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Physical Therapist Assistant
Total cost: $665
Governing Authority
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy (PTOT Board), under DIAL
Official website →LPTA
Credential
Required
NPTE-PTA
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
General supervision
Supervision Type
30 hrs
CE Hours
$665
Total Initial Fees
Education & CAPTE Accreditation
VerifiedMinimum Degree
Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program
CAPTE Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years
Clinical Hours
Varies by program hours
Accepted Programs
PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program, typically an associate's degree. Programs include coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, and clinical rotations.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NPTE-PTA Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs (NPTE-PTA)
180
Questions
4 hrs
Time Limit
600/800
Passing Score
$485
Exam Fee
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Iowa does not require a separate jurisprudence exam for PTA licensure
Fee: $0
Overall licensing difficulty: 14/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant Exam)
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PTA Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA)
Questions
180 questions
Passing Score
600/800
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $485Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA).
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant Exam)
Prepare for your NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant Exam) with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides for the NPTE-PTA certification exam.
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Supervision by Physical Therapist
VerifiedSupervising PT Required
General supervision
Supervision Type
Not specified
PT:PTA Ratio
No
On-Site PT Required
Supervision Details
PTAs in Iowa must practice under general supervision of a licensed PT.
PTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). Supervision types vary by state and may include direct, general, or on-site requirements. PT-to-PTA ratios determine how many PTAs a single PT can supervise.
State-Specific Requirements
VerifiedYes
State Licensed
Required
Background Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Not Required
CPR Certification
Jurisprudence Exam Required
Additional Requirements
Most states require PTAs to pass the NPTE-PTA, complete a background check, and meet state-specific requirements such as jurisprudence exams, CPR certification, and fingerprinting.
Not sure if you need a pta license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $60 |
NPTE Exam Fee Fee paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
Jurisprudence Exam Fee | $0 |
State License Fee | $90 |
Renewal Fee | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Includes NPTE-PTA ($485), application fee ($90) | $665 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$45
Regulatory Board
PTA licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as patient care, ethics, and state-specific physical therapy practice standards.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact Member
Yes
Reciprocity Type
PT Compact / Endorsement
Transfer Details
Iowa participates in the PT Compact, allowing PTAs with compact privileges to practice. Non-compact applicants may apply through endorsement with NPTE-PTA score verification.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
The Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) allows PTAs to practice across member states with a compact privilege. Non-compact states may still accept out-of-state credentials through endorsement or reciprocity agreements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Iowa with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Iowa requires mandatory training in child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting. Business-related CE topics limited to maximum 5 hours.
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth permitted in Iowa with valid PTA license and appropriate PT supervision; must comply with state telehealth regulations
Iowa is a member of the PT Compact, allowing multi-state practice privileges
PTAs must work under general supervision of a licensed PT
PTA requirements in nearby states
See how Iowa compares: PTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Iowa is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed ptas from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
PTA Schools in Iowa
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Iowa? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your PTA license to Iowa →
Transfer your PTA license from Iowa to: Illinois → | Minnesota → | Missouri → | Nebraska → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Iowa requires the NPTE-PTA exam for physical therapist assistants. PTAs practice under general supervision supervision of a licensed PT. All licensing is managed through the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy (PTOT Board), under DIAL.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.