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How to become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in West Virginia. NPTE-PTA exam required. Jurisprudence exam required. Supervision: General supervision. Total initial fees: $605. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Physical Therapist Assistant
LPTA
Credential
Required
NPTE-PTA
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
General supervision
Supervision Type
24 hrs
CE Hours
$605
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
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
West Virginia does not require a separate jurisprudence exam for PTA licensure
Fee: $0
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 West Virginia 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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
NPTE Exam Fee Fee paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
Jurisprudence Exam Fee | $0 |
State License Fee | $60 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Includes NPTE-PTA ($485), application fee ($60) | $605 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
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
West Virginia 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.
West Virginia does not require CE for the first year after initial licensure. License expires biennially on December 31. Lapsed license can be renewed within 5 years; after 5 years must reapply. No CE carryover.
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth permitted in West Virginia with valid PTA license and appropriate PT supervision; must comply with state telehealth regulations
West Virginia is a member of the PT Compact, allowing multi-state practice privileges
PTAs must work under general supervision of a licensed PT
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in West Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#45 of 51
Cost
#9 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
$48,650
25th percentile
Median
$60,270
-8% vs. national avg ($65,510)Experienced
$74,620
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
900 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+68% salary growth potential
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Physical Therapist Assistant
$60,270
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
You are here
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
$60,270
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
$101,210
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.
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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
West Virginia 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 West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.