Physical Therapist License in Michigan
Quick Answer
To become a licensed PT in Michigan, graduate from an approved PT program and pass the NPTE. License fee is $40 — among the lowest nationally. Michigan is a PT Compact member state.
- Exam
- NPTE
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after DPT graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Physical Therapist license in Michigan
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $40
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Physical Therapist license in Michigan. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Michigan licensing board.
Physical Therapist Salary in Michigan
Entry Level
$75,440
Median
$98,960
Experienced
$118,940
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Physical Therapist in Michigan.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NPTE
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$40.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after DPT graduation.
Physical Therapist Licensing in Michigan: What to Know
Michigan requires graduation from an approved supervised curriculum and passage of a national certification exam (NPTE). The license fee is $40.00 as explicitly stated in the COS data. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs oversees PT licensing. Michigan is a PT Compact member state. Michigan has multiple DPT programs including the University of Michigan, Wayne State, and Oakland University. Michigan's COS data describes a broad range of PT modalities including mechanical stimulation, heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, and therapeutic massage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist license in Michigan?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after DPT graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Physical Therapist license in Michigan?
- You need to pass the NPTE. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Physical Therapist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.