Pennsylvania Joins the PT Compact

On July 7, 2025, Pennsylvania officially implemented the Physical Therapy Compact, allowing licensed physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in PA to obtain a multistate compact privilege and for visiting therapists in other member states to practice in Pennsylvania without a separate PA license.

💡 What the PT Compact Means for School-Based Physical Therapists

Faster onboarding and start times

• Therapists licensed in compact states can begin working in Pennsylvania (or vice versa) much more quickly while cutting out lengthy credentialing and state license wait times.

Greater career flexibility without relocation stress

• Compact privileges allow PTs and PTAs to explore assignments across state lines without uprooting their lives; perfect for those who want to try school-based work in PA or neighboring compact states.

Expanded access to schools in need

• With fewer barriers to licensure, we can fill urgent needs in underserved or rural districts more efficiently while providing more consistent services for students and less burnout for staff.

More diverse placement options for therapists

• Austill’s and AOT can now match therapists with schools and programs across a broader region, offering a wider variety of caseloads and experiences that match your strengths and preferences.

Reduced staffing gaps

• Traveling or per diem therapists can more easily support short-term needs or leaves of absence, improving continuity of care for students and reducing disruptions for teams.

Lower out-of-pocket licensure costs

• Therapists no longer need to pay for multiple full state licenses. Compact privileges are a lower-cost and more efficient option that reduces licensing redundancy.

Supports a strong, flexible workforce

• At Austill’s and AOT, we’re committed to professional growth, mobility, and work-life balance. The PT Compact supports all three while giving our therapists more opportunities to grow and to continue serving students meaningfully.

Eligibility highlights:
To apply, therapists must reside in a compact state, maintain valid licensure and good standing. Check out this step-by-step process resource page on ptcompact.org for more information on how to obtain your compact privileges!

How Do You Get Physical Therapy Compact Privileges?

OT Compact Update

Current Status:
As of June 2025, 31 states have enacted the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, but use is not yet operational. Pennsylvania is one of the states with legislation pending according to otcompact.gov.

SLP (and Audiology) Compact Update

Current Status:
Currently, 37 jurisdictions (36 states + 1 territory) have enacted the Audiology & Speech‑Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP‑IC). However, the compact is not yet operational. Pennsylvania has active legislation pending. House Bill 80 has passed the Pennsylvania House unanimously on July 7, 2025 and is now under Senate consideration according to aslpcompact.com.

By removing licensing roadblocks, the PT Compact empowers professionals to be more flexible, especially in schools where staffing needs shift quickly. And while the OT and ASLP‑IC compacts aren’t yet active, they’re on the horizon. Preparing now means being ready to serve students across state lines with fewer barriers down the road.