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Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Aides in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have satisfactorily completed all didactic and clinical portions of a Program in Physical Therapy accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE) and approved by the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy

  2. 2

    Must pay fees for examination and reexamination

  3. 3

    Must not be addicted to narcotics or indulge in excessive use of alcohol

  4. 4

    Must not have been convicted of a felony or any crime which affects ability to practice competently and safely

  5. 5

    Must have completed four (4) classroom hours in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / AIDS education to be licensed

  6. 6

    Education: Degree required.

  7. 7

    Experience: No experience required.

  8. 8

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  9. 9

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  10. 10

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for application procedures.

  11. 11

    Following approval by the board, a candidate schedules a date and time to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) via computer based exam at a Sylvan Learning Center, in Louisville or Lexington.

  12. 12

    May not practice until examination has been successfully completed, if candidate has failed the examination.

  13. 13

    Must pay fees for examination and reexamination.

  14. 14

    License to practice in another state must not have been revoked, suspended, or under current disciplinary review or probation.

  15. 15

    Must have completed four (4) classroom hours in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / AIDS education to be licensed.

Exam and processing details

  • National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) via computer based exam at a Sylvan Learning Center, in Louisville or Lexington

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $28,770 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Aides licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) via computer based exam at a Sylvan Learning Center, in Louisville or Lexington.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.; EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for application procedures.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Public Protection Cabinet~Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $28,770, Physical Therapist Aidess in Kentucky earn 17% below the national median of $34,520. Kentucky ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$28,770

Hourly estimate

$13.83
17% below national median

Difference: -$5,750

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$22,860
  • P2525th percentile$24,230
  • P50Median$28,770
  • P7575th percentile$38,850
  • P9090th percentile$41,770

State vs National Median

State: $28,770
National: $34,520

Total employment: 280 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Aides median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$44,340
#2Alaska$42,320
#3Massachusetts$38,000
#4Washington$37,730
#5Colorado$37,210

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Aides licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$28,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$29,020Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$35,880Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$29,320Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$28,840Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$30,700Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Missouri$28,340Degree requiredThird-party exam required21 years
Illinois$34,790Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-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

Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy

312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY, 40222

Phone: 5024297140

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Aides in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Physical Therapist Aidess in Kentucky?

Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Aides licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in Kentucky is $28,770. Salaries range from $22,860 (10th percentile) to $41,770 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist Aides salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Aidess in Kentucky earn 17% below the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $28,770.

How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 280 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Aides license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Public Protection Cabinet / Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://pt.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Aides license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.