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How to become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Michigan. NPTE-PTA exam required. Supervision: General supervision. Total initial fees: $635. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Physical Therapist Assistant
LPTA
Credential
Required
NPTE-PTA
Not Required
Jurisprudence Exam
General supervision
Supervision Type
24 hrs
CE Hours
$635
Total Initial Fees
Education & CAPTE Accreditation
VerifiedMinimum Degree
Associate's degree
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.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NPTE-PTA Exam
Not 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
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 Michigan 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
No 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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $75 |
NPTE Exam Fee Fee paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
Jurisprudence Exam Fee | $0 |
State License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes NPTE-PTA ($485), application fee ($75) | $635 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$65
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
No
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Michigan accepts out-of-state applicants through endorsement. Applicants must verify NPTE-PTA scores and meet state-specific requirements.
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.
Michigan uniquely requires 1 hour of Pain and Symptom Management and 1 hour of Implicit Bias Training each cycle. One-time human trafficking identification training required. PT Compact legislation introduced.
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth permitted in Michigan with valid PTA license and appropriate PT supervision; must comply with state telehealth regulations
PTAs must work under general supervision of a licensed PT
Michigan does not participate in the Physical Therapy Compact.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#14 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Physical Therapist Assistants (SOC 31-2021)
Entry Level
$51,100
25th percentile
Median
$59,510
-9% vs. national avg ($65,510)Experienced
$65,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,060 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Physical Therapist Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+10.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+10,600
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,000
per year (avg.)
103,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Physical Therapy Career Ladder+66% salary growth potential
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Physical Therapist Assistant
$59,510
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
You are here
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
$59,510
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
$98,960
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–126 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the NPTE-PTA certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Michigan 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 Michigan Board of Physical Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.