Physical Therapist / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana Physical Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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

What the Montana data shows for Physical Therapists

To practice as a physical therapist in Montana, the state licensing board requires 3,757 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Montana's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)".

The initial price tag is $283, and renewal costs $245 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
31/100
Physical Therapist · Montana

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,757 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$283
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$123/yr
$245 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,757 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$283
Renewal Fee
$245
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 Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physical Therapist in Montana? ▼
In Montana, the license path calls for 3757 education/training hours, a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), and a $283 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in Montana? ▼
Montana licenses physical therapists who complete its requirements (3757 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Montana licensing board.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Montana from another state? ▼
Physical Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Montana licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Montana require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physical therapist licensing in Montana. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physical Therapist in Montana? ▼
Montana ties continued physical therapist licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $245 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this physical therapist license

Physical Therapist in Montana, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a physical therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Montana's physical therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Physical Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state physical therapist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Montana's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Montana overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Montana licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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