Physical therapist: bachelor's to DPT and state license
A bachelor's degree with anatomy, chemistry and physics prerequisites, a 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), the national exam and a state license.
For: Active, patient people who like science and helping others recover movement after injury or illness.
Bachelor's → DPT → NPTE Only route
Entrants need a DPT from an accredited program.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Physical Therapists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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4 years
Bachelor's degree with prerequisites
Often in recreation and fitness or a health field; anatomy, chemistry and physics.
BLS
Physical Therapists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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3 years
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Biomechanics, neuroscience and pharmacology plus supervised clinical work.
BLS
Physical Therapists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
NPTE exam pageFSBPT
State Licensure & NPTE InformationFederation of State Boards of Physical Therapy- Checked
- 7 Oct 2026
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License
State physical therapist license
Some states also require a law exam and a criminal background check.
PT license stepsBLS
Physical Therapists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Physical therapist
Optional: a clinical residency (about 1 year), then board-certified specialist status.
BLS
Physical Therapists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
All states require physical therapists to be licensed; other requirements vary, and continuing education is typically needed to keep the license. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.