The PT License Process in Wisconsin

How do you get your PT license in Wisconsin? It's worth researching since the median salary for a physical therapist in the state is $85k per year, with some making as much as $112k. Moreover, demand for physical therapists in Wisconsin is projected to grow 8.3% from 2018 to 2028, with 260 PT job openings annually throughout the state. And since we're in the business of helping physical therapists grow their practice, we're sharing how to become licensed in the Badger State. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Earn your Physical Therapy degree

Step 2: Apply for a license with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services 

Step 3: Pass the required exams for Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin are: 

• Carroll University, Waukesha, WI
• Concordia University Wisconsin (Expansion Program), Mequon, WI
• Concordia University Wisconsin (Parent Program), Mequon, WI
• Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
• University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse, WI
• University of Wisconsin - Madison, WI
• University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI

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 with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is the organization that regulates the practice of physical therapy in Wisconsin. They offer detailed information on their application process, laws, resources, and more on their physical therapy licensing page. There are several requirements for the application, so it's best to review the licensing page in detail before applying.

When you're ready to apply to become a Physical Therapist in Wisconsin, you must submit your completed Application for License to Practice Physical Therapy or as a Physical Therapist Assistant (Form 3195) via the mail. Note that the application requires additional completed forms listed below: 

Proof of graduation from a CAPTE accredited program 

Proof of graduation must come directly from your school. Print and fill in the top section of the Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant Certificate of Professional Education (Form 3196), then forward it to your school for completion. This form must be returned directly from your school to the Department via mail or email to DSPSCredPhysicalTherapy@wisconsin.gov. 

Complete a criminal background check

Print and fill out page one of the Authorization for Release of FBI Information (Form #2687) and attach a recent photograph of yourself (head and shoulders only.) Mail your completed form with your photo to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, PO Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935. You'll receive information for obtaining digital fingerprints after the Department has received your signed Form #2687. 

Payment of application fees

You may pay your application fees with a check or credit card. If paying by check, make it payable to DSPS and attach it to your application (Form 3195.) To pay by credit card, print and complete the Fax Payment Form (Form #3071) and fax it to 608-251-3036. Note that all credit and debit card transactions require a non-refundable two percent convenience fee.

Step 3: Pass the required exams for Wisconsin

Passing grades are required on two exams to become a licensed physical therapist in Wisconsin. They are the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Open-Book Examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code. Find detailed information for both tests via the DSPS Physical Therapist Exam Information page. 

National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)

The NPTE is offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT.) The NPTE 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 on your Customer Dashboard.) Your ATT letter will direct you to contact Prometric to schedule a time to sit for the exam. 

Open-Book Examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code

In addition to the NPTE, all PT license applicants must take and pass the Open-Book Examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code. This test ensures that all licensees have a working knowledge of the laws and rules governing physical therapy in the state of Wisconsin. You'll receive your exam name, password, and applicant ID (which is your student ID) to take this test after you submit your PT license application. A passing grade is 85%. To prepare, be sure to review the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes.

Step 4: Maintain and renew your license

Physical therapists in Wisconsin must complete at least 30 contact hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each biennial (two year) registration period. The 30 CE hours must be Board-approved activities as described in the administrative code listing PT 9.04. In addition, at least four of the 30 CE must be in ethics and jurisprudence.

Physical therapy license renewals must be completed at the end of each odd year biennium, from March 1 to February 28. So even if you receive your initial PT license a few months prior, you're still required to renew it by February 28 of an odd year. 

You may renew your license online via the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Health & Business Renewal Application page. Alternatively, you may request a paper renewal form by calling (608) 266-2112.

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