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Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $899
Governing Authority
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions
Official website →Non-Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Not Allowed
Dry Needling
Not Required
Jurisprudence
36 hrs
CE Hours
$899
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
36 hours
Per 3 years (triennial) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
3 years (triennial)
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
Professional ethics, Evidence-based practice, Clinical competency topics
Renewal Fee
$155
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is required; New York mandated the DPT degree effective October 2024
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
Not Required
Details
No jurisprudence exam required in New York
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: 19/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Browse study guides
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
10 visits or 30 days (whichever comes first)
Limitations
10 visits or 30 days (whichever comes first); PT must have 3+ years of clinical experience
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 with direct supervision for certain delegated activities
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth supervision permitted with state-specific requirements
Aide Supervision
Direct on-premises supervision required for physical therapist aides
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 Licensure application fee | $294 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Limited permit fee | $70 |
Background Check Fee Approximate background check fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Triennial renewal | $148 |
Total Initial Fees Includes licensure application ($294), NPTE ($485), limited permit ($70), and background check (~$50) | $899 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (triennial)
Renewal Period
36 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$155
Triennial 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
Non-Member
Endorsement Available
Yes
PT Compact Details
New York is not a member of the PT Compact.
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 →
Compare New York with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
New York is one of the few states that completely prohibits dry needling by physical therapists (since 1992) and uses one of the longest renewal cycles at 3 years (triennial) with 36 CE hours required.
New York mandated the DPT degree for all new PT applicants effective October 2024.
No jurisprudence exam is required in New York.
Dry needling is prohibited for physical therapists in New York since a 1992 Board determination.
Direct access requires 3+ years of clinical experience and is limited to 10 visits or 30 days.
New York uses a triennial (3-year) renewal cycle requiring 36 CE hours.
New York is NOT a member of the PT Compact.
The licensure fee ($294) is among the highest in the nation.
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | $899 | 162–180 wks | |
| Connecticut | $820 | 162–180 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $685 | 162–180 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $880 | 162–180 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $567 | 162–180 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in New York
See how New York compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
New York is not currently a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Physical Therapist licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the PT Compact →
Related Guides
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Physical Therapist licensing requirements nationwide →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
Physical Therapist Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to New York? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to New York →
Transfer your Physical Therapist license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →
New York requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.