Can New Grads Do Travel Therapy? Here's the Truth

Whether a new graduate can practise before the first license is issued is each licensing body's rule, and each says so in its own words:

FSBPT (the national exam)

• “Each licensing authority has its own eligibility criteria for licensure and for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).” (FSBPT, Exam Candidates (NPTE), read 2026-10-06)

The PT Compact Commission

• “Hold a current, valid PT or PTA license in your home state, as defined in Commission Rules.” (PT Compact Commission help centre, Who is eligible to purchase a compact privilege?, read 2026-10-06)

Physical Therapy Board of California

• “You are not authorized to work as a physical therapist license applicant/physical therapist assistant license applicant (PTLA/PTALA) until you receive a notice from PTBC granting you license applicant status.” (Physical Therapy Board of California, License Applicant Status (PTLA/PTALA), read 2026-10-06)
• “To be eligible for license applicant status, you must have: An application with PTBC. No criminal history. A correctly completed P1E. Registered and paid for the first available NPTE.” (Physical Therapy Board of California, License Applicant Status (PTLA/PTALA), read 2026-10-06)

Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

• “An applicant by examination who has never taken the national exam is eligible for a Temporary License.” (Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE), PT Temporary License, read 2026-10-06)
• “A Temporary License is valid until issuance of the permanent license, or until the last day of the third month after the month the license is issued.” (Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE), PT Temporary License, read 2026-10-06)
• “An applicant with a temporary PT or PTA license must have onsite supervision when providing physical therapy services by a PT licensed in Texas and working at the same location.” (Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE), PT Temporary License, read 2026-10-06)
• “If the applicant fails the exam, the Temporary License is void and must be returned to the Board when notification of failure is received.” (Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE), PT Temporary License, read 2026-10-06)

New York State Education Department

• “New graduates of New York State-registered or APTA-accredited physical therapist education programs may be employed for 90 days immediately following graduation without holding a limited permit.” (NYSED Office of the Professions, Practice of Physical Therapy Under a Limited Permit, read 2026-10-06)
• “While practicing during these 90 days, the permittee must be under the on-site supervision of a New York State licensed and registered PT.” (NYSED Office of the Professions, Practice of Physical Therapy Under a Limited Permit, read 2026-10-06)
• “The Department may issue limited permits to an applicant for licensure which authorize the practice of physical therapy under the on-site supervision of a New York State licensed and currently registered physical therapist.” (NYSED Office of the Professions, Physical Therapy License Requirements, read 2026-10-06)
• “Limited permits for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are valid for 6 months, effective February 9, 2003.” (NYSED Office of the Professions, Physical Therapy License Requirements, read 2026-10-06)

Florida Board of Physical Therapy

• “Temporary permits are valid for six months from the date of graduation.” (Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist, read 2026-10-06)
• “Proof that the applicant will practice under direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.” (Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist, read 2026-10-06)
• “A supervising physical therapist shall supervise only one permittee at any given time.” (Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist, read 2026-10-06)