Licensure guide · Utah

How to get a Utah physical therapy license

Physical therapists in Utah are licensed by the Physical and Occupational Therapy Licensing 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: Applicants must submit proof of graduation from a professional physical therapist education program accredited by a recognized accreditation agency. [1]
National exam: Applicants must pass the NPTE, registering directly with FSBPT; graduates of a CAPTE-accredited school may register once they graduate or are within 90 days of graduation. [2]
Background check: Applicants must submit fingerprint cards for a criminal background check; missing fingerprints are the most common cause of delays or denial. [3]
Where to apply: Applicants apply online or with a paper application through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing physical therapist license page. [3] Open the application →
Processing time: The typical processing time for a complete application is 21 days. [3]

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

Utah 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 Utah without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: Physical therapists licensed in a jurisdiction Utah deems equivalent may apply by endorsement if they have held that license for at least one year and it is active and in good standing. [4]
Interstate compact: Utah participates in the Physical Therapy Compact, and physical therapists and assistants can hold a compact privilege to practice in Utah. [7]

Before your full license

New graduates and clinical fellows

Temporary or provisional license: Applicants registered for the NPTE may hold a temporary license to practice under direct on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist; it is valid for 6 months from issuance or until the exam is failed twice, and cannot be extended. [5]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Physical therapist licenses expire on May 31 of odd-numbered years. [6]
Continuing education: Physical therapists must complete at least 40 contact hours of continuing education per renewal, at least 2 hours of which must be in ethics. [6]

Working in Utah

Pay and openings

Physical therapists in Utah earn a mean of $99,790 a year (BLS). We have 2 public physical therapy openings in Utah 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 Utah board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other Utah licenses

Physical therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

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