Board of Physical Therapy Licensing Requirements

Physical Therapy Licensing Checklist

• Application (notarized)
• Application Fee of $120 (payable to the SD Board of Physical Therapy)
• Education Verification: Please request that transcripts come directly to the Board office
  • An official transcript showing evidence of degree completion from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE);
  • Evidence of educational equivalence recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education 
• License verification directly from each state you hold/held licensure in: request each state to send a verification of current and past licensure directly to the board office. Should include licensure dates and disciplinary status
• NPTE Exam Scores (requested through FSBPT)
• Complete Criminal Background Check: The Board office will send a packet upon receipt of an application. You must use the cards the board office provides. 

Important Information on Application Processing

To ensure timely processing of your application, it is very important that you complete your background check as soon as possible. Please note that you must first mail your completed fingerprint cards to our office. After we receive them, our office will forward them to the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). 

Processing Timeline:

• Applicant mails the fingerprint cards to the Board
• Board submits cards by mail to DCI
• DCI processing time can average 3-4 weeks
• DCI mails the results back to the Board

Please be aware that background check processing is handled by DCI and is outside the Board’s control. Any delays in submitting your fingerprint cards will result in delays to your application review. 

Fill out the Application

Physical Therapist Assistant

• Application (notarized)
• Application Fee of $120 (payable to SD Board of Physical Therapy)
• Education Verification: Please request transcripts come directly to the Board office from the school.
  • An official transcript showing evidence of degree completion from a physical therapist assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• License verification directly from each state you hold/held licensure in: request each state send a verification of current and past licensure directly to the board office. Should include licensure dates and disciplinary status
• NPTE Exam Scores (requested through FSBPT)
• Complete Criminal Background Check: The Board office will send a packet upon receipt of an application. You must use the cards the board office provides.

Fill out the Application

Dry Needling

Fill Out the Dry Needling Approval Request Form

Licensing Resources

Scope of Practice Decision-Making Algorithm