Michigan Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Michigan PT License Overview

Michigan has joined the PT Compact, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Michigan begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a Michigan-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

Michigan enacted the PT Compact in July 2026 but is not yet issuing or accepting compact privileges; the Bureau does not expect the privilege to practice process to begin in Michigan until early 2028. Until then, Physical Therapists must apply for a Michigan license by endorsement, and the license must be issued before practice begins.

How to Get a Michigan PT License by Endorsement

Michigan 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 $220.50 application fee.

1. Submit the endorsement application online through MiPLUS
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Provide proof of a passing score on the NPTE (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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing website for status updates on your application.

Michigan PT License Fees

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

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Michigan Temporary PT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Michigan PT License Processing Time

Michigan Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process. The board says the average time to receive a new license is 4-6 weeks, and it could be sooner if all required documents are received with the application.

Common sources of delay:

• Missing documents slow the review; a new license can come sooner than the 4-6 week average when every required document arrives with the application
• License verification from current state via FSBPT or direct board contact can take 1-2 weeks depending on source state responsiveness
• Central mail room and payment processing office routing adds processing time not captured in standard 2-6 week estimate
• You must have completed at least 2 hours of implicit bias training in the 5 years before your Michigan license is issued

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing's 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.

Michigan PT Continuing Education

Michigan requires 36 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years for Physical Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: pain and symptom management (at least 1 credit each renewal period), implicit bias training (at least 1 hour for each year of the license cycle)

Michigan PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 3 years — $198 via LARA portal
• CE topics: pain and symptom management (at least 1 credit each renewal period) and implicit bias training (at least 1 hour for each year of the license cycle)
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License lapses, and within 3 years after expiration you may be relicensed by meeting the code's and the board's relicensure requirements

Michigan Licensing Board and Resources

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (517) 241-0199

Email: [email protected]