Reciprocity for Foreign Educated PTs and PTAs

 

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

  1. Located at the bottom of the Home page, select “Apply for a License”.
  2. Click on “No account? Sign up!”
  3. Select "New Applicant”, type in your information, and create a password.
  4. Click “Create Account”.
  5. Log in using the email address and password that you used to create your account.  It will take you to your Dashboard.
  6. 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.
  7. 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”.
  8. Complete the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Survey and Privacy Statement
    • You will be given a password at the end of the survey to enter into the passcode field on your applicant checklist.

 

Step 2: Additional Documents

 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
    • 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.
  3. 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 the fact 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

 

 

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 

Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights
Privacy Act Statement

 

Step 4: 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 5: 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. 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.

Apply Now

 

 

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