Minnesota Physical Therapist License Requirements 2026

Minnesota requires a physical therapist license before any person may practice physical therapy in the state. Licensure is administered by the Minnesota State Board of Physical Therapy under Minnesota Statutes §148.65–148.78. No person may use the title “Physical Therapist,” “P.T.,” “Licensed Physical Therapist,” or similar designations without an active Minnesota PT license.

Minnesota offers three pathways to licensure: by examination for new graduates, by credentials review for PTs licensed in another state, and a separate pathway for foreign-educated applicants. Minnesota is a PT Compact member state, so eligible out-of-state PTs may practice in Minnesota through a compact privilege. Minnesota’s application process includes several notable requirements — including two recommendation forms and a notarized affidavit with photo — that distinguish it from most other states.

What Makes Minnesota Different

Minnesota has several application requirements not commonly found in other states. Two of the most notable:

Two Recommendation Forms: All applicants must submit two recommendation forms completed by licensed physical therapists registered or licensed to practice in the United States or Canada. For new graduates, physical therapy professors or clinical affiliation supervisors who are licensed PTs may be used. The forms must be mailed in sealed envelopes directly to the Board by the individual completing them — they cannot be submitted by the applicant.

Notarized Affidavit with Photo: Minnesota requires a completed and notarized Affidavit of Applicant form with a recent full-faced 2×3 photograph (printed on photo paper) affixed to the form. This form requires two notary stamps.

Minnesota also has a jurisprudence exam requirement — but unlike many states, this is not a pre-licensure step. It is embedded in the annual online license renewal process as an open-book, self-study examination on the Minnesota PT Practice Act. See the renewal page for details.

Minnesota and the PT Compact

Minnesota is a PT Compact member state under Minn. Stat. §148.699.

For PTs licensed in Minnesota (Home State)

If Minnesota is your primary state of residence, your Minnesota PT license is your home state license. You may purchase compact privileges to practice in other PT Compact member states through the PT Compact Commission’s online portal. Your Minnesota license must be active and unencumbered, and you must meet PT Compact eligibility requirements. Compact privileges must be purchased per state — they are not automatic.

For out-of-state PTs practicing in Minnesota (Compact Privilege)

If your primary residence is in another PT Compact member state, you may be eligible to purchase a compact privilege to practice in Minnesota without obtaining a full Minnesota license. Your home state license must be active and unencumbered, and you must meet all PT Compact eligibility criteria. This option is particularly valuable for travel PTs on short-term Minnesota assignments, if eligible. For current compact privilege requirements, fees, and eligibility, visit ptcompact.org.

Minnesota PT Licensing Requirements

Education

U.S. and Canadian graduates must have successfully completed an accredited physical therapy educational program (CAPTE-accredited). Official transcripts showing the degree was granted must be received directly by the Board before your application can be fully processed. Foreign-educated applicants follow a separate pathway with additional documentation requirements. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

NPTE

A passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by FSBPT, is required. NPTE exam scores must be sent directly from FSBPT to the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy indicating a passing score. Minnesota charges a $50 exam fee per attempt (in addition to FSBPT fees). To retake the exam, mail the $50 fee (check or money order) to the Board office. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy — Fees

Two Recommendation Forms

All applicants must submit two recommendation forms, each completed by a licensed physical therapist registered or licensed in the United States or Canada. Forms must be mailed in sealed envelopes directly to the Board office by the recommending PT — not submitted by the applicant. For new graduates, licensed PT professors or clinical affiliation supervisors may complete the forms. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

Affidavit of Applicant

All applicants must complete the Affidavit of Applicant form with a recent full-faced 2×3 photograph printed on photo paper affixed to the form. The form requires two notary stamps. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

Background Check

All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

Active Practice Requirement (Endorsement Applicants)

Applicants for licensure who have not practiced the equivalent of 320 hours during the past five years must either achieve a passing score on retaking the NPTE or complete no less than 320 hours of Board-approved supervised clinical practice with a broad base of interventions and patient diagnoses. The supervised clinical practice length and site must be pre-approved by the Board. Source: Minn. Rules 5601.1700

Temporary Permit (New Graduates)

New graduates may request a temporary permit to practice under direct, immediate, and on-premise supervision while awaiting NPTE results. The temporary permit fee is $25. The permit may be granted once and cannot be renewed. Temporary permit issue and expiration dates are related to the exam date selected. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy — Fees

