Therapy

Practice physical therapy in more than one state with the PT Compact

March 06, 2025
picture of physical therapist with patient

Updated March 6, 2025, to include new states issuing compact privileges as well as states that have enacted or introduced compact legislation.

One of the biggest barriers to working as a physical therapist in multiple states is the cost and difficulty of obtaining working privileges for each new state. Fortunately for physical therapists, the PT Compact makes it easier than ever.

What is the PT Compact?

The Physical Therapy Compact is an agreement between states to improve access to physical therapy by making it easier for physical therapists to work in multiple states. There are currently 32 member states plus D.C., and the number continues to grow.

Not only will patients benefit, but there are many advantages for PTs as well.

  • Reduced time, cost, and paperwork to practice in a new state

  • Improved access and choice for travel physical therapists

For PTs working as travel therapists, CompHealth makes it even easier — your license coordinator will assist you in the process of obtaining compact privileges and pay for them too!

How the PT Compact works

Instead of needing a license to provide physical therapy services in a new state, eligible PTs and PTAs will be able to purchase a compact privilege.

Once applicable jurisprudence requirements have been met and the fees paid, you can start practicing in the new, remote state almost immediately. Jurisprudence requirements and fees vary from state to state. For details, contact the CompHealth licensing team at 800.453.3030 or email christina.cook@comphealth.com — we’ll provide you with the most up-to-date information and assist you in the process of getting your compact privileges.

How to tell if you’re eligible

In order to purchase compact privileges:

  • You must hold a current, valid PT or PTA license in your home state, verified by your valid driver's license

  • Your home state must be a member of the compact and be actively issuing compact privileges

  • The state where you are seeking a compact privilege must be a member of the compact and actively issuing compact privileges

  • You cannot have any encumbrances or any disciplinary action against your license for a period of two years

Where the PT Compact is available

As of March 6, 2025, the PT Compact member states actively issuing privileges include:

  • Alabama

  • Arizona

  • Arkansas

  • Colorado

  • Delaware

  • Georgia

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Kentucky

  • Louisiana

  • Maryland

  • Minnesota

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • North Carolina

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Oregon

  • South Carolina

  • South Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Utah

  • Virginia

  • Washington

  • Washington D.C.

  • West Virginia

  • Wisconsin

If your home state is one of these, you can now purchase a compact privilege in any of the other active member states.

PT Compact states as of March 6, 2025

2025 map of US of PT Compact member states

Additional states are coming soon! The following states have already enacted or introduced legislation but have not yet started issuing compact privileges:

  • Alaska

  • Connecticut

  • Kansas

  • Maine

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • Vermont

For the latest list of states and their status in issuing compact privileges, view the interactive PT compact map.

Get started: Step-by-step guide to using the compact privilege purchasing system

This is an exciting time to be a PT, especially if you are interested in working across state lines or in other states as a travel PT. The new PT Compact makes it faster, easier, and more affordable than the traditional process of obtaining individual state licenses.

Be your own boss...with benefits: CompHealth's medical, dental, and retirement benefits for travel PTs

To learn more about the PT Compact, contact the CompHealth licensing team at 800.453.3030 or email christina.cook@comphealth.com.

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About the Author

Gerry Carpenter

Gerry Carpenter is the managing editor for CHG Healthcare. He is a 25-year marketing veteran who loves to write, edit, and play with words. He enjoys visiting new places, speaks fluent French, and is slowly learning Portuguese and Japanese.

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