Missouri Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Missouri PT License Overview

Missouri is a PT Compact member state that is issuing compact privileges.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Missouri on a PT Compact privilege instead of a Missouri 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 Missouri PT License by Endorsement

Missouri 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 $25 application fee.

1. Apply online through MOPRO, or mail the paper application (form MO 375-0439) and fee to the Board
2. Have every licensing agency that has ever licensed you send a verification of licensure directly to the board (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through direct reports from every licensing agency that has licensed you, sent straight to the board. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts website for status updates on your application.

Missouri PT License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Missouri Temporary PT License

Missouri issues temporary physical therapy licenses, but they are only for first-time exam applicants. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Missouri PT License Processing Time

Missouri Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-10 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 4-5 weeks if applicant has compact privilege or prior Missouri verification already on file and jurisprudence exam is passed immediately upon application receipt.

Common sources of delay:

• Board staff process everything in the order it is received, so processing time varies with the board's backlog
• The jurisprudence exam is returned with your application and scored by the board; you need 75% or higher
• Each licensing agency must send its verification directly to the board, and some agencies will not complete the board's form and use their own secure online verification portal instead

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts' 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.

Missouri PT Continuing Education

Missouri requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal.

Missouri PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 of each even-numbered year — $50 via Missouri Division of Professional Registration portal
• Renewal window: Opens on or before December 1 of each odd-numbered year, when the board mails and emails renewal information
• Late penalty: $25 late renewal (delinquent) fee

Missouri Licensing Board and Resources

Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (573) 751-0098

Email: [email protected]