Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Aides in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical therapy approved by the Board. 3) Must pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. 4) Background Check for Physical Therapist statute ACA §
- 17-93-303(b). 5) Must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Written, oral and practical examinations required. Examination
- 2
Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical therapy approved by the Board. 3) Must pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. 4) Background Check for Physical Therapist statute ACA §
- 17-93-303(b). 5) Must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Written, oral and practical examinations required. Examination fee: $485.00 plus $85.00 paid at time of testing, Jurisprudence Exam fee: $10.00, License application fee: $50.00, License renewal fee: $70.00 per year
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
These therapeutic interventions include: therapeutic exercise, functional training in self-care as it relates to patient mobility and community access, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment as they relate to patient mobility and community access, physical agents, mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities, and patient-related instruction.
- 9
2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical therapy approved by the Board.
- 10
3) Must pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam.
- 11
4) Background Check for Physical Therapist statute ACA §
- 17-93-303(b).
- 12
5) Must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
- 13
Examination fee: $485.00 plus $85.00 paid at time of testing, Jurisprudence Exam fee: $10.00, License application fee: $50.00, License renewal fee: $70.00 per year.
Exam and processing details
- State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$28,670 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical ther...; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical ther...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical ther...; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must hold a Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school of physical ther...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $28,670, Physical Therapist Aidess in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $34,520. Arkansas ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$28,670Hourly estimate
$13.7817% below national median
Difference: -$5,850
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking
#42 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Aides median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | $44,340 |
| #2 | Alaska | $42,320 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $38,000 |
| #4 | Washington | $37,730 |
| #5 | Colorado | $37,210 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist Aides licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $28,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $28,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $30,700 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Mississippi | $26,900 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $21,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $32,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $24,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
P.O. Box 250254, Little Rock, AR, 72225
Phone: 5012287100
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Aides in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physical Therapist Aidess in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Aidess.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Aides in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Aides licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in Arkansas is $28,670. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $41,360 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Aides salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Aidess in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $28,670.
How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 210 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Aides license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Aidess in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.arptb.org/.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Aides license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.