How to Apply for a Minnesota Physical Therapist License

1. Review the application instructions and materials on the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy applicant page before beginning
2. Complete your online application through the Board’s Online Services Account (U.S./Canadian graduates); foreign-educated applicants submit a paper application by mail
3. Pay the applicable application fee online (Visa or MasterCard) or by mail (check or money order)
4. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check
5. Have two licensed PTs mail sealed recommendation forms directly to the Board
6. Complete and have notarized the Affidavit of Applicant form (two notary stamps required) with 2×3 photo affixed
7. Arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from your institution to the Board — must be received by the Board before your application can be processed
8. Arrange for NPTE scores to be sent directly from FSBPT to the Board

Minnesota does not publish a standard processing timeline. Contact the Board at (612) 627-5406 or physical.therapy@state.mn.us for status information. The Board meets periodically throughout the year — check current meeting dates at mn.gov/boards/physical-therapy.

Practical Notes for Minnesota PT License Applicants

• Transcripts and documents must reach the Board before your application can be processed. All required materials — including official transcripts from your PT program and NPTE scores from FSBPT — must be received directly by the Board. Submit your application and begin coordinating external document submissions early to avoid delays.
• Two recommendation forms take planning. You need two licensed PTs to complete and mail forms in sealed envelopes directly to the Board. For new graduates, your supervising clinical PT or PT professor can fill these out. Start this process early — coordinating two separate mailings from recommenders can take time.
• Two notary stamps are required on the affidavit. The Affidavit of Applicant form requires two notary stamps, not one. Plan ahead — finding a notary who will apply two stamps on a single form may require some coordination.
• Travel PTs: compact privilege may be faster, if eligible. Minnesota is a PT Compact member state. If your home state is a compact member and you meet eligibility requirements, purchasing a compact privilege may be significantly faster than completing Minnesota’s full application process. Verify eligibility at ptcompact.org before deciding.
• Foreign-educated applicants: paper application required. Foreign-educated PT applicants cannot use the online application system. Paper applications must be mailed to the Board office at 335 Randolph Avenue, Suite 285, St. Paul, MN 55102.
• Temporary permit for new graduates. While waiting for NPTE results, new graduates may apply for a temporary permit ($25) allowing supervised practice. The permit is granted once and cannot be renewed — plan your exam schedule accordingly.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations

• Minn. Stat. §148.65–148.78 — Physical Therapy Practice Act
• Minn. Stat. §148.699 — PT Compact
• Minn. Rules 5601 — Physical Therapy Board Rules
• Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy — Fee Schedule

Related Pages

• Minnesota Physical Therapist License Renewal Guide
• Physical Therapist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a license required to practice as a physical therapist in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota Statutes §148.76 prohibits any person from providing physical therapy without a Minnesota PT license. No person may use the title “Physical Therapist,” “P.T.,” or similar designations without an active Minnesota license. Source: Minn. Stat. §148.76

What are the application fees for a Minnesota physical therapist license?

New Graduate: $242 total. Licensed in Another State: $192 total. Foreign-Educated PT: $192–$267 depending on circumstances. NPTE exam fee: $50 per attempt (paid to the Board separately). Temporary permit: $25. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy — Fees

Does Minnesota require a jurisprudence exam for PT licensure?

Not as a pre-licensure requirement. Minnesota requires a jurisprudence examination annually as part of the online license renewal process — not before initial licensure. The exam is an open-book, self-study test on the Minnesota PT Practice Act embedded in the annual renewal and may be retaken as many times as needed to pass, per Minn. Rules 5601.1700(2) effective January 1, 2019. Source: Minn. Rules 5601.1700

Is Minnesota a PT Compact member state?

Yes. Minnesota is a PT Compact member state under Minn. Stat. §148.699. Minnesota-licensed PTs may purchase compact privileges for other member states, and eligible PTs from other compact states may purchase a compact privilege to practice in Minnesota. Source: Minn. Stat. §148.699

What are the unique application requirements for Minnesota PT licensure?

Minnesota requires two recommendation forms completed by licensed PTs mailed directly to the Board in sealed envelopes, and a notarized Affidavit of Applicant form with a 2×3 photograph affixed (requiring two notary stamps). These requirements apply to all initial licensure pathways. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

Can a PT licensed in another state apply for a Minnesota PT license?

Yes. The “Licensed in Another State” pathway allows PTs with active licenses in other U.S. or Canadian jurisdictions to apply for a Minnesota license. The application fee is $192. Applicants who have not practiced 320 hours in the past five years may need to retake the NPTE or complete Board-approved supervised clinical practice. Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy