The ever-increasing mobility of the American workforce, the need for better access to physical therapy in underserved areas, and the rise of telehealth prompted development of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PTLC). It provides physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) with the ability to practice with minimal barriers across the jurisdictional boundaries of participating states.

How It Works

The PTLC provides a path for PTs and PTAs to become authorized to practice or work in multiple states while holding 1 state license. Participation in the compact is optional and occurs on 2 levels: states and individual licensees.

To participate in the PTLC, a state must opt in through the state legislative process, with lawmakers drafting and the governor approving a compact bill. To be eligible for participation, states must require that licensure applicants pass a national exam and undergo a background check. States also must require licensees to complete continuing competence/education for licensure renewal and must provide licensee data to the Physical Therapy Compact Commission (PTCC).