2026 data Oregon board official source

Oregon Physical Therapist License Requirements

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

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

What the Oregon data shows for Physical Therapists

Oregon sets the entry bar for physical therapists at 3,941 training hours and a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Oregon's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)".

Budget $334 to get started, plus $287 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. 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
29/100
Physical Therapist · Oregon

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
3,941 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$334
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$144/yr
$287 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 Oregon

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,941 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$334
Renewal Fee
$287
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Oregon licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physical Therapist in Oregon?
In Oregon, the license path calls for 3941 education/training hours, a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), and a $334 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in Oregon?
Oregon licenses physical therapists who complete its requirements (3941 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Oregon licensing board.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Oregon 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 Oregon licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Oregon require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing?
Yes, Oregon requires a criminal background check as part of the physical therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physical Therapist in Oregon?
Licensed physical therapists in Oregon must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $287.

What to do with this physical therapist license

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

  • See how Oregon'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 Oregon's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Oregon overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Oregon 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.