Maryland Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Maryland PT License Overview

Maryland is a PT Compact member state. A Physical Therapist licensed in another member state can purchase a Compact Privilege to work in Maryland instead of getting a Maryland license; it is not automatic. Everyone else applies for a Maryland license through the board's standard licensing process.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Maryland on a PT Compact privilege instead of a Maryland license, provided your home-state license is in another PT Compact state that is also issuing privileges. A compact privilege is something you apply for through the compact before you start; it is not automatic.

How to Get a Maryland PT License by Endorsement

Maryland uses an online 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.

1. Submit the application online through the board's online application system
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners website for status updates on your application.

Maryland PT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $300 (figures above are for Physical Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Maryland Temporary PT License

Maryland issues temporary physical therapy licenses valid for 90 days, but they are not available to endorsement applicants; only applicants for licensure by examination may request the temporary 90-day license. Plan your start date around the full processing time.

Eligibility requirements:

• Application for Maryland permanent licensure must be pending or submitted
• Applicant must pass Maryland jurisprudence exam or have exemption approved before temp license issuance

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.

Maryland PT License Processing Time

Maryland Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take up to 60 business days to process. The board says the application process can take up to 60 business days because of response times from other organizations, and full licensure follows within 10 business days once all criteria are met.

Common sources of delay:

• Documents the board receives can take up to 10 business days to be posted to your application
• 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

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' site. 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.

Maryland PT Continuing Education

Maryland requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: implicit bias training
• Physical Therapist Assistants: 20 contact hours every 2 years (vs 30 for Physical Therapists)

Maryland PT License Renewal

• 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

Maryland Licensing Board and Resources

Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (410) 764-4752

Email: [email protected]