Kansas Physical Therapist License Requirements (2026 Guide)
- New PT graduates applying for initial Kansas licensure by examination
- Physical therapists licensed in another state seeking Kansas licensure by certificate of prior examination
- Travel PTs evaluating Kansas PT Compact privilege eligibility and the state’s professional liability insurance requirement
Kansas Physical Therapist License — At a Glance
| License Required? | Yes — Kansas law requires a state PT license to practice physical therapy or use the title “physical therapist” or “P.T.” |
| Credential Name | Licensed Physical Therapist (P.T.) |
| Governing Body | Kansas State Board of Healing Arts |
| Licensing Pathways | Licensure by Examination; Licensure by Certificate of Prior Examination (Endorsement); PT Compact Privilege |
| Application Fee | $80 (examination); $80 (certificate of prior examination/endorsement); $65 (compact privilege); $25 (temporary permit) |
| NPTE Required? | Yes — FSBPT examination required; maximum 6 attempts |
| KS JAM Required? | Yes — Kansas Jurisprudence Assessment Module, administered by FSBPT; required at odd-year renewal CE cycles, reinstatement, and for compact privilege holders; 1 CE credit at renewal |
| Background Check | Yes — fingerprint-based; effective December 1 per Board announcement; $57 fee (K.S.A. 65-2924) |
| Education Requirement | CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program; official transcript required; 3×4 photo (within 90 days); notarized application |
| Professional Liability Insurance | Required before rendering services — minimum $100,000 per claim / $300,000 aggregate; applies to compact privilege holders (K.S.A. 65-2920; K.A.R. 100-29-15) |
| PT Compact Member? | Yes — active PT Compact member state (effective December 1 per Board announcement); compact privilege fee $65 |
| Processing Time | Not published by the Board |
| Governing Statute | K.S.A. §§65-2901 et seq.; K.A.R. Agency 100, Article 29 |
Kansas requires every physical therapist to hold an active state license before practicing within the state. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts administers all PT licensure under K.S.A. §§65-2901 et seq. and K.A.R. Agency 100, Article 29. The Board can be reached at (785) 296-7413 or KSBHA_licensing@ks.gov at 800 SW Jackson St., Suite 700, Topeka, KS 66612.
Two Kansas-specific requirements stand out for PTs coming from other states. First, Kansas requires professional liability insurance before any PT — including compact privilege holders — may render services. The minimums are $100,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate, and evidence of coverage must be submitted with the annual renewal application. Second, Kansas requires the Kansas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (KS JAM) at each odd-year renewal CE cycle — a recurring obligation that also applies to reinstatement applicants and compact privilege holders.
Kansas became an active PT Compact member state effective December 1 per the Board’s public announcement. Eligible PTs from other member states may obtain a Kansas compact privilege without applying for a full Kansas license, and Kansas PTs may purchase compact privileges in other participating states. The Kansas compact privilege fee is $65.
Kansas and the PT Compact
Kansas joined the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact effective December 1 per the Board’s public announcement. The compact allows PTs licensed in other member states to obtain a Kansas compact privilege without applying for a full Kansas license, and Kansas PTs may purchase compact privileges in other participating states through the PT Compact Commission.
Two Kansas requirements apply equally to compact privilege holders. First, the professional liability insurance mandate under K.S.A. 65-2920 and K.A.R. 100-29-15 applies to every PT practicing in Kansas — including those holding compact privileges — before the first patient encounter. Second, the KS JAM jurisprudence requirement applies at each odd-year CE cycle regardless of compact or licensure status. Verify current compact member state participation and compact privilege procedures through the PT Compact Commission, as membership can change.
Kansas PT License Requirements
Education
Applicants must have completed an educational program in physical therapy recognized by the Board under K.A.R. 100-29-2 — in practice, a CAPTE-accredited program. An official transcript showing the degree awarded must be submitted with the application. Foreign-educated applicants must submit an evaluation prepared for Kansas by a board-approved credentialing agency; if the evaluation shows the program did not meet Kansas criteria, the Board may require completion of specific college courses.
Application Documentation
Under K.A.R. 100-29-1, each PT application must include: a completed application form signed under oath and notarized; a current 3×4 photograph (head and shoulders, taken within 90 days of the application date) per K.A.R. 100-29-1(b)(4); the official transcript from the physical therapy program; verification forms for any prior healthcare licenses held in other jurisdictions; and evidence of NPTE passage submitted directly from FSBPT. Kansas currently provides downloadable application forms through the Board website at ksbha.ks.gov/forms/licensing. The Board also maintains an online portal for certain licensing transactions at boha.ks.gov.
