Applying for a PT/PTA License

General Application Information

Please review the application instructions listed on the Board website site prior to submitting an application:

General License Information

Delegation of Duties

The PT is responsible for all procedures or tasks delegated to a PTA or PT Aide. The PT may delegate patient treatment procedures to a qualified PT Assistant (PTA) except: patient evaluation, treatment planning, initial treatment, change of treatment, and initial or final documentation. The PT must provide on-site observation of the treatment and documentation of its appropriateness at least every six treatment sessions. A PT may supervise no more than two PTAs at any time. The PT is not required to be onsite, but must be easily available by telecommunication. A PT may delegate patient/equipment preparation and selected treatment procedures to a PT Aide. The PT must observe the patient’s status before and after the treatment. All tasks must be performed under the direct supervision of a PT who is readily available for advice, instruction, or immediate assistance.

Continuing Education

Each licensed physical therapist must complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education credit every two years as a condition of licensure renewal. A minimum of 2 of the 20 hours of CE each cycle shall be on professional ethics directly related to the practice of physical therapy. Newly licensed physical therapists commence their two year cycle on January 1 immediately following the date licensure was granted, and continuing education credits may be accrued during the first partial year in addition to the two full years of licensure. Licensees are required to attest to completion of continuing education at renewal time. Continuing education documentation must be retained by each licensee in the event they are selected for an audit.

Practice Requirement

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must practice 320 hours during the past five years in order to be issued a license, renew, reinstate following a lapse in licensure, or return to active licensure status from inactive status. Alternatively, physical therapists may choose to retake and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam or complete no less than eight weeks of Board approved supervised clinical practice. The supervised clinical practice length and site must be pre-approved by the Board.

Renewal Cycle

Licensure must be renewed annually before January 1 of each year. Renewal reminders are sent approximately 45 days prior to expiration. It is the licensee’s responsibility to keep the Board advised of their current address with written notification within 30 days of any address change. The Board will send the renewal reminder to the address on file. Failure to receive the renewal reminder does not relieve the physical therapist of his or her renewal obligation.

Title Protection

Nonlicensed individuals are prohibited from using the title “Physical Therapist,” Physiotherapist,” “Physical Therapy Technician,” “Registered Physical Therapist,” Licensed Physical Therapist,” “P.T.,” “P.T.T.,” “R.P.T.,” “L.P.T.” or any other words, letter abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the individual is licensed by the state. Nonlicensed individuals holding themselves out as a physical therapist shall be subjected to criminal prosecution for the unauthorized practice.

Questions

If you have specific questions about the application process, please call 612-627-5406, or e-mail the Board at: Physical.Therapy@state.mn.us