Tennessee Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Tennessee PT License Overview

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

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

Tennessee 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 $305 application fee.

1. Submit the application through the board's online licensure system
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. 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 Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Tennessee PT License Fees

Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $130 (figures above are for Physical Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Tennessee Temporary PT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Tennessee PT License Processing Time

Tennessee Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks under optimal conditions (quick mail delivery, FSBPT verification available, no background discrepancies).

Common sources of delay:

• Board review cycle varies; applications submitted late in the month may wait 4-6 weeks for next review window
• Paper applications are available from the board's administrative office; the board's online licensure system is the standard application route
• Verification via FSBPT can be slow if license history is incomplete in the national registry

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Tennessee Board of 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.

Tennessee PT Continuing Education

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

• Mandatory topics: physical therapy ethics, jurisprudence and state-specific laws

Tennessee PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $140 via Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy portal
• Renewal timing: Last day of birth month in even years.
• CE topics: physical therapy ethics and Tennessee jurisprudence
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: $50 late renewal fee, and to reinstate an expired license you pay the $100 reinstatement fee plus the renewal fee and show proof of continuing competence

Tennessee Licensing Board and Resources

Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal