Reciprocity for PTs and PTAs (Non-Foreign Educated Therapists)
Read completely prior to beginning the application process. It is advised that applicants follow the steps in the order they are written.
It is hightly recommended that applicants complete the steps below in order. Please be advised that deviating from this order may delay your application process.
Step 1: Set up a User Account and Apply Online
- Located at the bottom of the Home page, select “Apply for a License”.
- Click on “No account? Sign up!”.
- Select “New Applicant”, type in your information, and create a password.
*It is recommended that applicants do not to use a university email address as most students eventually lose access to their school email accounts.* - Click “Create Account”.
- Log in using the email address and password that you used to create your account. It will take you to your Dashboard.
- Complete the Online Application - Click the link at the top of your Dashboard, or go to www.laptboard.org/apply
• Please be advised that once you complete the online application, you will not be able go back and edit it. If you are planning to graduate, put your school’s name and anticipated graduation date on the application.
• Application fees are payable via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AMEX.
• A sample application can be viewed here. - Pass the Jurisprudence Exam - All applicants must make a 75% or higher to pass the Board's online jurisprudence. The exam is free of charge and consists of 40 questions from the Louisiana Practice Act and Rules.
• To take the exam online, click the link at the top of your Dashboard, and then click on “Jurisprudence Exam” - Complete the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Survey
• You will be given a password at the end of they survey to enter into the passcode field on your applicant checklist.
Step 2: Additional Documents
- Official Transcript - The transcript must not be a copy and must be sent directly from the school to the Board.Transcripts may be sent via postal mail or emailed to Transcripts@laptboard.org. Please do not send transcript to other board email addresses. When you request a final transcript from your institution, verify that the transcript states that the degree was conferred or awarded.
- Passport-Sized Photo - Upload one (1) 2 in. x 2in. recent passport-type photograph (taken within six (6) months of the application date) to be used for identification purposes. Computer-printed photos are not acceptable and will delay the processing of your application. Photos must be on standard photographic paper.
•Applicants commonly use photos taken for passports.
•Photos must be only of the applicant and cannot include animals or other people. You must be fully dressed in the photo, no tank tops or other revealing clothing. - Upload proper form of identification to prove identity and authorization to work in the United States. A copy of your social security card must be submitted. You must also submit a copy of your Driver's License (front and back) or your passport. All copies must be in color. If you are not a citizen of the United States, submit proper documentation evidencing that you have obtained legal authority to work in the United States. Expired documentation will not be accepted.
All documents should be scans of the original and not pictures taken with phones or tablets.
Step 3: Complete Background Check
All applicants must complete the online application prior to starting the background check process.
Completion time varies from 1 to 8 weeks, depending on circumstances. Criminal history rap sheet findings will extend the completion time. Note that inadequate fingerprints and incorrect payment amount (either too much or too little) will result in delays with the Louisiana State Police.
Option 1: Mail forms, payment, and fingerprint cards to the LSP Headquarters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Recommended for applicants who are not able to be physically present at the LSP Headquarters. Completion time for this option is approximately 6-8 weeks.
For more information, click the “Instructions” link below and read Option A.
Option 2: Present in-person to the LSP Headquarters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Recommended for applicants who are able to be physically present at the LSP Headquarters. Completion time for this option is approximately 2-3 weeks.
For more information, click the “Instructions” link below and read Option B.
Please make sure you come with the appropriate Authorization Form (with the Board information and contact signature at the top) and a Rap Disclosure form completed, driver license /DL and payment (money orders, debit/credit card). All money orders must be made payable to Louisiana State Police.
Disclaimer:
Louisiana Physical Therapy Board may use the criminal convictions of applicants as a basis for denial of an application for licensure. The Board is required to consider the following factors in deciding whether to grant a license to an applicant with one or more criminal convictions:
(1) the nature and seriousness of the offense(s);
(2) the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities for which the license is required;
(3) the amount of time that has passed since the conviction(s);
(4) facts relevant to the circumstances of the offense(s), including any aggravating or mitigating circumstances or social conditions surrounding the commission of the offence(s); and
(5) evidence of rehabilitation or treatment undertaken by the person since the conviction(s).
Applicants for licensure do have the right to petition for a pre-application eligibility determination prior to meeting the general qualifications for a license. The Pre-Application Determination form must be completed and submitted with the appropriate documentation.
Pre-Application Determination Form
For more information, please review relevant Louisiana statutes and board rules: La. R.S. 37:35; La. R.S. 37:2409; La. R.S. 37:2413; La. R.S. 37:2950, and LAC 46:LIV §151(E) and (F).
Resources for completing the Background Check
Instructions
Authorization Form
RAP Disclosure Form
Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights
Privacy Act Statement
Step 4: Examination Score Transfer
If you have ever taken a US administered national physical therapy or physical therapy assistant licensing examination, in this state or any other state for the profession for which you are now making application, you must disclose your examination results to this Board.
If you have taken the National Physical Therapy Examination with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), you must request your scores be transferred to this Board by the FSBPT Score Transfer Service at https://www.fsbpt.org.
Step 5: Verification of licensure from all states in which you currently hold a license/permit OR have ever been licensed
If you have ever been licensed, certified or registered (including temporary permits) to practice physical therapy, you must provide written verification for each jurisdiction in which you were granted a permit or license. Contact the licensing board from which you are requesting verification for their instructions. Written verification of licensure must be mailed or emailed directly from the licensing board to the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board.
Remit To:
Louisiana Physical Therapy Board OR Verification@laptboard.org
2110 W Pinhook Road
Suite 202
Lafayette, LA 70508
Step 6: Continuing Education Compliance
Please upload a combined copy of your continuing education certificates. Emailed copies will NOT be accepted.
Provide proof in the form of completed course certificates of continuing education compliance from all jurisdictions in which the applicant has held an active license in the previous 24 months along with a personal statement explaining the requirements of each jurisdiction.
All current year new graduates applying via reciprocity are exempt from supplying proof of continuing education credits. Provide a statement in your application for licensure notifying the board that you are a new graduate. Please type and sign your statement before uploading.
All documents should be scans of the original and not pictures taken with phones or tablets.
Please refer to your checklist for updates on your application status. If you have questions after reviewing your checklist you may contact the Licensing Analyst.
Danielle Linzer, Licensing Analyst: Danielle@laptboard.org
FEE SCHEDULE
§501.A. the board may collect the following fees...
The application fee is electronic only and payable by all major credit/debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
A license issued to an applicant for the first time shall be for a term of one year or two years, to be determined by the birth year of the applicant (Rule §175.C). THIS FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
- Even Birth Year & Odd Application Year $250
- Odd Birth Year & Even Application Year $250
- Even Birth Year & Even Application Year $390
- Odd Birth Year & Odd Application Year $390
Applicants that apply at the end of one calendar year and receive their license in the following year may either owe additional fees or be entitled to a partial refund per the Fee Schedule referenced above. Please contact the Licensing Analyst for guidance.
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