The PT License Process in Oklahoma

How do you get your PT license in Oklahoma? It's worth researching since the median salary for a physical therapist in the state is $79.2k per year, with some making as much as $126.2k. Moreover, demand for physical therapists in Oklahoma is projected to grow 24.6% from 2020 to 2030, with 160 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 Sooner State. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree

Step 2: Apply for a license through The Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

Step 3: Pass the required exam for Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma are: 

• Langston University, Langston, OK
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK

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 Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

The Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision oversees the licensing and regulation of physical therapy professionals. The Board offers detailed information regarding the application process on its physical therapist application instructions page. When you're ready to apply for your PT license, the Board 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, the Board also requires the following:

• Payment of the $150 application fee
• An Education Verification Form 1 filled out by your school along with your official school transcript; both mailed directly from your school to:

Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

101 NE 51st Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

• A notarized oath form with a recent, front view, 2" x 2" passport-type, color photo of yourself
• A signed applications instructions form showing that you read and understand the process for your PT application
• Consent for a biometric criminal background check through IdentoGO. The Service Code for that is 2B7NYB

The Forms and Resources page has all the up-to-date information needed for your application. After submitting your application and all other required paperwork, you may sign in to check the status of your physical therapy application. 

Step 3: Pass the required exam for Oklahoma

To practice as a PT in Oklahoma, you must 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

The Board mails and emails renewal notifications at approximately sixty (60) before the expiration of your license. Be sure to inform the Board of your current mailing and email addresses. Licenses are renewed annually before February 1 for the subsequent year beginning February 1 and ending January 31. You may renew your physical therapy license online up to sixty (60) days before your renewal date. 

PT licensees must meet continuing education requirements every two years to keep their practitioner's license active. Physical Therapists must have 40 hours of continuing education each renewal period. At least half of the required hours must be professional development coursework. Three of the required hours must contain ethics education. Check the Forms and Resources page for all approved continuing education courses. 

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