The PT License Process in Maryland

How do you get your PT license in Maryland? It's worth researching since the median salary for a physical therapist in the state is $94.6k per year, with some making as much as $120.3k. Moreover, demand for physical therapists in Maryland is projected to grow 18.2% from 2020 to 2030, with 340 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 Free State." Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree

Step 2: Apply for a license through Maryland's Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (BPHTE)

Step 3: Pass the required exams for Maryland

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 Maryland, 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 Maryland are: 

• University of Maryland - Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
• University of Maryland - Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

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 Maryland's Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (BPHTE)

As part of the Maryland Department of Health, The Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (BPHTE) regulates physical therapy professionals in the state. The Board offers detailed information regarding the application process on its physical therapy licensing requirements page. When you're ready to apply for your PT license, BPHTE requires that you do so via their online portal. If you're new to the site, you must create a new account. Once your registration is complete, you may proceed to fill out your physical therapy license application online.

In addition to the completed online application, BPHTE also requires the following:

• Payment of a $150 application fee, paid with a credit or debit card.
• A Criminal History Records Check.
• Your official school transcript sent directly from your school to either mdh.bphte@maryland.gov or via mail to the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, 4201 Patterson Ave. Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
• A recent headshot photo, emailed in PDF format ​to mdh.bphte@maryland.gov.

Step 3: Pass the required exams for Maryland

Passing grades are required on two exams to become a licensed physical therapist in Maryland. They are the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam. 

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. 

Maryland Jurisprudence Exam

A passing grade of 90% or higher is required on the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam. This test is mandatory for all who apply for a physical therapist license in Maryland. It ensures that all applicants understand the latest laws and regulations in the state. The online, open-book exam consists of 35 questions taken directly from the Maryland Practice Act statutes and regulations. BPHTE will email instructions for taking the exam within one to three business days of receiving your completed online application. Access to the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam is available for only 30 days.  

Step 4: Maintain and renew your license

Maryland physical therapy licenses are good for two years. Your renewal year varies depending on whether your license number ends in an odd or even number. If it ends in an odd number, you'll renew in an odd-numbered year, while even-numbered licenses are renewed in even-numbered years. The BPHTE will send instructions for renewing your license ahead of time, so keep your current address updated. If your renewal notice is returned in the mail, BPHTE will fine you $100, and you'll not be able to renew your license until it's paid.

Between April 1 and March 31 of the two years before their renewal, all licensed PTs in Maryland must earn three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) equal to 30 contact hours. Any course sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is considered an approved course. Maintain records of all course subjects, hours, dates, and CEUs should the Board audit you and request that information. 

For all the latest requirements for renewing your license online, check BPHTE's renewal page for detailed information.

These are the main steps required for obtaining and keeping your physical therapy license in Maryland. For additional support, we recommend you contact APTA Maryland, 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 for you to join our team.