Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,840 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $96,840, Physical Therapists in Arkansas earn 4% below the national median of $101,020. Arkansas ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$96,840Hourly estimate
$46.564% below national median
Difference: -$4,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Salary Ranking
#40 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $123,300 |
| #2 | Alaska | $108,640 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $106,310 |
| #4 | Nevada | $105,170 |
| #5 | Oregon | $104,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $96,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $93,750 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $100,660 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $97,080 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $100,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $103,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $99,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
P.O. Box 250254, Little Rock, AR, 72225
Phone: 5012287100
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist in Arkansas?
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 Therapists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Physical Therapist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapists in Arkansas is $96,840. Salaries range from $70,990 (10th percentile) to $129,260 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Physical Therapists in Arkansas earn 4% below the national median of $101,020, with a state median of $96,840.
How many Physical Therapists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 2,740 Physical Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.arptb.org/.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.