If you are a physical therapist interested in traveling for work or working across state lines via telehealth, one of the ways you could do so is through the Physical Therapy Compact, also known as the PT Compact. The PT Compact helps to streamline multi-state licensing for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, allowing eligible PTs and PTAs to practice in all participating states without having to go through long licensing processes in each one.
By minimizing the frustration and cost of getting licensing in other states, the PT Compact makes it easier for physical therapists to move around the country, increase their knowledge, and expand their skills. For physical therapists, this is an excellent opportunity to travel, work through telehealth, and explore the country. For patients, the PT Compact leads directly to improved access to care.
The Physical Therapy Compact is always changing, and 2025 has continued to strengthen the Compact. Here’s more on what PTs and PTAs should know about traveling as a physical therapy professional this year.
The Basics of the PT Compact
The PT Compact makes it easier for licensed physical therapists or licensed physical therapist assistants to practice across the country in the member states that have Compact privilege. It simplifies the licensing process but also ensures that high standards are kept, no matter where physical therapists work. This ensures that patients get the best care and that every state has the support of PTs and PTAs who are well-trained and capable.
To qualify as a part of the PT Compact, physical therapy professionals need to be licensed within their home states as a PT or PTA, and their licenses must be in good standing. Additionally, their home state must be a member of the Compact, and the state where they would like to work needs to be actively accepting and issuing PT Compact privileges. They may also need to complete additional steps, such as determining the Compact privilege fees and jurisprudence requirements for each state.
Leading Benefits of the PT Compact
The primary benefit of the PT Compact for physical therapists and assistants is the ability to travel or work in telehealth settings across states. This flexibility means that physical therapy professionals have more opportunities to work around the country, being able to cross state lines without having to go through costly and often time-consuming licensure processes in each state.
The ability to work around the country isn’t just good for physical therapist job opportunities. It’s also important because it:
- Helps expand skillsets across diverse patient populations
- Encourages continued engagement in the profession
- Allows for physical therapists and PTAs to respond to short-term staffing needs, emergencies, and seasonal demands (such as those in tourist destinations)
The PT Compact also encourages consistency in professional standards, requiring physical therapists and assistants to meet the same basic requirements across all Compact states. For patients, the PT Compact means there is a larger pool of qualified PTs and PTAs across the country available to work and ready to go, giving them better access to timely care.
2025 Updates to the PT Compact
The beginning of 2025 brought important changes and updates to the Physical Therapy Compact, including new state memberships. Some of the highlights for PTs and PTAs to know include that:
- Vermont became the 33rd active member state on March 1, 2025, allowing physical therapists to become eligible for roles in Vermont even when they are licensed in another Compact state
- Alaska became the 34th member of the PT Compact on May 1, 2025. Importantly, this is the first occupational licensure compact to be implemented in the state.
- Two additional states, Pennsylvania and Kansas, have enacted legislation to alter the criminal background check (CBC) language of the Compact. Once approved by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the requests will be implemented for licensure applicants.
- Maine is on its way to becoming a member, as well. Compact legislation is on track to become effective on January 1, 2026, which is the earliest date that Maine can join the Compact.
These changes show how continued progress with the PT Compact — the momentum behind the movement and the national recognition that there is a need for a more flexible way for healthcare personnel to be licensed across the country is encouraging. With every new state that joins this Compact, PTs and PTAs are able to access more opportunities in ways that allow them to travel more easily and provide higher-quality care to patients all over the United States.
A New Website Makes Keeping Updated Easier
In April 2025, the PT Compact began work on a new website upgrade for its site PTCompact.org. This will be the first major redesign of the website since the PT Compact launch in 2017. Changes to the website will include these, as well as additional upgrades:
- An improved Compact map
- Better guidance on determining Compact privilege eligibility
- Clearer information to assist Compact privileged users in navigating the purchasing and renewing of their privileges
The redesign is an effort being made by the PT Compact Commission in order to improve both accessibility and communication among physical therapy professionals who visit the website and are interested in learning more about what the Compact can do for them. Users can expect the new PTCompact.org to launch later this summer.
Find Travel PT Jobs and Build Your Career With SHC
For physical therapists and assistants looking to travel, the PT Compact’s expanding reach has many potential benefits, including streamlining the licensing process to open up new opportunities across the country. And, with the PT Compact expanding, now is an excellent time to explore new destinations, roles, and clinical settings that may be of interest.
Whether physical therapists and PTAs are looking for improved flexibility in their schedules, want to earn more, or just want to make a difference in a new location, Supplemental Health Care offers tools and opportunities to get started. With jobs available in Compact states across the U.S., it’s easy for physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to find the roles that fit their needs, helping them expand their knowledge and experience while helping the patients who need them most.
To view current physical therapy job opportunities or speak with one of SHC’s recruiters, browse SHC’s career portal or the SHC WeConnect mobile app for top opportunities around the United States.
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