Licensure guide · Nevada

How to get a Nevada physical therapy license

Physical therapists in Nevada are licensed by the Nevada Physical Therapy Board. Below is what the board requires, from education to renewal, with every requirement linked to the board page it comes from. Checked October 22, 2026.

Step by step

Getting licensed

Education: Physical therapists must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program before becoming licensed in Nevada. [1]
National exam: Applicants must achieve a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by FSBPT. [2]
State law exam: Applicants must pass the Nevada Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NV JAM), an open-book exam on NRS and NAC Chapter 640, by answering 80% (16) of the questions correctly. [3]
Background check: All new applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, either by electronic Live Scan in Nevada or by fingerprint card, with a $40.00 Department of Public Safety fee; the board warns this can take up to 2 months. [3]
Fees: The physical therapist application fee is $300, plus a $40 fingerprint fee and, for examination candidates, a $25 exam processing fee. [4]
Where to apply: Applicants apply through the Nevada Physical Therapy Board's online Application Portal, linked from the New Applicants page. [10] Open the application →
Processing time: The board states that licensing takes 5 to 7 business days once a complete application with all requirements is received. [9]

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

Nevada is a PT Compact member and is issuing compact privileges: physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in another member state can obtain a privilege to practice in Nevada without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: Physical therapists who graduated from an accredited program, passed the NPTE and hold a license in another U.S. jurisdiction apply as Endorsement Candidates. [5]
Interstate compact: Nevada is a PT Compact member and has issued compact privileges since January 20, 2026; privileges are purchased from the PT Compact Commission and require passing the Nevada Jurisprudence Exam (NVJAM). [8]

Before your full license

New graduates and clinical fellows

Temporary or provisional license: Under NRS 640.145 the board may issue a temporary (expedited) license to endorsement candidates with a valid, unrestricted license from another state who are awaiting only the background check; under NRS 640.120 new CAPTE graduates registered for the NPTE may receive Graduate Status with a supervising physical therapist. [6]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Licenses are renewed annually through the licensee portal, and renewal can be done up to 60 days before expiration; licensees must also complete the Nevada Jurisprudence Exam (NVJAM) annually. [7]
Continuing education: Physical therapists must complete 15 hours of continuing competency in the year before each annual renewal, including at least 1 CCU on Cultural, Access, and Ethical Standards (DEI). [7]

Working in Nevada

Pay and openings

Physical therapists in Nevada earn a mean of $120,700 a year (BLS). We have 1 public physical therapy opening in Nevada right now, and more searches that are never posted.

Sources

Every requirement above was checked against the official page listed here on October 22, 2026. Boards change fees and rules, so confirm with the Nevada board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other Nevada licenses

Physical therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

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