NPTE
Passage of the FSBPT National Physical Therapy Examination is required for licensure by examination. Under K.A.R. 100-29-4, each applicant is required to successfully complete the examination within six attempts. After the sixth failed attempt, the applicant is ineligible for licensure in Kansas by examination.
Kansas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (KS JAM)
Kansas requires completion of the Kansas Jurisprudence Assessment Module — developed by the Board and FSBPT and administered by FSBPT — as a mandatory component of every biennial CE cycle at odd-year renewals under K.A.R. 100-29-9(a)(1)(A). The KS JAM applies to licensed PTs, compact privilege holders, and reinstatement applicants. It covers Kansas PT law and Board rules. One contact hour of CE credit is awarded for successful completion. Access the KS JAM through FSBPT at fsbpt.org.
Fingerprint Background Check
Effective December 1 per the Board’s public announcement, all new PT applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check under K.S.A. 65-2924. The fee is $57. The Board provides a list of fingerprinting locations at ksbha.ks.gov. Criminal history is reviewed on a case-by-case basis — there are no absolute bars to licensure, but factors including the time elapsed, seriousness of the offense, and demonstrated rehabilitation are considered.
Professional Liability Insurance
Under K.S.A. 65-2920 and K.A.R. 100-29-15, every Kansas-licensed PT and every PT holding a Kansas compact privilege must maintain professional liability insurance coverage before rendering professional services in Kansas. The minimum required coverage is:
- $100,000 per claim
- $300,000 aggregate for all claims during the coverage period
Evidence of coverage must be submitted to the Board before beginning practice. At each annual renewal, evidence of continued coverage must be submitted with the renewal application. This requirement applies to compact privilege holders practicing in Kansas — compact status does not waive the PLI obligation.
Licensure by Certificate of Prior Examination (Endorsement)
Under K.S.A. 65-2909(a), Kansas may issue a license without examination to an applicant who presents evidence of having passed an FSBPT-approved examination before a lawfully authorized examining board in another state, provided the standards of that state are determined by the Kansas Board to be as high as Kansas’s. The application fee is $80. All other requirements — background check, photo, notarization, PLI evidence — apply equally to endorsement applicants. The KS JAM will be required at the first odd-year renewal.
Temporary Permit
Under K.S.A. 65-2909(c), the Board may issue a temporary permit to an applicant who meets all requirements for licensure except the examination, or who meets all requirements for licensure. The temporary permit expires three months from the date of issue or on the date the Board approves the application, whichever occurs first. Only one temporary permit may be granted per person. The fee is $25.
Dry Needling
Kansas permits licensed PTs to perform dry needling under K.S.A. 65-2924. However, performing dry needling requires completion of Board-approved minimum education and training requirements established by K.A.R. 100-29-18 through 100-29-21. Informed consent requirements and recordkeeping rules apply. PTs practicing dry needling must ensure they have completed the required training and documentation before adding this service to their practice.
How to Apply for a Kansas PT License
- Download the application forms. All licensing forms are available at ksbha.ks.gov/forms/licensing. Complete the application form in full, sign under oath, and have it notarized.
- Arrange your photo. Include a current 3×4 inch photograph (head and shoulders) taken within 90 days of the application date.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. Visit a Board-approved fingerprinting location (list at ksbha.ks.gov). Pay the $57 fee directly at the fingerprinting site.
- Arrange NPTE score transfer. Have FSBPT submit your NPTE results directly to the Kansas Board.
- Submit official transcripts. Have your physical therapy program send an official transcript directly to the Board at 800 SW Jackson St., Suite 700, Topeka, KS 66612.
- Submit prior jurisdiction verifications. For each healthcare license held in any other state, submit a verification form to the Kansas Board.
- Secure professional liability insurance. Obtain PLI coverage of at least $100,000 per claim / $300,000 aggregate before beginning practice. Submit evidence of coverage to the Board.
- Submit application and fee. Mail your completed notarized application, $80 fee (check, money order, or credit/debit card with authorization form), photo, and all supporting documents to the Board.
- PLI is required before your first patient — not at renewal. Professional liability insurance must be in place before you render any professional services. Don’t wait until renewal to secure coverage.
