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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 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 Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    Licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall be by examination or by endorsement.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • 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 agency

  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 (6)

  1. 1. Meet Virginia 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. Submit the application to Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Virginia

With a median salary of $73,900, Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of $65,510. Virginia ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,471

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: 3,340 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#7 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
Virginia$73,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$71,770Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$60,270Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$62,400Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$62,920Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
North Carolina$63,930Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
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. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Physical Therapy

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

Phone: 8043674674

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FAQ

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

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 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 $49,640 (10th percentile) to $97,860 (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 $65,510, with a state median of $73,900.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Virginia?

Virginia employs approximately 3,340 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. Verify directly with the agency.

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/.

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

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