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Physical Therapy · RI

Can a Physical Therapist transfer a license to Rhode Island as a military spouse?

Data as of May 2026|Source: Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) commission + DOJ Servicemembers Initiative
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards
⚠ VAEIA federal backstop

Not through the compact — Rhode Island is not currently a Physical Therapy compact member. A military-spouse Physical Therapist relies on VAEIA 2022 / 50 U.S.C. § 4025a, which requires Rhode Island to recognize a valid out-of-state license upon relocation for military orders.

Your physical therapy licensing board in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Physical Therapy
health.ri.gov/physical-therapists401-222-5960
Rhode Island military-spouse provision

Rhode Island offers expedited military licensing for physical therapists, letting the spouse of an active-duty member or reservist skip most of the application and apply for expedited status via the Military Expedition Form, and RIDOH may grant a temporary PT license on a case-by-case basis while the spouse completes any remaining requirements.

Official source ↗

About the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact)

For licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. Compact privilege allows you to practice in any other compact state for as long as your home license is valid.

Official compact site ↗

All Physical Therapy member states

34 jurisdictions. Tap any to check that destination for this profession.

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All compacts for Rhode IslandPhysical Therapy portability — all states →License portability checker →MyCAA: $4,000 for relicensing →
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards