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Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to common questions handled by our staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.
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Answer: This link will connect you with the Physical Therapist Assistant Information Packet for entry Fall 2025.
Answer: Contact the American Physical Therapy Association.
Answer: Licensure is required of all physical therapist assistants. You must first
pass an exam prior to receiving licensure.
Answer: The intent of licensure is to protect the public from practice by incompetent
providers. Typically, a licensing board assesses the minimal competency necessary
to perform at the entry level of practice.
Answer: All jurisdictions require licensure for PTs. However, the type of regulations
for PTAs varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, including licensure, certification,
and registration. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, PTAs are not regulated. Contact
the individual jurisdiction licensing agencies for details.
Answer: Yes, the licensure examination is a uniform examination used by all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Answer: No, the national examination is only one part of the evaluation processes
used by licensing boards. Each jurisdiction, at its discretion, may supplement the
examination with other requirements such as an oral or practical examination or a
period of clinical practice prior to licensure.
Answer: No. The responsibility for licensure rests solely with the jurisdiction and
the licensing agencies in accordance with the authority established by each jurisdiction's
licensure laws.
Answer: Yes. The PT examination is designed to determine the entry-level competence
of a candidate who has graduated from an accredited school of physical therapy or
an equivalent international program. The PTA examination is designed to determine
the entry-level competence of a candidate who has met the academic or equivalent requirements
set by each jurisdiction for physical therapist assistants.
Answer: Candidates should contact the licensing agency in the jurisdiction in which
they want to practice. Applications need to filed early, sometimes up to 90 days in
advance of the desired examination date.
Answer: Yes. Every jurisdiction has its own requirements for licensure for those who
already hold a license in another jurisdiction. Because these requirements can vary
greatly, prospective applicants should contact the jurisdiction directly.
Answer: The PTA program is primarily a day program with only 2 courses offered in
the evenings. Classes meet 4 - 5 days per week, depending on the semester.
Answer: The only pre-requisites are those listed on the pre-requisite page of the
application. Most general studies courses are not prerequisites for this program,
instead they may be completed during the program. Some students choose to complete
the general studies courses prior to entrance into the PTA program.
Answer: For Fall 2025 entry, the application deadline is May 8, 2025.
Answer: Refer to the PTA estimate cost sheet for up-to-date listing of normal fees.