CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by WV Board of Healthcare

Physical 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

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 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. 5

    You must be planning to take the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam, or have already taken the exam and successfully passed.

  6. 6

    If you received a MASTER'S, the transcript must state the degree received as a Master's in Physical Therapy.

  7. 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. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    PHYSICAL THERAPY

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,270 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 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. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam, or have already taken the exam and successfully passed.
  4. 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. 5. Submit the application to PHYSICAL THERAPY and monitor board communications.
  6. 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)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$60,270

Hourly estimate

$28.98
8% below national median

Difference: -$5,240

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,950
  • P2525th percentile$48,650
  • P50Median$60,270
  • P7575th percentile$74,620
  • P9090th percentile$83,780

State vs National Median

State: $60,270
National: $65,510

Total employment: 900 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#45 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
West Virginia$60,270Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$61,610Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$71,770Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$73,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$62,400Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$62,140Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams 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
West Virginia58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Ohio50LowState-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

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years
Anesthesiologist$168,390Degree required2-3 months
Athletic Trainer$45,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$87,980Degree requiredVaries 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.