Licensure FAQs
What are the qualifications for licensure as a Physical Therapist?
To qualify for licensure as a Physical Therapist, an individual must:
- be eighteen years of age or older;
- be a graduate of a school of physical therapy accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or be a graduate of a non-CAPTE-accredited school outside of the United States or Canada and possess equivalent educational credentials verified by a credentialing agency approved by the Board; and
- satisfactorily pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapists.
What are the qualifications for licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant?
To qualify for licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant, an individual must:
- be eighteen years of age or older;
- be a graduate of a two-year college-level education program for physical therapist assistants accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or be a graduate of a non-CAPTE-accredited school outside of the United States or Canada and possess equivalent educational credentials verified by a credentialing agency approved by the Board; and
- satisfactorily pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants.
How do I determine if my PT or PTA program is accepted by the Board?
Visit the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) website to view a list of accredited PT and PTA programs.
Can I still apply if my program is not approved?
Yes. See the instructions for graduates of non-approved programs.
Do you offer licensure by endorsement?
Yes. A Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant who holds a current, unrestricted license in the United States, its territories, the District of Columbia, or Canada, may be licensed in Virginia by endorsement.
Visit the Applications and Forms page for further information about this licensing method.
How long does my licensure application remain on file?
All applications expire after one year from the date of submission. A new application, non-refundable fee, and documentation are required to reapply.
What are the qualifications to apply for a Direct Access Certification?
An applicant applying for Direct Access Certification to provide services to patients without a referral as specified in §54.1-3482.1 of the Code of Virginia must hold an active, unrestricted license as a Physical Therapist in Virginia and submit evidence that meets one of the following qualifications:
- Complete a transitional program in physical therapy as recognized by the Board; or
- Have at least three years of post-licensure, active practice with evidence of fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education in medical screening or differential diagnosis, including passage of a post-course examination. The required continuing education must be offered by a provider or sponsor listed as approved by the Board in 18VAC112-20-131 and may be in-person or online education courses.
Effective July 1, 2015, a Physical Therapist that was originally licensed as a physical therapist in Virginia with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education is not required to obtain a Direct Access Certification.
