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.
Disclaimers:
- All applicants must complete the online application prior to starting the background check process.
- Background check results received without an active application on file will be destroyed.
- If you have been educated as a PT, you may apply for a license as a PTA according to the Welcome Home Act.
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 and Privacy Statement
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. Staff cannot gurantee the receipt of transcripts sent to any other email address. 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
Background check results received without an active application on file first will be destroyed.
The background check process has been updated effective March 1, 2024. Click here for instructions.
Resources
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
214 Jefferson St
Suite 102
Lafayette, LA 70501
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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