✔️ Page updated: August 21th, 2023
This page has all of the information laid out in steps, including application forms, and fees to become a physical therapist assistant in Virginia and get licensed.
All PTA licensing in Virginia is regulated by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
Below are the requirements to become a licensed PTA in Virginia.
PTA License Requirement | Required in Virginia? |
|---|---|
| Complete Accredited PTA Program | Yes |
| Send Official Transcripts Directly from School to State PT Board | Yes |
| Complete PTA License Application | Yes |
| Mail passport style photo to State PT Board with application | Yes |
| Pay non-refundable application fee? | Yes, $100 |
| Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam (NPTAE) | Yes, $370 |
Virginia PTA License Application
For detailed information and instructions to become a PTA in Virginia, see the board’s Application form. To download the form, right click the icon to the right and then click on “Save As” to save the PDF file.
Virginia PTA Board Contact Info
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463
(804) 367-4674
ptboard@dhp.virginia.gov
More PTA Info for Virginia:
Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.
Steps to Earning A Physical Therapist Assistant License in Virginia
To become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Virginia, there are several steps that must be followed. The first step is to complete an Associate’s Degree from a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Once the degree is obtained, the next step is to submit an online application for the physical therapist assistant license by examination in Virginia. This application can be found on the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy website. Along with the application, an application fee must be paid.
After the application is submitted and approved, the next step is to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This exam tests the knowledge and skills required to practice as a PTA.
Upon successfully passing the NPTE, individuals can begin their careers as licensed physical therapist assistants in Virginia. However, it is important to note that the license must be renewed every two years. To renew the license, PTAs must complete 20 hours of continuing competency, which includes relevant educational activities.
Now let’s cover each of the steps to earning a physical therapist assistant license in Virginia including completing an Associate’s Degree from a CAPTE-accredited school, submitting an online application, passing the NPTE, starting a career as a PTA, and meeting the continuing competency requirements for license renewal.
Step 1. Earn an Associate’s Degree from a CAPTE-Accredited School
To become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Virginia, the first step is to earn an Associate’s Degree from a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards of quality and prepares students for successful careers in the field. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.
You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:
The coursework for an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant typically includes a combination of general education courses and specific PTA classes. These courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercises, and other essential subjects related to the field.
In addition to classroom learning, students are also required to complete clinical rotations as part of their degree program. These rotations provide hands-on experience in real-world settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. This practical experience is crucial for students to develop the necessary skills and gain confidence in their abilities as future PTAs.
When pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, students have two degree options: an Associate in Science (AS) or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS). The AS degree is typically more focused on academic coursework, while the AAS degree often includes more practical, hands-on training.
In Virginia, there are several cities where CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant programs are located. Some of these cities include Richmond, Fairfax, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, and Norfolk. Prospective students can choose a program that is convenient for them and matches their educational goals.
Step 2. Submit the Online Physical Therapist Assistant License by Examination Application
To obtain a PTA license in Virginia through examination, applicants must complete the Online Physical Therapist Assistant License by Examination application. This application can be accessed through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy website.
To submit the application, applicants must first create an account on the Board’s online portal. Once logged in, they can select the “License by Examination” option and fill out the required fields with accurate and up-to-date information.
Along with the application, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $100. This fee can be paid online using a debit or credit card. It is important to note that the application will not be processed until the fee has been successfully paid.
Additionally, applicants must arrange for their official transcripts to be sent directly to the Board from their physical therapist assistant program. These transcripts serve as proof of completion of an accredited PTA program.
Lastly, applicants must register and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Once the exam results are released, they should be sent to the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy for verification.
By following these steps and submitting a complete Online Physical Therapist Assistant License by Examination application, applicants can move forward in the licensure process and take the next steps towards becoming a licensed PTA in Virginia.
Step 3. Pass the FSBPT’s National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs
To pass the FSBPT’s National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs in Virginia, applicants must follow a specific process. First, they need to create an online account through the FSBPT website. This account will be used to access important information related to the exam.
Once the account is created, applicants will then need to wait for their Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, which will be sent via email. This letter contains all the necessary details about scheduling and taking the NPTE for PTAs.
The exam itself consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge and skills in various areas of physical therapy practice. The exam is timed and typically takes around 5 hours to complete. To pass, applicants must achieve a minimum score determined by the FSBPT.
It’s important for applicants to thoroughly prepare for the exam by studying relevant textbooks, practice exams, and other educational resources. Additionally, it is recommended to participate in study groups or seek guidance from experienced physical therapists or PTA educators.
Successfully passing the NPTE for PTAs is a crucial step in obtaining a PTA license in Virginia. It demonstrates the applicant’s competency and readiness to practice as a physical therapist assistant in the state.
Step 4. Begin Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Virginia
Once you have completed the necessary education requirements and obtained your PTA license in Virginia, you will be ready to start your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Virginia offers a wide range of job opportunities for PTAs in various healthcare settings.
One of the top options for PTA jobs in Virginia is employment in medical centers. These centers provide comprehensive care to patients and often have specialized departments for physical therapy. Some notable medical centers in Virginia where you can find PTA job openings include Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, and Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church.
Outpatient facilities also offer excellent job prospects for PTAs in Virginia. These facilities focus on providing rehabilitative services to patients on an outpatient basis. Examples of outpatient facilities in Virginia that frequently hire PTAs include Select Physical Therapy in Alexandria, NovaCare Rehabilitation in Virginia Beach, and Pivot Physical Therapy in Roanoke.
Rehabilitation centers are another great option for PTA employment in Virginia. These centers provide intensive therapy programs to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or other conditions that affect their physical function. Keep an eye out for job openings at rehabilitation centers such as Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers in Richmond and Neurological Rehabilitation Center in Charlottesville.
Lastly, many PTAs in Virginia also choose to work in independent practices. These practices are typically smaller and offer a more personalized approach to patient care. Glen Allen Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Associates are examples of independent practices in Virginia that frequently hire PTAs.
With a PTA license in Virginia, you will have a range of exciting career opportunities in medical centers, outpatient facilities, rehabilitation centers, and independent practices to choose from. Start your journey as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Virginia today!
Step 5. Earn 20 Hours of Continuing Competency to Renew Your Virginia PTA License
To renew your Virginia Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license, you must earn a minimum of 30 hours of continuing competency (CC) after the first renewal cycle. These CC hours are required to ensure that PTAs stay updated with the latest developments and advancements in the field of physical therapy.
Of the 30 required CC hours, at least 15 hours must be from type 1 courses, while a maximum of 15 hours can come from type 2 activities. Type 1 courses are considered more structured and educational in nature, while type 2 activities are more practical and experiential.
Type 1 courses can be obtained through various organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), state and local PT associations, and national accrediting organizations. These courses include classroom-based education, online courses, and other formal educational experiences that provide in-depth knowledge and skill development.
Type 2 activities, on the other hand, encompass a broad range of experiences that can contribute to your professional growth as a PTA. These activities might include consultation with colleagues, independent study, clinical practice, or participation in workshops and conferences.
It’s important to note that the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy requires PTAs to maintain documentation of their CC activities for at least four years. This documentation should include the date, activity description, provider or sponsor, and the number of CC hours earned.
By earning the required CC hours, you not only fulfill the renewal requirements for your Virginia PTA license but also enhance your knowledge and skills to provide high-quality physical therapy services to your patients.
Why Be a PTA in Virginia?
Virginia has multiple PTA Programs available which is a higher number compared to the number of PTA schools available in many states. PTA jobs and salaries are good as well ranging from $54,000 to $67,500+ annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Virginia by clicking the links below.
More PTA Info for Virginia:
