Application Fee
See agencyPhysical Therapist Assistant Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
To be eligible for a license to practice, you must have a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate's degree from a CAPTE accredited program.
- 5
You must be planning to take the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam, or have already taken the exam and successfully passed.
- 6
If you received a MASTER'S, the transcript must state the degree received as a Master's in Physical Therapy.
- 7
If you received a BACHELOR'S or DOCTORATE, the transcript must state the degree received as a Bachelor's OR Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
- 8
If you received an ASSOCIATE'S, the transcript must state the degree received as an associate's degree for Physical Therapist Assistant.
Exam and processing details
- National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam, or have already taken the exam and successfully passed
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,270 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (To be eligible for a license to practice, you must have a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate's degree from a CAPTE accredited program.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam, or have already taken the exam and successfully passed.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.; If you received a MASTER'S, the transcript must state the degree received as a Master's in Physical Therapy.).
- 5. Submit the application to PHYSICAL THERAPY and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $60,270, Physical Therapist Assistants in West Virginia earn 8% below the national median of $65,510. West Virginia ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$60,270Hourly estimate
$28.98Difference: -$5,240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $60,270 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $61,610 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $71,770 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $73,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $62,400 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Ohio | 50 | Low | State-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
PHYSICAL THERAPY
See official licensing board website
Phone: 3045580367
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $168,390 | Degree required | 2-3 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $45,140 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in West 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in West Virginia is $60,270. Salaries range from $44,950 (10th percentile) to $83,780 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in West Virginia earn 8% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $60,270.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 900 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to West 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 West Virginia?
The licensing agency is PHYSICAL THERAPY. Review agency details at http://www.wvbopt.com/.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.