NH Physical Therapy License Guide – New Hampshire requires a license to practice as a Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to protect public safety. The New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) oversees all licensing.
This comprehensive NH physical therapy license guide covers everything USA-based applicants, new graduates, out-of-state licensees, and foreign-educated professionals need to know in 2026 — from education and exams to the online application, fees, temporary options, PT Compact privileges, and renewal.
Education Requirements for New Hampshire Physical Therapy Licensure
To qualify for an NH PT or PTA license, you must meet strict education standards:
- U.S.-educated applicants: Graduate from a professional physical therapy education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or another board-approved accrediting organization.
- Foreign-educated applicants: Submit a credentials evaluation through the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT). Additional English language proficiency testing may be required under Phy 306.04.
Official checklists for initial applications (updated as of February 2026) detail required transcripts and supporting documents.
National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Requirements
All initial NH PT and PTA applicants must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT):
- PTs take the NPTE-PT.
- PTAs take the NPTE-PTA.
You register directly with FSBPT. New Hampshire accepts passing scores only from this national exam.
New Hampshire Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NH JAM)
New Hampshire requires the NH JAM (Jurisprudence Assessment Module) through FSBPT:
- All initial PT/PTA license applicants must pass it.
- Current licensees must retake and pass it in years ending in “0” or “5”.
- Applicants for an initial PT Compact privilege in New Hampshire must also pass it.
The JAM counts toward continuing education (2 hours).
Criminal Background Check and Good Moral Character
Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and submit to a criminal background check (typically through the New Hampshire Department of Safety). Military applicants may substitute proof of security clearance in some cases.
Step-by-Step Application Process for NH Physical Therapy License
1. Initial Licensure (New Applicants)
- Apply online through the OPLC portal: https://forms.nh.gov/license/Login.aspx.
- Submit official transcripts, NPTE scores (sent directly by FSBPT), NH JAM results, background check, and passport-style photo (if required by checklist).
- For endorsement/reciprocity from another state: Use the paper Universal Application for Initial Licensure and mail it with the fee.
2. Processing Time
Applications are typically processed in 1–10 weeks once complete.
3. License Verification
Use the OPLC License Lookup tool to verify status.
NH Physical Therapy License Fees (2026)
All fees are the same for PTs and PTAs:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $121.00 |
| Renewal Fee | $121.00 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $121.00 |
Fees are paid online or by check/money order for paper applications. No additional state fees for military spouses or active military in qualifying cases.
Temporary Licenses and PT Compact Privileges in New Hampshire
- Temporary Licenses: Available for out-of-state licensed health care professionals under RSA 310:6 and Plc 305. Apply online via the OPLC portal. These are time-limited and require an active license in another jurisdiction.
- PT Compact: New Hampshire is a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Holders of a Compact Privilege can practice in NH without a separate state license. Initial Compact applicants must still pass the NH JAM. Verify privileges at purchase.ptcompact.org/Verify.
NH Physical Therapy License Renewal Process
Licenses are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Renewal occurs online through the OPLC portal.
You must submit the renewal application, fee, and proof of continuing education before expiration. Late renewals may require reinstatement.
Continuing Education Requirements for NH PT License Renewal
New Hampshire requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle for both PTs and PTAs:
- At least 12 hours must relate directly to the clinical application of physical therapy.
- The remaining hours relate to general physical therapy practice.
- The NH JAM (taken in years ending in 0 or 5) counts as 2 CE hours.
The Board does not pre-approve courses. Licensees have free access to CE Broker for tracking. At least half of the hours must focus on clinical application (Phy 406.01).
How to Reinstate an Expired NH Physical Therapy License?
- Expired less than 1 year → Submit paper Universal Application for License Renewal + reinstatement fee.
- Expired more than 1 year → Reapply online as a new initial application.
Frequently Asked Questions About NH Physical Therapy Licensing
Does New Hampshire offer direct access to physical therapy?
Yes — PTs may evaluate and treat without a physician referral unless symptoms require services beyond PT scope or are contraindicated.
Do PTAs need supervision in NH?
Yes — PTAs practice under the general supervision of a licensed PT. The supervising PT must review and co-sign notes during each reevaluation.
Are there any mandatory topics besides clinical application?
No pre-approved mandatory courses other than the periodic NH JAM.
Contact the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board
- Mailing Address: Office of Professional Licensure & Certification, 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (603) 271-2152
- Website: oplc.nh.gov/physical-therapy-governing-board
For the most current checklists, forms, and rules, always visit the official OPLC Physical Therapy Governing Board page and review the latest Phy/Plc rules.
This NH physical therapy license guide is based on official 2026 OPLC resources and FSBPT information. Requirements can change — verify directly with the Board before applying. Good luck with your New Hampshire physical therapy license application!