Apply for a License
- Apply online
-
Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Apply on paper
-
The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.
Initial licensure
- License Application for Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant (PDF)
- Interim Permit (PDF)
- Score Transfer Request (PDF)
- Tips for applying to be a physical therapist (PDF)
- Tips for applying to be a physical therapist assistant (PDF)
- Credential Verification (PDF)
Endorsements
- Verification of Electroneuromyographic Training (PDF)
- Verification of Mentored Sharp Debridement (PDF)
- Spinal Manipulation Endorsement (PDF)
- Intramuscular Needling Endorsement (PDF)
Expired and reactivation of licensure
- Physical Therapist expired Credential Reactivation Application (PDF) (use if your license has been expired for more than one year)
- Physical Therapist Assistant Expired Credential Activation Application (PDF)
- Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant License Inactive to Active Application (PDF)
Additional forms
Fee Information
- Physical therapist
-
WAC 246-915-990 – Physical therapist fees
WAC 246-915-99005 – Physical therapist assistant fees
- Application - $80
- Active license renewal - $100
- Inactive license renewal - $35
- Late renewal penalty - $50
- Expired license reissuance - $50
- Duplicate license - $10
- Verification of license - $25
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
- Physical therapist assistant
-
WAC 246-915-990 – Physical therapist fees
WAC 246-915-99005 – Physical therapist assistant fees
- Application - $75
- Active license renewal - $95
- Inactive license renewal - $35
- Late renewal penalty - $50
- Expired license reissuance - $50
- Duplicate license - $10
- Verification of license - $25
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
Licensing Requirements
- Physical therapist
-
Education
Applicant must graduate from an institution of higher learning accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education under RCW 18.74.030(2). Official transcript, with degree and date posted, must be received directly from applicant's program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.
Examination
Applicant must take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
State license verification
Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.
Employment
Applicant must list all employment history for three years before the date of application.
Personal data questions
Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If the case is pending, applicant must indicate status.
Additional information/documents required
- Applicants must take and pass the online Washington State Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam.
- Applicants must receive a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Process for approving/denying applications
We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.74 RCW and chapter 246-915 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.
Renewal requirements
Physical therapists must renew their license every year on or before their birthday.
Continuing competency requirements
Physical therapists must complete 32 hours of continuing education and 200 hours of employment every two years.
Suicide prevention training requirements
Beginning January 1, 2016, physical therapists and assistants are required to take three hours of one time training. Read more on suicide prevention training for health professionals.
- Physical therapist assistant
-
Education
Applicant must graduate from an institution of higher learning accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education under RCW 18.74.030(2). Official transcript, with degree and date posted, must be received directly from applicant's program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.
Examination
Applicant must take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
State license verification
Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.
Employment
Applicant must list all employment history for three years before the date of application.
Personal data questions
Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If the case is pending, applicant must indicate status.
Additional information/documents required
- Applicants must take and pass the online Washington State Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam.
- Applicants must receive a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Process for approving/denying applications
We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.74 RCW and chapter 246-915 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.
Renewal requirements
Physical therapist assistants must renew their license every year on or before their birthday.
Continuing competency requirements
Physical therapist assistants must complete 24 hours of continuing education and 200 hours of employment every two years.
Suicide prevention training requirements
Beginning January 1, 2016, physical therapists and assistants are required to take three hours of one time training. Read more on suicide prevention training for health professionals.