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Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $683+
Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Not Allowed
Dry Needling
Required
Jurisprudence
24 hrs
CE Hours
$683+
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Per 2 years (licenses expire march 31 of even-numbered years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years)
Required CE Topics
5 topic areas
Pain management (mandatory online module at each renewal), Cultural competency (minimum 1 hour per cycle), Jurisprudence (OR JAM required at each renewal, counts for 3 CE hours), +2 more
Renewal Fee
$200
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 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 at Pearson VUE; 250 questions (200 scored + 50 pretest); multiple choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Details
Oregon Jurisprudence Assessment Module (OR-JAM) required
Retake Policy
90-day waiting period between attempts; maximum 6 lifetime attempts
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)
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 at Pearson VUE; 250 questions (200 scored + 50 pretest); 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
No time limit; unrestricted direct access
Limitations
Direct access with limitations per Oregon 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
PTAs work under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth supervision permitted with state-specific requirements
Aide Supervision
Direct on-premises supervision required for physical therapy 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 Examination application fee; plus actual cost of nationwide background check | $187 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Included in examination application fee | $150 |
Jurisprudence Fee OR JAM fee paid to FSBPT; counts for 3 CE hours in jurisprudence | $48 |
Background Check Fee Nationwide background check fee varies; paid as part of application | Actual cost to Board |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $200 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($150), NPTE ($485), OR JAM ($48), plus background check (varies) | $683+ |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$200
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
Oregon 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 →
Compare Oregon with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Oregon is one of only a few states that explicitly prohibits dry needling by physical therapists, based on a 2017 Attorney General opinion that classified dry needling as acupuncture. Despite this, Oregon was the first state to enact PT Compact legislation in 2016, making it a pioneer in interstate licensure portability.
Oregon was the first state to enact PT Compact legislation in 2016; compact privileges have been issued since summer 2018.
Dry needling is NOT permitted for physical therapists in Oregon per a 2017 Attorney General opinion; only licensed acupuncturists may perform dry needling.
Oregon provides full unrestricted direct access with no time limits or referral requirements.
The OR JAM is required at initial licensure and at each biennial renewal, with 80% passing score; it counts for 3 CE hours.
Mandatory online pain management module must be completed at each renewal.
Cultural competency education (minimum 1 hour) is required each renewal cycle.
Licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years; current cycle runs April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2026.
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (you) | $683+ | 162–180 wks | |
| California | $1,034 | 162–180 wks | → |
| Idaho | $615 | 162–180 wks | → |
| Nevada | $825 | 162–180 wks | → |
| Washington | $694 | 162–180 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Oregon
See how Oregon compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Oregon is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed physical therapists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
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How does Oregon compare to other states for physical therapist? See the full comparison →
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Physical Therapist Schools in Oregon
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Oregon? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to Oregon →
Transfer your Physical Therapist license from Oregon to: California → | Idaho → | Nevada → | Washington →
Oregon requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Oregon offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.