)","fingerprint_method_in_state":"LiveScan (IdentoGO)","fingerprint_method_out_of_state":"IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan (adds ~$39.95 fee) OR FD-258 hard card via mail (tip: moisturize hands for days prior to reduce smudge rejects)","fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":"IdentoGO (IDEMIA)","fingerprint_vendor_url":"https://uenroll.identogo.com/","initial_fee_amount":100.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":"$100 application/license fee","last_updated":"2026-02-25","last_verified":"2026-02-25","license_duration":"2 Years","licensing_pathway":"endorsement","payload_url":"https://statelicensingreference.com/api/rhode-island-pt.json","processing_time":"4 to 6 Weeks","profession":"Physical Therapist","provisional_info":"Many states offer a limited permit or provisional license for new graduates waiting to take the NPTE. Check specific board rules for supervisory requirements.","reciprocity_info":"Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.","renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":50.0,"renewal_portal_url":null,"required_documents":[{"description":"The official RIDOH application form for PT/PTA licensure.","name":"Licensure Application","url":"https://health.ri.gov/applications/PhysicalTherapist.pdf","url_label":"Download Form"},{"description":"Transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar of your accredited PT school to the Board.","name":"Official Transcripts","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT directly to the Rhode Island Board.","name":"NPTE Score Report","url":"https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates/National-Physical-Therapy-Examination-NPTE/Score-Reports","url_label":"Request Score Transfer"},{"description":"A full criminal background check from the RI Attorney General; endorsement applicants also need one from their state of residence.","name":"BCI Report","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"rhode-island-pt","state_name":"Rhode Island","state_slug":"rhode-island","statutes_url":"https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-40/INDEX.HTM","steps":[{"description":"Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).","title":"Graduate from an Accredited Program","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Create an account with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).","title":"Register for the NPTE","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"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).","title":"Submit State Application","url":"https://health.ri.gov/applications/PhysicalTherapist.pdf","url_label":"Download Application PDF"},{"description":"Have your university send official transcripts directly to the Rhode Island Board of Physical Therapy.","title":"Request Official Transcripts","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Obtain a full Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.","title":"Complete Background Check","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Successfully pass the NPTE. Scores must be sent directly from FSBPT to the Rhode Island Board.","title":"Pass the NPTE","url":null,"url_label":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":"See board","temp_license_fee":"See board","temp_license_processing_time":"See board","updated_at":"2026-04-26T09:02:42.994998+00:00","verify_license_url":null}