Instructions for Licensure Application
All applicants must complete the online application prior to starting the background check process
PROCESSING TIME INFORMATION
Materials requested to be sent directly to the board office by third parties must be requested at the time of the application submission to avoid delays. Processing time varies for each application but in total may take up to 2 months. The process is greatly affected by the speed at which the applicant is able to submit a complete application.
STATUS UPDATES
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your dashboard. Allow 5-7 business days from the date the materials are received for your dashboard to be updated.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PLANNING
Applicants are encouraged to avoid accepting concrete start dates for employment in Louisiana prior to the issuance of a license to practice in this state. Prepare for employment start dates to be no sooner than 5-7 business days after the board receives your completed application, which includes all components listed in your application type's instructions page below.
No individual may begin clinical practice without a Provisional License/License.
BEFORE beginning the application process, complete a Journey Map to understand more of the NPTE registration process.
If you are a new graduate of a CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant Program and you have never been licensed in another state or US Territory by temporary or permanent license and have never taken a US administered national physical therapy or physical therapy assistant licensing examination.
BEFORE beginning the application process, complete the Foreign Education Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants Questionnaire.
If you graduated from a school of physical therapy outside the United States that is not CAPTE accredited, you have never been licensed in another state or US Territory by temporary or permanent license, and have never taken a US administered national physical therapy licensing examination.
If you have completed a United States armed services training program for physical therapy assisting and intend to gain licensure to work with civilians.
If you have ever held a temporary or permanent license in another US state and have taken a US administered national physical therapy or physical therapy assistant licensing exam.
If you graduated from a school of physical therapy outside the United States that is not CAPTE accredited, have ever held a temporary or permanent license in another US state, and have taken a US administered national physical therapy licensing exam.
If you have been previously licensed in Louisiana, but have allowed your license to expire.