Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

The purpose of the Physical Therapy Compact (PTC) is to increase access to physical therapy services by decreasing the licensure barriers for eligible physical therapy providers that desire to work in multiple states. The PTC allows qualified physical therapists and physical therapy assistants licensed in a compact member state to purchase a privilege to work in another member state without going through the full process for licensure in the remote state.

On April 25, 2017, Gov. Inslee signed HB 1278, making Washington the 10th state to enact the PTC. Privileges for Washington became available in September 2019. The governing entity for the PTC is the Physical Therapy Compact Commission.

Washington PT and PTA licensees who meet all PTC requirements can purchase a compact privilege in a Compact member state and typically start work in the remote state almost immediately. The PT Compact's online system makes the process of purchasing and renewing a privilege in other states simple.

  • Learn more and apply. Visit the PTLC website to see what states are in the Compact, learn more about the requirement, and purchase a compact privilege.
  • Frequently Asked Questions. Reference the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact FAQs on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.
  • Verify a Compact privilege status. The PT Compact's system also makes it easy for patients and employers to verify the status of a Compact privilege for their PT or PTA.
  • PTC Commission meeting dates. As the 10th state to enact the PTC, Washington state sends a delegate to provide oversight to the compact. The PTC Commission meetings are open to the public. View the PTC Commission's meeting information page for dates, agendas and past meeting minutes.