Maryland Physical Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
2-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$150
Renewal: $325 · Temp license available
Compact (PT Compact)
Yes
PT Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Maryland is a PT Compact member state. Travelers holding an active multistate PT Compact license from another member state can practice immediately in Maryland under compact privilege without applying for a separate state license; no application fee or processing time required. For non-compact holders, standard endorsement with jurisprudence exam applies.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Maryland assignment immediately if your home state is also a PT Compact member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Maryland residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Maryland license through endorsement.
Endorsement Process
Maryland uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for physical therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $150 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Maryland requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a physical therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Maryland requires a mandatory Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Maryland-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $150 |
| Renewal | $325 (every 2 years) |
Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $300 (figures above are for physical therapists).
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Maryland issues temporary physical therapy licenses valid for 90 days, allowing physical therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must have a valid, unrestricted PT license from another state
- Application for Maryland permanent licensure must be pending or submitted
- Applicant must pass Maryland jurisprudence exam or have exemption approved before temp license issuance
Issuance timeline:
- Complete endorsement application received by board
- Evidence of valid current license in another state provided via FSBPT or direct verification
- Criminal history self-report submitted and preliminary review cleared
Denial risks:
- Applicant has criminal history that would disqualify from licensure in Maryland
- Applicant does not hold current valid PT license in another state
- Applicant fails to submit jurisprudence exam results within 30 days of temp license request
Important for travelers: Temp license automatically expires 90 days after issuance or upon permanent license denial, whichever occurs first. Revocation occurs if permanent application is denied after full board review. License can be revoked if applicant is found to have misrepresented criminal history on initial application.
Processing Time
Maryland physical therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-6 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-14 days (if application complete, exam passed immediately, and board meets within 1-2 weeks of submission).
Common sources of delay:
- Mail-based application submission creates initial processing lag; no online portal reduces speed of document receipt
- Jurisprudence exam scheduling and completion can extend timeline by 1-2 weeks if candidate delays exam registration
- Board review and final issuance only occur after jurisprudence exam is passed; applications cannot move to final approval stage until exam is complete
Maryland does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Continuing Education
Maryland requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for physical therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: implicit bias training
- Physical Therapist Assistants: 20 contact hours every 2 years (vs 30 for physical therapists)
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Maryland may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring October 31 of even years — $325 via Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners portal
- CE topics: implicit bias training
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Maryland license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (410) 764-4752
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners's official website.
