Healthcare Recruiting
How to Get a Physical Therapist License in Colorado (2026)
Colorado is a PT Compact member and processes full endorsements in approximately 5–7 weeks through the Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA). Denver is one of the nation's strongest PT markets — UCHealth, SCL/Intermountain, and Children's Hospital Colorado drive acute care demand, while the active outdoor lifestyle population creates strong outpatient sports/orthopedic PT demand statewide.
Colorado PT license at a glance
- Issuing board: Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA), Physical Therapy Section
- PT Compact member: Yes
- Compact Privilege processing: 1–3 business days
- Endorsement processing: 5–7 weeks
- Application fee: ~$90
- Jurisprudence exam: Not separately required
Colorado PT compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base | Sign-On Range |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient / ortho / sports (Denver) | $84,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Acute care hospital | $95,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| SNF / sub-acute rehab | $88,000 | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Home health | $92,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Travel PT (13-week) | $102,000 + housing stipend | — |
Where PT demand is highest in Colorado
Denver metro: UCHealth (flagship University of Colorado Hospital), Children's Hospital Colorado, SCL Health / Intermountain, Denver Health. Colorado Springs: UCHealth Memorial, Centura Health Penrose. Fort Collins / Boulder: Banner Fort Collins, UCHealth Poudre Valley — strong sports/ortho outpatient market driven by CU athletics and outdoor recreation culture.
Bottom line
Colorado's Compact membership, outdoor recreation culture creating high outpatient PT volume, and competitive Denver compensation make it a top PT destination in the Rockies. UCHealth's system growth is creating new PT positions across the Front Range.
Related: PT License Florida 2026, Healthcare Recruiting in Colorado 2026, PT Salary by State 2026.
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