Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board. 3) Must pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. 4) Background Check for Physical Therapist Assistant statute ACA §
- 17-93-304(b). 5) Must pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination. Examinations required. Examination
- 2
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board. 3) Must pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. 4) Background Check for Physical Therapist Assistant statute ACA §
- 17-93-304(b). 5) Must pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination. Examinations required. Examination fee: $485.00 plus $70.00 at the time of testing, Jurisprudence Exam fee: $10.00, License application fee: $50.00, License renewal fee: $45.00 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
2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board.
- 9
3) Must pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam.
- 10
4) Background Check for Physical Therapist Assistant statute ACA §
- 17-93-304(b).
- 11
5) Must pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination.
- 12
Examination fee: $485.00 plus $70.00 at the time of testing, Jurisprudence Exam fee: $10.00, License application fee: $50.00, License renewal fee: $45.00 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
$67,230 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board. 3) Must p...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board. 3) Must p...).
- 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 18 years of age. 2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board. 3) Must p...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be a graduate of a college level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Board. 3) Must p...).
- 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 $67,230, Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas earn 3% above the national median of $65,510. Arkansas ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median 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 | 18 years |
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $62,920 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $61,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $61,340 | Degree required | State exam required | 19 years |
| Texas | $76,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $62,380 | Degree required | State 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 | 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. 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
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, 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 $30,260 (10th percentile) to $94,300 (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 $65,510, with a state median of $67,230.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 1,540 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.