Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Iowa, 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 Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Certification: Certification required.
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,720 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.
- 5. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $60,720, Physical Therapist Assistants in Iowa earn 7% below the national median of $65,510. Iowa ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$60,720Hourly estimate
$29.197% below national median
Difference: -$4,790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#43 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $60,720 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,240 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $61,890 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,630 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Nebraska | $60,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $49,840 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-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
Official website verified
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075
Phone: 5152810254
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $49,700 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $93,790 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Iowa?
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 Assistants in Iowa?
Iowa 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 Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Iowa is $60,720. Salaries range from $46,810 (10th percentile) to $76,460 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Iowa earn 7% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $60,720.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 1,050 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/physical-occupational-therapy.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.