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Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Satisfactory completion of training and examination requirements.

  6. 6

    TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:.

  7. 7

    Completion of a training program approved by the Board which consists of at least 75 clock hours of training including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training in a setting where the trainee demonstrates knowledge while performing tasks, under direct supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, on an individual.

  8. 8

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  9. 9

    Satisfactory performance on a competency examination administered and evaluated by the Department of Health via contract with a state-approved testing agency.

  10. 10

    The examination consists of a written or oral test (as selected by the individual), and a demonstration of skills test consisting of a demonstration of randomly selected items drawn from a pool of all tasks generally performed by nursing assistants.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • At least twelve hours per year of in service training provided by the facility.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $30,700 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #32 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Aides licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $30,700, Physical Therapist Aidess in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $34,520. Tennessee ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$30,700

Hourly estimate

$14.76
11% below national median

Difference: -$3,820

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$20,880
  • P2525th percentile$25,790
  • P50Median$30,700
  • P7575th percentile$36,270
  • P9090th percentile$42,410

State vs National Median

State: $30,700
National: $34,520

Total employment: 840 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking

#32 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
Tennessee$30,700Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Kentucky$28,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$28,840Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$35,190Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$30,920Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$25,220Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Mississippi$26,900Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$28,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required21 years
Missouri$28,340Degree requiredThird-party exam required21 years

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
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review 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

Agency website unverified

Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243

Phone: N/A

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$54,040Degree required3 months
Audiologist$89,670Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Physical Therapist Aidess in Tennessee?

Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Physical Therapist Aides licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in Tennessee is $30,700. Salaries range from $20,880 (10th percentile) to $42,410 (90th percentile).

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

Physical Therapist Aidess in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $30,700.

How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 840 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

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

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