Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
To assist the physical therapist in the evaluation and treatment of any person by the utilization of the effective properties of physical measures such as mechanical stimulation, heat, cold, light, air, water, electricity, sound, massage, mobilization and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures including training in functional activities, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of limiting or preventing disability and alleviating or correcting any physical or mental conditions, and the performance of tests and measurements as an aid in diagnosis or evaluation of function.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,610 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Physical Therapy Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $61,610, Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $65,510. Pennsylvania ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$61,610Hourly estimate
$29.626% below national median
Difference: -$3,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#35 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $61,610 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $64,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $74,780 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $63,410 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $71,770 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $60,270 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $62,140 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837134
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania is $61,610. Salaries range from $47,100 (10th percentile) to $77,460 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $61,610.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 4,410 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Physical Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/PhysicalTherapy.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.