Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Arkansas, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$67,230 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of 67,230, Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas earn 3% above the national median of 65510. Arkansas ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$67,230Hourly estimate
$32.323% above national median
Difference: +$1,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#15 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 79,410 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 77,780 |
| #3 | Alaska | 76,310 |
| #4 | Texas | 76,250 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 74,780 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $67,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $62,920 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $61,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $61,340 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $76,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $62,380 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 70 | Medium | 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.
Official Licensing Agency
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $77,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $50,480 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,680 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas is 67,230. Salaries range from 30260 (10th percentile) to 94300 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas earn 3% above the national median of 65510, with a state median of 67,230.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 1540 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.arptb.org/.