Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Tennessee, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,920 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of 62,920, Physical Therapist Assistants in Tennessee earn 4% below the national median of 65510. Tennessee ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$62,920Hourly estimate
$30.254% below national median
Difference: -$2,590
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $62,920 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $62,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $73,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $63,930 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $71,530 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $60,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $61,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $67,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243
Phone: N/A
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,240 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,760 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,090 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tennessee is 62,920. Salaries range from 48670 (10th percentile) to 79640 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Tennessee earn 4% below the national median of 65510, with a state median of 62,920.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 3140 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.