Physical Therapist / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota Physical Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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

What the Minnesota data shows for Physical Therapists

Minnesota's path to physical therapist licensure runs through 3,351 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. Minnesota 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 $172, and renewal costs $154 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.

For physical therapists, the reciprocity picture is: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,351 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$172
Renewal Fee
$154
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physical Therapist in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota's requirements cover 3351 hours of education or training, the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $172. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in Minnesota? ▼
Certification as a physical therapist in Minnesota means clearing the state's checklist: 3351 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Minnesota from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for physical therapists nationally works like this: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Minnesota. Verify the specifics with the Minnesota licensing board.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing? ▼
Minnesota does require a background check before issuing a physical therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physical Therapist in Minnesota? ▼
To stay licensed as a physical therapist in Minnesota, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $154.

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.