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Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal by expiration date every two years

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    Holds a doctorate degree from a professional physical therapy program which is accredited by a national accreditation agency recognized by the United States department of education and by the board

    • OR has completed at least three years of experience as a licensed physical therapist and a professional physical therapy program of at least fifteen credit hours that is approved by the board and offered by an institution of higher education that is accredited by a national accreditation agency recognized by the United States department of education.
  5. 5

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  6. 6

    All applicants for examination shall apply for admission directly with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) by contacting:.

  7. 7

    RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal by expiration date every two years

  4. Salary Position

    $62,920 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #26 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required state examinations.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal by expiration date every two years).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $62,920, Physical Therapist Assistants in Tennessee earn 4% below the national median of $65,510. Tennessee ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$62,920

Hourly estimate

$30.25
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,590

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,670
  • P2525th percentile$56,230
  • P50Median$62,920
  • P7575th percentile$74,710
  • P9090th percentile$79,640

State vs National Median

State: $62,920
National: $65,510

Total employment: 3,140 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#26 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
Tennessee$62,920Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$62,400Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$73,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$63,930Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$71,530Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$60,890Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Mississippi$61,220Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$67,230Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Missouri$60,940Degree requiredThird-party exam required21 years

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
Tennessee70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
Kentucky58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243

Phone: N/A

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$364,200Specific course required1-18 years
Athletic Trainer$54,040Degree required3 months
Audiologist$89,670Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 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 $48,670 (10th percentile) to $79,640 (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 $65,510, with a state median of $62,920.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 3,140 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. Verify directly with the agency.

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. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal by expiration date every two years.