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Verified by MA Board of Healthcare

Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Exam required.

  6. 6

    No continuing education required.

Exam and processing details

  • required. No continuing education required.

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions • Division of Professional Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $77,780 median (19% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required required. No continuing education required..
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $77,780, Physical Therapist Assistants in Massachusetts earn 19% above the national median of $65,510. Massachusetts ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$77,780

Hourly estimate

$37.39
19% above national median

Difference: +$12,270

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$61,440
  • P2525th percentile$66,800
  • P50Median$77,780
  • P7575th percentile$80,790
  • P9090th percentile$88,800

State vs National Median

State: $77,780
National: $65,510

Total employment: 2,380 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#2 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
Massachusetts$77,780Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$67,150Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required1 month
Vermont$67,990Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$64,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$74,120Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Rhode Island$63,410Degree 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
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Rhode Island58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions • Division of Professional Licensure

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114

Phone: 6177273071

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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AnesthesiologistN/ADegree required2 years
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Audiologist$98,620Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Massachusetts is $77,780. Salaries range from $61,440 (10th percentile) to $88,800 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Assistants in Massachusetts earn 19% above the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $77,780.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 2,380 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Massachusetts from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/ah/.

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

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