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Verified by NM Board of Healthcare

Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in New Mexico

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  7. 7

    License to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in New Mexico.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Physical Therapy Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,330 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Mexico 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.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~New Mexico Physical Therapy Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Mexico

With a median salary of $59,330, Physical Therapist Assistants in New Mexico earn 9% below the national median of $65,510. New Mexico ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,189

Median annual salary

$59,330

Hourly estimate

$28.52
9% below national median

Difference: -$6,180

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,380
  • P2525th percentile$50,930
  • P50Median$59,330
  • P7575th percentile$70,080
  • P9090th percentile$81,310

State vs National Median

State: $59,330
National: $65,510

Total employment: 690 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#48 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
New Mexico$59,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$62,110Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$62,380Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$76,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$66,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$61,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
Utah78HighBoard-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

New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Physical Therapy Board

2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505

Phone: 5054764880

Related Careers in New Mexico

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$83,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$318,450Specific course requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$62,300Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$77,440Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 New Mexico?

New Mexico 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 New Mexico?

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

What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Mexico is $59,330. Salaries range from $35,380 (10th percentile) to $81,310 (90th percentile).

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

Physical Therapist Assistants in New Mexico earn 9% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $59,330.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in New Mexico?

New Mexico employs approximately 690 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to New Mexico 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 New Mexico?

The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / New Mexico Physical Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/physical-therapy/.

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

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