APTA Minnesota does not handle any aspect of licensure in Minnesota.

All issues regarding licensure are handled by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy. Please contact the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy at 612-627-5406 or physical.therapy@state.mn.us with any licensure questions.

What is the difference between APTA MN and the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy?

APTA Minnesota is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  We are a membership-based, non-profit organization representing the interests of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and PT and PTA students here in Minnesota.  Our mission is to build a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.

The Minnesota Board of PT is a function of state government, authorized by Chapter 214 of the state statutes, Examining and Licensing Boards.  Its mission is to ensure the public receives appropriate Physical Therapy Services from competent Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants in Minnesota.  Their vision is to protect the public through licensure of qualified Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants and to provide timely and impartial resolution of complaints against licensees.

As of April, 2025, the Board of Physical Therapy regulates over 8,200 licensed professionals in the State of Minnesota. This includes:
• 6,500 physical therapists
• 1,700 physical therapist assistants

Physical Therapist Assistant Supervision
Observation of physical therapist assistants is addressed in 148.706, subdivision 3 of MN state statute and reads as follow:

“Subd.3 Observation of physical therapist assistants. When components of a patient’s treatment are delegated to a physical therapist assistant, a physical therapist must provide on-site observation of the treatment and documentation of its appropriateness, at least every six treatment sessions. The physical therapist is not required to be on site, but must be easily available by telecommunications.”

APTA Minnesota is not able to interpret what this language means for your practice.

Medical Assistance Prior Authorization
The temporary exemption of the statutory authorization requirement for rehabilitative services has been extended to October 1, 2013. Updated information on prior authorization requirements will be provided on our Legislative and Practice New page.

Workers Compensation
APTA provides extensive collection of resources addressing workers’ compensation regulations in Minnesota. You can view this resource on APTA’s website after logging in in as a member.

Dry Needling
APTA Minnesota does not have an official stance on the practice of dry needling. APTA has complied a comprehensive educational resource paper addressing dry needling, which is available to download.

Improper Use of the Term Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist
If you see what you believe to be an improper use of the terms physical therapy or physical therapist please contact the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy.