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Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Virginia

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See board website
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Physical Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $73,900 median (13% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.

Salary Insights in Virginia

With a median salary of 73,900, Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of 65510. Virginia ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$73,900

Hourly estimate

$35.53
13% above national median

Difference: +$8,390

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,640
  • P2525th percentile$59,650
  • P50Median$73,900
  • P7575th percentile$81,740
  • P9090th percentile$97,860

State vs National Median

State: $73,900
National: $65,510

Total employment: 3340 | Annual openings: null

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#7 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California79,410
#2Massachusetts77,780
#3Alaska76,310
#4Texas76,250
#5New Jersey74,780

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Virginia$73,900Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Maryland$71,770Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
West Virginia$60,270Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$62,400Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$62,920Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
North Carolina$63,930Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Kentucky58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Tennessee70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
North Carolina50LowState-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.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Physical Therapy

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485

Phone: 8043674674

Related Careers in Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$85,590Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$94,140Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$60,720Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$46,910Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 exams are required for Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia?

Virginia 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 Virginia?

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

What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Virginia?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia is 73,900. Salaries range from 49640 (10th percentile) to 97860 (90th percentile).

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

Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of 65510, with a state median of 73,900.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Virginia?

Virginia employs approximately 3340 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Virginia 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.

Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia?

The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/PhysicalTherapy/.