Becoming a Physical Therapist in Maryland – MD

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 5 2010

To become a physical therapist in Maryland one must complete a graduate-level program in physical therapy and take the National Physical Therapy Board Exam (NPTE) as administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Maryland

In Maryland, physical therapists can obtain a license to practice in one of three ways depending on the circumstances of the applicant: Licensure by Exam (for those who have not applied for a license before), Licensure by Endorsement (for those who have held a license in another state), and Licensure by Transfer (for those who took the NPTE exam in another state but did not apply for a license before moving to Maryland).
Physical therapists seeking licensure via examination in Maryland should submit:

1. An official application and Exam Questionnaire, plus a check for the $150 application fee.
2. Official transcripts from the school or program from which the applicant graduated.
3. Evidence of registration for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
4. Successful passing of the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam. This is an open book exam and a passing grade is 90%.

Physical therapists seeking licensure via endorsement in Maryland should submit:

1. An official application plus a check for the $150 application fee.
2. Official transcripts from the school or program from which the applicant graduated.
3. National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) scores or evidence that the transfer of scores has been requested from the FSBPT.
4. A copy of the applicant’s out-of-state license, and verification of any licenses currently held.
5. Successful passing of the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam.

Physical therapists seeking licensure via transfer in Maryland should submit:

1. An official application plus a check for the $150 application fee.
2. Official transcripts from the school or program from which the applicant graduated.
3. National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) scores or evidence that the transfer of scores has been requested from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
4. A signed statement that the applicant has not held a license in another state prior to application for a Maryland license.
5. Successful passing of the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam.

NOTE: Foreign applicants should consult the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy’s website (www.dhmh.state.md.us/bphte/licensing.html) for specific licensure requirements.

In Maryland, licenses are issued for two (2) years, and are renewed based on an odd-even system. Licenses with odd numbers are renewed in odd-numbered years, while licenses with even numbers are renewed in even-numbered years. Renewals can only be done online between March 1st and May 31st of each year, and the renewal fee is $350. Physical therapists in Maryland are required to complete three (3) CEUs of continuing education for renewal.