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Virginia physical therapist license — NPTE exam, jurisprudence requirements, fees ($699), and application process. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-09. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Physical Therapist
Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Not Required
Jurisprudence
30 hrs
CE Hours
$699
Total Initial Fees
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
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.
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
Not Required
Details
No jurisprudence exam 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.
Patient Direct Access Details
VerifiedDirect Access Allowed
Patient access without physician referral
Evaluation Only
No
Treatment Duration Limit
No statutory time limit
Limitations
Unrestricted direct access; no physician referral required
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
No specific ratio established by regulation
Supervision Type
PTAs work under the orders and supervision of a licensed physical therapist; PT must conduct initial evaluation
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 | $140 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $140 |
Jurisprudence Fee Jurisprudence exam fee is part of the application process | Included in application |
Background Check Fee $35.95 for applicants inside Virginia; $38.95 for applicants outside Virginia | $36-$39 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $135 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($140), NPTE ($485), background check (~$36), and direct access certification ($75 if applicable, waived for DPT graduates initially licensed in VA); jurisprudence included in application | $699 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$135
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
PT Compact Details
Virginia 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.
Virginia provides a generous 60-day direct access treatment window, and DPT graduates originally licensed in Virginia are automatically exempt from needing separate direct access certification. However, Virginia uniquely classifies dry needling as an invasive procedure requiring referral and direction under the Code of Virginia, even though PTs can perform it with 54 hours of training.
Virginia requires a jurisprudence exam for initial licensure but not for renewal.
Dry needling is allowed with 54 hours of post-professional training including didactic and face-to-face hands-on laboratory education with passage of theoretical and practical examinations; requires referral and direction.
Direct access provides 60 days of evaluation and treatment without referral; DPT graduates originally licensed in Virginia do not need separate direct access certification (effective July 1, 2015).
Virginia is an active PT Compact member state with a $50 compact privilege fee.
Biennial renewal requires 30 CE hours, due December 31 of even-numbered years.
Background check costs vary: $35.95 in-state, $38.95 out-of-state.
Dry needling is an invasive procedure under Virginia law and requires referral and direction; it cannot be delegated to PTAs or support personnel.
PTs not originally licensed in Virginia with a DPT must have 3 years postlicensure experience and 15 CE hours in medical screening or differential diagnosis for direct access certification.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#26 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123)
Entry Level
$82,560
25th percentile
Median
$100,710
At national averageExperienced
$117,240
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,700 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Physical Therapists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+9.9%
High DemandNew Jobs
+25,300
over 10 years
Annual Openings
13,600
per year (avg.)
256,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Physical Therapy Career Ladder+36% salary growth potential
You are here
Physical Therapist
$100,710
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
$73,900
You are here
Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
$100,710
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 162–180 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Virginia Board of Physical Therapy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Virginia Board of Physical Therapy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the NPTE-PT licensing exam.
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Virginia requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Virginia offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.