APTA does not license physical therapists (PTs) or physical therapist assistants (PTAs); licensure is managed by the individual state regulatory boards. APTA also doesn't administer the licensure exams for PTs and PTAs as this is handled by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). For more information, go to www.fsbpt.org.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed or certified in 49 states (Hawaii is the only state that does not regulate PTAs). Licensure or certification is required in each state in which a PTA works and must be renewed on a regular basis, with a majority of states requiring continuing education as a requirement for renewal. PTAs' scope of work and supervision requirements are defined by the physical therapy practice act in each state.
For more, see APTA's Licensure resources. Also see FSBPT's Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide: Initial License Requirements (.pdf) for charts related to regulation, education, and supervision of physical therapist assistants across jurisdictions.