National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Requirements
The physical therapy practice acts of many states may not permit the issuance of a physical therapy license to a person convicted of a felony or of a violation of any narcotic or controlled substance law. In accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners can deny, suspend, or revoke the physical therapy license of a person convicted of a felony, or other public offense involving moral turpitude, or convicted for violating any narcotic or controlled substance law.
It is the responsibility of the student to reach out to potential licensing jurisdictions (e.g., state licensing boards) to inquire about the potential impact of any criminal record (e.g., felony) on eligibility for licensure in the jurisdiction. For convictions prior to starting the DPT program, the incoming student should contact licensing boards in their desired jurisdictions before the first day of class to ensure there is a pathway to licensure with their specific criminal record. Early NPTE Requirements
Students who wish to apply to take the National PT Licensure Board Examination prior to graduation must:
1. Submit a request to be allowed to take the NPTE early by June 15 by emailing the department chair, DCE, and their faculty advisor.
2. Be on schedule to complete the curriculum on time to meet all requirements for graduation.
3. Not currently be on academic or professional probation or warning, or have a history of being on probation or warning status during the program.
4. Take the first prescribed practice test in May and report their grade to the DPTE. To be allowed to take the boards early, the student must receive 75.0% (without rounding) or better on the specified practice exam.
5. Individually petition the chair, the DCE, and their DPTE faculty advisor demonstrating intent and the meeting of all requirements and include a study plan of action and check in with their faculty advisor before the exam.
6. Take and pass (620 or better) a second prescribed exam (e.g., PEAT exam) between September 1 – 7. Taking and passing the prescribed exam before or after these dates without prior permission will not meet this criterion.
7. Be expected to successfully complete DPT8981 on time at the mid-term CPI based on communication with the student’s CI and the DCE.
The DPTE Chair will validate the student on the Federation (FSBPT) website after they meet all of the above criteria.
The DPTE faculty reserve the right to modify these requirements and/or discontinue permission for students to take the boards early at any time prior to June 15 in Year III of the curriculum.