Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant Licensing in Washington
Washington State Department of Health
Phone- 360-236-4700
310 Israel Rd SE Fax- 36-236-4818
Tumwater, WA 89501 Email-
Counter Hours: Call Center Hours:
M-F 8am-4:30pm M-F 8am-5pm
Mailing Info:
With Fees Without Fees
PO Box 1099 PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98507-1099 Olympia, WA 98504-7877
You can get the application from the website.
Requirements:
A baccalaureate degree in physical therapy by the board.
Background check and fingerprinting from out of state applicants. Applicants arrange for and pay the cost of taking the fingerprinting. Fee is $35.25 and must be taken on the card provided by the department. Fingerprinting may be obtained at local law enforcement offices. Fingerprinting services are offered to the public at Washington State Patrol office in Olympia. Office is open M-F (except legal holidays) 8am-5pm(closed from 12pm-1pm). The fee is $13/each 2 fingerprint cards (ink or livescan – method of printing is at the discretion of the fingerprinting technician.
Fingerprint Room Rules
- The person being fingerprinted is the only person allowed in the fingerprinting room.
- Children are not allowed in the fingerprinting room and must be supervised at all times.
- Animals are not allowed in the WSP lobby or the fingerprinting room, except those covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- The WSP is unable to fingerprint you if your hands are bleeding, have open wounds or if any of your fingers are bandaged – do not remove bandages.
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry prior to being fingerprinted (no lotion).
- The method of fingerprinting is determined by the fingerprint technician and is based upon the condition of your fingers.
- The amount of time it takes to roll your fingerprints depends upon the condition of your fingerprints. Average time is approximately 15 minutes per person.
If you have any questions regarding fingerprinting, please call us at (360) 534-2000. Physical Address: 3000 Pacific Ave, Suite 202. Olympia, WA 98501. Mailing Address: PO Box 42633. Olympia, WA 98504-2633
Minimum 7hrs AIDS training. In order to get your license. Info at . Classroom costs range from $30-$90, varying in locations. Online costs range from $25-$70.
Additional items for initial license –
Interim Permit. They are available to graduates of CAPTE approved physical therapy programs. They expire immediately upon notification of exam failure and are not renewable. You may begin to work as a graduate only upon receipt of your interim permit. Mail interim permit to the Dept. of Health, Physical Therapy Program, PO Box 47877, Olympia, WA 98504-7877.
Score Transfer request. This is to facilitate the endorsement of licenses from one state to another. You may submit an application for FSBPT Score Transfer Service online at (note the “s” after “http”) You may also mail in a printed form. You can reach the Score Transfer Service at 703-739-9420 or .
Tips for applying to be a physical therapist.
Tips for applying to be a physical therapist assistant.
Verification of License. Expedite if FEDEX-ed. Typical limiting factor.
Jurisprudemce Exam. All Physical therapist applicants in the state of Washington must take the exam and pass with 100%. The exam is online at the Washington State Department of Health website.
Expired Credential Reactivation Applications. Use this form to re-activate your license if it has been expired for over one year but less than 3 years. You need to pay Late Penalty Fee, Pay Current Renewal Fee, Pay Expired Credential Reissuance Fee.
Type of Non-refundable Fees
Physical Therapist
Application $100
Renewal $75
Late Renewal Penalty $50
Expired Reissuance $50
Inactive License Renewal $35
Expired Inactive License Reissuance $50 if expired over a year but, less than 3 years.
Duplicate License $15
Verification of Credential $25
Physical Therapist Asst.
Application $100
Renewal $125
Late Renewal Penalty $62.50
Inactive License Renewal $50
Expired License Reissuance $75
Duplicate Certificate $15
Certification Letter $25
Processing can take 6 weeks or longer. Delays may occur if:
Required Documents are not received
Inaccurate documentation
You answer “yes” on your personal data questions.
There is a criminal history in your background check.
Training was outside the US
You are waiting for exam results
You sent wrong fee amount
Renewals:
Renewals must be postmarked or received by midnight of the expiration date or a late fee is assessed. Your credential may be renewed up to 90 days before it expires. If you do not receive a notice of renewal four weeks before expiration call 360-236-4700 or email for help. They do not accept credit/debit cards over phone or online, only at front counter.
Renewals sent by mail will take approx. 2 weeks to update. If walked in the front door 3-7 business days. Goal is to process in 7 business days after received.
Competency/Continuing Education – Renewal date is your birth date and must be complete by birth date every two years. 40hrs continuing education. and 200hrs employment every 2 yrs.