Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Background Check: Felony convictions prohibited
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,400 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Kentucky 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 Public Protection Cabinet~Board of Physical Therapy.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of 62,400, Physical Therapist Assistants in Kentucky earn 5% below the national median of 65510. Kentucky ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$62,400Hourly estimate
$30.005% below national median
Difference: -$3,110
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#29 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $62,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $62,890 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $62,140 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $60,270 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $73,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $62,920 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $64,630 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 70 | Medium | 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
Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5024297140
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $90,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $76,180 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $59,900 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kentucky is 62,400. Salaries range from 23850 (10th percentile) to 80580 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Kentucky earn 5% below the national median of 65510, with a state median of 62,400.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 2540 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Public Protection Cabinet / Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://pt.ky.gov/.