The PT License Process in Connecticut

How do you get your PT license in Connecticut? It's worth researching since the median salary for a physical therapist in the state is $97.3k per year, with some making as much as $132.6k. Moreover, demand for physical therapists in Connecticut is projected to grow 13.3% from 2018 to 2028, with 260 PT job openings annually. And since we're in the business of helping physical therapists grow their practice, we're sharing how to become licensed in The Constitution State. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree

Step 2: Apply for a license through the Connecticut Department of Public Health

Step 3: Pass the required exam for Connecticut

Step 4: Maintain and renew your license

Let's get started!

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree

To become a licensed Physical Therapist in Connecticut, you must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited school. Schools must be accredited through CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.) As of this writing, the current list of accredited schools in Connecticut are: 

• Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
• Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT
• University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
• University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT

Before enrolling in a DPT program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree, ideally with a major in health sciences. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program typically takes three to four years to complete.

Step 2: Apply for a license through the Connecticut Department of Public Health

The Connecticut Department of Public Health oversees the licensing and regulation of physical therapy professionals. The department offers detailed information regarding the application process on its physical therapy licensing requirements page. 

When you're ready to apply for your PT license, you must do so online through The Connecticut eLicense web portal. If you're new to the site, you'll need to create a new account. Note that you must have a social security number to proceed. Once your registration is complete, you may fill out your license application online. Before starting, it's best to review the Practitioner Licensure General Policies and Procedures to understand the requirements. 

To obtain your PT license, the department also requires a recent passport-style photo and payment of the $285.00 application fee. You must also have your official transcript sent directly from your school to the department. The address is:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

PT Licensure

410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP

PO Box 340308

Hartford, CT 06134

Fax and email options are also available. The fax is (860) 707-1982, and the email address is dph.alliedhealth@ct.gov. If you have questions and want to call, the phone number is (860) 509-7603.

Step 3: Pass the required exam for Connecticut

To practice as a PT in Connecticut, you will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE.) This exam is offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT.) The NPTE exam is a multiple-choice test consisting of 250 questions. One of the best ways to prepare for the NPTE is by taking a practice exam. When you're ready to take the official exam, take note of the NPTE eligibility requirements as well as the key dates and deadlines. You may register and pay online for the test via FSBPT's Customer Dashboard. 

Once you've registered for the exam, you'll receive an emailed Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from FSBPT (which is also available online on your Customer Dashboard.) Your ATT letter will direct you to contact Prometric to schedule a time to sit for the exam. 

Step 4: Maintain and renew your license

Your physical therapy license expires in your first birth month following issuance and is renewable annually. You'll receive a renewal notification via mail approximately 60 days before expiration and, if not already renewed, a final notice 30 days following the expiration date. The notice explains how to renew your license online, so be sure to keep your address updated with the department.

You're exempt from earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during your first year of practice. However, you must obtain 20 CEUs each year after that. You may need to report the completion of your CEUs to the department at renewal time, so always keep documented proof of your CEUs in case you're audited.

These are the main steps required for obtaining and keeping your physical therapy license in Connecticut. For additional support, we recommend you contact APTA Connecticut, the state chapter of The American Physical Therapy Association. The organization is an excellent resource for all PTs in the state. From all of us at Luna, we wish you the best of luck. And remember – we're always hiring and would love you to join our team.