Complete licensure guide for travel PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, and SLPs working in Missouri — including board contacts, fees, processing times, and compact membership status.
This is the official licensing authority for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and/or speech-language pathologists in Missouri.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| PT Application Fee | $100 |
| OT Application Fee | $100 |
| SLP Application Fee | $100 |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks |
| Temporary License | No |
| CE Requirements | 30 hrs/2yr |
| PT Compact Member | Yes ✓ |
| OT Compact Member | Yes ✓ |
Yes — eligible therapists can activate compact privilege without a full application. Learn more about the PT Compact →
Yes — OTs and COTAs can activate compact privilege. Learn more about the OT Compact →
SLPs must complete a full endorsement application. No formal SLP interstate compact is currently active. See our SLP Compact status page for updates.
Missouri is a PT Compact and OT Compact member. All therapy licensing goes through the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. Reasonable fees and moderate processing times. Good travel market across rural and urban settings.
Confirm your current license is active and unencumbered. If applying via compact, confirm both your home state and Missouri are compact members.
Typically required: diploma verification, NPTE/NBCOT/Praxis scores, license verifications from all current states, background check, and professional references.
Complete the online application through the Missouri licensing board portal. Pay all required fees. Submit supporting documents as instructed.
Most states require fingerprinting and/or a criminal background check. Processing time for this step varies — factor it into your overall timeline.
Check application status online or by contacting the board directly. Follow up if processing exceeds the estimated timeframe.
Once issued, verify your license number and expiration date. Note your CE deadline and renewal date immediately.
A travel therapy recruiter who specializes in Missouri can guide you through the application process, help you avoid common mistakes, and coordinate timing with your next assignment.
Get help navigating this state's licensing process from a travel therapy specialist.
Typical processing time is 4–6 weeks for a traditional endorsement application. If Missouri is a PT Compact member and you qualify, compact privilege activation can be completed in 3–10 business days. Always verify current timelines directly with the Missouri licensing board as processing times can change.
Yes. Missouri accepts out-of-state licensure by endorsement. You'll need to submit verification of your current state license(s), educational credentials, and national exam scores. Requirements vary by discipline.
Yes — Missouri is a PT Compact member state. If your home state is also a PT Compact member and your license is active and unencumbered, you can apply for compact privilege rather than a traditional endorsement. This typically takes 3–10 business days and costs significantly less than a full application.
Missouri requires 30 hrs/2yr of continuing education for license renewal. Requirements may differ slightly by discipline (PT vs OT vs SLP). Always verify the specific CE requirements for your discipline with the Missouri licensing board before your renewal deadline.