Physical Therapist / Louisiana
2026 data Louisiana board official source

Louisiana Physical Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Evaluates and treats movement disorders and injuries. Requires doctoral degree.

What the Louisiana data shows for Physical Therapists

Louisiana's path to physical therapist licensure runs through 3,730 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Louisiana folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)".

The initial price tag is $276, and renewal costs $239 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, physical therapists should know: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states.

Licensing Requirements in Louisiana

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,730 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$276
Renewal Fee
$239
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Physical Therapist All Louisiana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Louisiana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physical Therapist in Louisiana? ▼
In Louisiana, the license path calls for 3730 education/training hours, a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), and a $276 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in Louisiana? ▼
To become a licensed physical therapist in Louisiana, you must meet the state's requirements including 3730 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Louisiana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Louisiana from another state? ▼
For physical therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Louisiana licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Louisiana require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the physical therapist licensing process in Louisiana. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physical Therapist in Louisiana? ▼
Louisiana ties continued physical therapist licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $239 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.