New York Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

New York PT License Overview

New York is not a PT Compact member, so you need a New York license to practice there. A limited permit, valid for 6 months, lets an applicant for licensure practice under the on-site supervision of a New York licensed and currently registered Physical Therapist.

How to Get a New York PT License by Endorsement

New York 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 $115 application fee.

1. Submit the online application for licensure and the $294 fee
2. Have each jurisdiction where you are licensed send verification of your initial licensure and good standing (Form 3), and request an exam score transfer through FSBPT (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through Form 3, a verification of your initial licensure and good standing from each jurisdiction where you are licensed, plus an exam score transfer from FSBPT. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the New York State Education Department - State Board for Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the New York State Education Department - State Board for Physical Therapy website for status updates on your application.

New York PT License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

New York Temporary PT License

New York issues temporary physical therapy licenses valid for 6 months, allowing Physical Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Practice only under the on-site supervision of a New York licensed and currently registered Physical Therapist, who must be in the same facility and readily available
• Work only in a public hospital, an incorporated hospital or clinic, a licensed proprietary hospital, a licensed nursing home, a public health agency, a recognized public or non-public school setting, the office of a licensed Physical Therapist, or in the civil service of New York State or a political subdivision in New York State

New York PT License Processing Time

New York Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 24 days (application received, same-week FSBPT verification returned, board review and issuance within 2 weeks).

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications in batches; submissions received after monthly cutoff may wait 4-6 additional weeks for next review cycle
• Verification requests via FSBPT can take 2-3 weeks if source state is slow to respond; direct board verification adds unpredictability
• Incomplete or unclear documentation (especially regarding 3-year practice requirement verification) triggers board requests for clarification, adding 1-2 weeks per cycle

We have not found an expedited processing option on the New York State Education Department - State Board for Physical Therapy'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.

New York PT Continuing Education

New York requires 36 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics:
  • Ethics: 2 hours per cycle
  • Infection control: 4 hours per cycle
  • Child abuse identification: 2 hours (one-time)

New York PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 3 years — $179 via NYSED Office of the Professions portal
• Renewal timing: Last day of birth month (triennial cycle).
• CE topics:
  • Ethics: 2 hours per cycle
  • Infection control: 4 hours per cycle
  • Child abuse identification: 2 hours (one-time)
• Renewal window: Opens 4 months before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and complete registration

New York Licensing Board and Resources

New York State Education Department - State Board for Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (518) 474-3817, ext. 270

Email: [email protected]