Physical Therapist / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Physical Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

What the South Dakota data shows for Physical Therapists

South Dakota sets the entry bar for physical therapists at 3,081 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 South Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)".

The initial price tag is $97, and renewal costs $93 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 South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,081 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$97
Renewal Fee
$93
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 South Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physical Therapist in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 3081 education/training hours, passing an exam (NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)), and an initial fee of $97. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as a physical therapist in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist: 3081 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to South Dakota 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 South Dakota licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the physical therapist licensing process in South Dakota. 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 South Dakota? ▼
Licensed physical therapists in South Dakota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $93.

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.