Utah Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Utah PT License Overview

Utah is a PT Compact member state. PTs and PTAs can practice in Utah with a compact privilege, which you apply for through the Physical Therapy Compact (ptcompact.org); without one, you need a Utah license by endorsement.

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

Utah 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 $70 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete fingerprinting and background check (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.

Background check: Fingerprint-based criminal background check. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Physical Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Utah PT License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Utah Temporary PT License

Utah issues temporary physical therapy licenses, but they are only for applicants registered with FSBPT to take the licensing exam, with official transcripts sent from their CAPTE-accredited school. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Utah PT License Processing Time

Utah Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 14 business days to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10 business days (if application arrives before board meeting cutoff, fingerprinting clears immediately, and verification returns same day).

Common sources of delay:

• Mail-only application submission required; no online portal for endorsement applications slows initial intake
• Board review step cannot run concurrently with application submission; monthly board meeting cycles may create 2-4 week waits if application arrives after cutoff
• Fingerprint-based background check processing times vary; delays common if applicant has out-of-state criminal records requiring multi-jurisdiction verification

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - 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.

Utah PT Continuing Education

Utah requires 40 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: physical therapy ethics
• Physical Therapist Assistants: 20 contact hours every 2 years (vs 40 for Physical Therapists)

Utah PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 of odd years — $47 via Utah DOPL portal
• CE topics: physical therapy ethics
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: $20 late renewal fee, and $50 reinstatement fee if the license has to be reinstated

Utah Licensing Board and Resources

Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification