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Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $785-$925
Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Required
Jurisprudence
30 hrs
CE Hours
$785-$925
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per 2 years (biennial) — licenses expire april 30 of even years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial) — licenses expire April 30 of even years
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
Evidence-based practice, Clinical skills, Professional development
Renewal Fee
$280
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program is required
Program Length
3 years (post-baccalaureate)
Clinical Hours
1440 hrs
Prerequisite Courses
Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. Programs typically take 3 years and include extensive clinical education hours. Prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics is required.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedNPTE Required
National Physical Therapy Examination
250
Questions
5 hrs
Time Limit
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Passing Score
$485
NPTE Fee
Format: Computer-based; multiple choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Details
40-question jurisprudence exam; 75% passing score; free of charge
Retake Policy
90-day waiting period between attempts; maximum 6 attempts lifetime
The NPTE is a computer-based exam administered by the FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy). It consists of 250 multiple-choice questions with a 5-hour time limit. Many states also require a separate jurisprudence exam on state-specific laws and regulations.
Overall licensing difficulty: 18/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
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Physical Therapy Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination)
Questions
250 questions
Time Limit
5 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Format
Computer-based; multiple choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $485Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination).
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NPTE
Prepare for your NPTE with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides for the NPTE-PT licensing exam.
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Patient Direct Access Details
VerifiedDirect Access Allowed
Patient access without physician referral
Evaluation Only
No
Treatment Duration Limit
Per Louisiana PT Practice Act provisions
Limitations
Direct access permitted per Louisiana PT Practice Act
Referral Required For
Direct access allows patients to receive physical therapy services without a physician referral. Most states allow some form of direct access, though limitations on treatment duration, evaluation-only provisions, and conditions requiring referral vary by state.
Physical Therapist Assistant Supervision
VerifiedPTA Supervision Required
PT-to-PTA Ratio
1:2
Supervision Type
General supervision
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth permitted under board guidelines
Aide Supervision
Direct on-premises supervision required
Physical therapists are responsible for supervising physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and aides. Supervision ratios, types (direct vs. general), and telehealth supervision rules vary by state. PTAs must work under the direction and supervision of a licensed PT.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $250-$390 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Jurisprudence Fee | Free |
Background Check Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $280 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($250-$390), NPTE ($485), and background check ($50); jurisprudence exam is free | $785-$925 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial) — licenses expire April 30 of even years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$280
Biennial renewal
Regulatory Board
Physical therapist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as ethics, pain management, and evidence-based practice. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our physical therapist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
PT Compact Details
Louisiana is an active member of the PT Compact, issuing and accepting compact privileges.
Endorsement Requirements
The Physical Therapy Compact allows licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying credentials, passing the NPTE, and submitting additional documentation.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Louisiana is one of the few state PT boards that requires payment exclusively by cashier's check, and its dry needling statute specifically permits filiform needle use rather than using broader dry needling language.
Louisiana requires a jurisprudence exam: 40 questions, 75% passing score, free of charge.
Dry needling is permitted specifically using filiform needles.
Louisiana is NOT a member of the PT Licensure Compact.
Payment for application fees must be made by cashier's check only.
Application and renewal fees vary by license type ($250-$390 application; $215-$280 renewal).
30 CE hours required per biennium.
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Louisiana
See how Louisiana compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Louisiana is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed physical therapists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
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Moving to Louisiana? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to Louisiana →
Transfer your Physical Therapist license from Louisiana to: Arkansas → | Mississippi → | Texas →
Louisiana requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Louisiana offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.