- The KS JAM recurs every two years. Kansas requires the KS JAM at each odd-year renewal CE cycle, as well as for reinstatement and compact privilege applicants. Budget $48 per cycle and factor it into your CE planning from day one.
- Compact privilege holders still need PLI. The PLI requirement applies to every PT practicing in Kansas, including those practicing under a compact privilege from another home state. Confirm your malpractice policy covers Kansas at the required minimums before beginning compact practice.
- Dry needling requires additional training. Kansas permits dry needling by licensed PTs but requires completion of Board-approved training under K.A.R. 100-29-18. Do not add dry needling to your practice without completing this requirement first.
- December 31 expiration — plan your first renewal early. Kansas PT licenses expire December 31 annually, with renewal opening November 15. Depending on when your license is issued, your first renewal may come within months. See the Kansas PT Renewal guide for full details.
- Kansas joined the PT Compact effective December 1. This is recent — confirm current compact privilege procedures directly with the PT Compact Commission or the Board before applying for compact access.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- Kansas State Board of Healing Arts — Physical Therapist Profession Page
- Kansas Physical Therapy Statutes and Regulations — K.S.A. Chapter 65, Article 29 and K.A.R. Agency 100, Article 29 (PDF)
- Kansas State Board of Healing Arts — License Fees
- Kansas State Board of Healing Arts — Licensing Forms
- Kansas State Board of Healing Arts — Fingerprinting Locations
Related Pages
- Kansas Physical Therapist License Renewal
- Oklahoma Physical Therapist License Requirements
- Missouri Physical Therapist License Requirements
- Physical Therapist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a state license required to practice as a physical therapist in Kansas?
Yes. Under K.S.A. 65-2913, it is unlawful for any person who is not licensed under the Physical Therapy Practice Act to represent oneself as a physical therapist or use the abbreviations P.T., Ph.T., M.P.T., D.P.T., or L.P.T. A violation constitutes a Class B nonperson misdemeanor. Source: K.S.A. 65-2913
What are the Kansas PT application fees?
The application fee is $80 for both licensure by examination and licensure by certificate of prior examination (endorsement), per K.A.R. 100-29-7. The compact privilege fee is $65. The temporary permit fee is $25. The fingerprint background check fee is $57 (paid separately). All Board fees are non-refundable. Source: K.A.R. 100-29-7
What is the Kansas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (KS JAM)?
The KS JAM is a jurisprudence examination developed by the Kansas Board and FSBPT and administered by FSBPT. It is required as a mandatory component of every biennial CE cycle at odd-year renewals. It also applies to reinstatement applicants and compact privilege holders. One contact hour of CE credit is awarded for successful completion. Access is through FSBPT at fsbpt.org. Source: K.A.R. 100-29-9(a)(1)(A); (f)(15)
Does Kansas require professional liability insurance for PT licensure?
Yes. Under K.S.A. 65-2920 and K.A.R. 100-29-15, every Kansas-licensed PT and every PT holding a Kansas compact privilege must maintain professional liability insurance before rendering professional services in Kansas. The minimum coverage is $100,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate. Evidence of coverage must be submitted to the Board before practice begins and with each annual renewal application. Compact privilege holders are explicitly included in this requirement. Source: K.S.A. 65-2920; K.A.R. 100-29-15
Is Kansas a member of the PT Compact?
Yes. Kansas is an active PT Compact member state. Eligible PTs from other member states may obtain a Kansas compact privilege (fee: $65) without applying for a full Kansas license. Kansas PTs may purchase compact privileges in other participating states. Compact privilege holders must still comply with Kansas’s PLI requirement and KS JAM CE obligation. Source: K.S.A. 65-2925; K.A.R. 100-29-7(i)
What education is required for a Kansas PT license?
Applicants must have completed a physical therapy program recognized by the Board under K.A.R. 100-29-2 — in practice, a CAPTE-accredited program. An official transcript must be submitted with the application. Foreign-educated applicants must submit a credentials evaluation from a Board-approved agency. Source: K.A.R. 100-29-2; K.A.R. 100-29-3
Does Kansas require a fingerprint background check for PT applicants?
Yes. All new PT applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check under K.S.A. 65-2924, effective December 1 per the Board’s public announcement. The fee is $57. Criminal history is considered on a case-by-case basis — there are no absolute bars to licensure, and factors including time elapsed and demonstrated rehabilitation are weighed. Source: K.S.A. 65-2924