The PT Compact: A Guide to Multi-State Licensing

For physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs), a career in travel therapy offers incredible opportunities for growth and adventure. However, the traditional state-by-state licensing process can be slow and expensive. This is where the Physical Therapy Compact comes in.

The PT Compact is an agreement between member states that simplifies the process of practicing in multiple locations. By obtaining a compact privilege, licensed PTs and PTAs can work across state lines without needing to secure a new license for each state. This guide will walk you through what the PT Compact is, its benefits, and how you can use it to advance your travel therapy career. 

What is the PT Compact

The PT Compact is an interstate licensure agreement that allows eligible physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to practice in multiple member states with a single privilege. As long as your home state license is in a compact member state, you can purchase a "compact privilege" for other participating states where you wish to work. 

This system dramatically reduces the time and administrative burden associated with obtaining individual state licenses, making it easier than ever to take on travel assignments across the country. 

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Benefits of the PT Compact

oining the PT Compact offers several advantages for travel therapists. 

"Joining the PT Compact is helpful for a licensing timeframe and will cut down on the turnaround time for out-of-state licensures as long as the state you are applying for is also participating in the PT Compact,” says Aaron Quihuis, Senior Principal of Recruiting for AMN Healthcare. 

He highlights two other key benefits: 

• Lower Costs: "Clinicians can save a significant amount of money when applying for the compact licensure versus the standard permanent state license process," Quihuis notes. 

• More Opportunities: "Obtaining the PT Compact lets you work in multiple states, some of which are highly popular destinations, such as Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and North Carolina.” 

See Also

Physical Therapy Compact License

Which States are in the PT Compact

Today, there are 36 issuing jurisdictions (states and DC) in the PT Compact. A further 4 states have enacted legislation and are awaiting implementation, and 3 more are considering joining. The current participating states are: 

• Alabama 

• Alaska 

• Arizona 

• Arkansas 

• Colorado 

• Delaware 

• District of Columbia 

• Georgia 

• Indiana 

• Iowa 
• Kansas

• Kentucky 

• Louisiana 

• Maryland 

• Mississippi 

• Missouri 

• Montana 

• Nebraska 
• Nevada

• New Hampshire 

• New Jersey 

• North Carolina 

• North Dakota 

• Ohio 

• Oklahoma 

• Oregon 

• Pennsylvania 

• South Carolina 

• South Dakota 

• Tennessee 

• Texas 

• Utah 

• Vermont 

• Virginia 

• Washington 

• West Virginia 

• Wisconsin 

Additionally, 7 other states have enacted and introduced legislation in 2023–2024 and are in their implementation phase.

Check current state status on the PT Compact’s interactive map.

Start Your Journey with AMN Healthcare 

The PT Compact has streamlined the path for physical therapists and assistants who want to explore travel opportunities. With lower costs, faster processing, and access to more locations, it’s an essential tool for any traveling allied health professional. 

AMN Healthcare is here to support you every step of the way. We offer licensure assistance and will even reimburse the PT Compact privilege fees for therapists who accept an assignment with us in the state where the privilege was purchased. 

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