Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Missouri, 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 Missouri
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,940 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 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.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $60,940, Physical Therapist Assistants in Missouri earn 7% below the national median of $65,510. Missouri ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$60,940Hourly estimate
$29.307% below national median
Difference: -$4,570
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Iowa | $60,720 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,630 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $62,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $62,920 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $67,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Oklahoma | $62,380 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $63,010 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $60,430 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Illinois | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Kentucky | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Tennessee | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 4, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335
Phone: 5737510098ext8007352966
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $80,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,340 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,840 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Missouri?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physical Therapist Assistants in Missouri?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Missouri is $60,940. Salaries range from $47,950 (10th percentile) to $78,170 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Missouri earn 7% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $60,940.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 2,080 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Missouri 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 Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/healingarts.asp.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.