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Verified 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 agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have satisfactorily completed all didactic and clinical portions of an accredited associate degree level program in physical therapy which has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

  2. 2

    Must not be addicted to narcotics or indulge in excessive use of alcohol

  3. 3

    Must not have been convicted of a felony or any crime which affects ability to practice competently and safely

  4. 4

    Must have completed four (4) classroom hours in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / AIDS education to be licensed

  5. 5

    Education: Degree required.

  6. 6

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  7. 7

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  8. 8

    EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Must have satisfactorily completed all didactic and clinical portions of an accredited associate degree level program in physical therapy which has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

  9. 9

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for application procedures.

  10. 10

    Once approved by the Board as a candidate, the individual is scheduled to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) which is computer based and available in Kentucky at a Sylvan Learning Center in Louisville or Lexington.

  11. 11

    May not practice physical therapy until the examination has been successfully completed, if the candidate has failed the examination.

  12. 12

    Must have completed four (4) classroom hours in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / AIDS education to be licensed.

  13. 13

    CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (after licensure or certification) Must complete two (2) hours of HIV / AIDS education for renewal of license every two (2) years.

Exam and processing details

  • National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) which is computer based and available in Kentucky at a Sylvan Learning Center in Louisville or Lexington

Continuing education and program notes

  • Center in Louisville or Lexington

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,400 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #29 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Must have satisfactorily completed all didactic and clinical portions of an accredited associate degree level program in physical therapy...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) which is computer based and available in Kentucky at a Sylvan Learning Center in Louisville or Lexington.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.; EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for application procedures.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Public Protection Cabinet~Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $62,400, Physical Therapist Assistants in Kentucky earn 5% below the national median of $65,510. Kentucky ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$62,400

Hourly estimate

$30.00
5% below national median

Difference: -$3,110

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$23,850
  • P2525th percentile$48,940
  • P50Median$62,400
  • P7575th percentile$73,740
  • P9090th percentile$80,580

State vs National Median

State: $62,400
National: $65,510

Total employment: 2,540 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#29 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,410
#2Massachusetts$77,780
#3Alaska$76,310
#4Texas$76,250
#5New Jersey$74,780

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$62,400Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$62,890Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$62,140Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$60,270Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$73,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$62,920Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$60,940Degree requiredThird-party exam required21 years
Illinois$64,630Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee70MediumDocumented 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

Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy

312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY, 40222

Phone: 5024297140

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Kentucky?

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 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 $23,850 (10th percentile) to $80,580 (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 $65,510, with a state median of $62,400.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 2,540 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. Verify directly with the agency.

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/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Kentucky?

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