Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in Arkansas
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $196
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Renewal Costs $2
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CE Requirements 30 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. While some services are available digitally, you will likely need to download the application packet directly from their website or access specific services through the Arkansas AccessGov Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Application: Head over to the Board's website and download the "Reciprocity App and Instructions" packet (since you are likely already licensed elsewhere). Complete the application form, have it notarized, and mail it to the Board office with the required fee.
- Background Check: You must obtain a pre-licensure criminal background check petition form directly from the Board. Contact the Board to request the specific fingerprint card and instructions, as these must be completed on the official cards provided by them.
- Jurisprudence Exam: You are required to pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam. You can register and take this exam online through the Jurisprudence Exam Registration page.
- Verifications: Request a license verification from every state where you have held a license. Most states use the FSBPT's electronic verification service, but check if you need to send a paper form for any specific state.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph, your Social Security Number, and a list of all past and current physical therapy licenses.
- Items to Request: Official transcripts sent directly from your PTA program to the Board, and your NPTE scores transferred via FSBPT.
- Exams: The Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam (open book, taken online).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:
- Application Fee: $160
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $36 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $196
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arkansas Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by March 1.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $2.
Note: Fees are temporarily reduced through June 2026, but be careful—missing the deadline triggers a steep $100 late fee.
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant pros: Arkansas currently has no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 30 Contact Hours through pre-recorded webinars or text-based content.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. The Board automatically accepts courses approved by the APTA, its components, or other state physical therapy licensing boards. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for Arkansas Travel PTA CEUs.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence: You must complete a Board-approved Jurisprudence course covering the Arkansas Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board Rules during each biennium.
Excluded Topics: The Board does not grant credit for CPR, basic first aid, clinical practice exams, organizational business meetings, or courses related to office management and marketing.
New Licensee Rule: If you receive your initial Arkansas license during the first year of the biennium, you must complete 15 Contact Hours. If licensed during the second year of the biennium, the CEU requirement is waived for your first renewal.
Reporting: Arkansas is an audit-based state. You do not need to submit certificates unless specifically requested by the Board. You are required to maintain your own records and certificates for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 9 Shackleford Plaza, Suite 3 Little Rock, AR 72211
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (501) 228-7100
- Fax: (501) 228-0294
- Email: arptb@arkansas.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. While some services are available digitally, you will likely need to download the application packet directly from their website or access specific services through the Arkansas AccessGov Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Application: Head over to the Board's website and download the "Reciprocity App and Instructions" packet (since you are likely already licensed elsewhere). Complete the application form, have it notarized, and mail it to the Board office with the required fee.
- Background Check: You must obtain a pre-licensure criminal background check petition form directly from the Board. Contact the Board to request the specific fingerprint card and instructions, as these must be completed on the official cards provided by them.
- Jurisprudence Exam: You are required to pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam. You can register and take this exam online through the Jurisprudence Exam Registration page.
- Verifications: Request a license verification from every state where you have held a license. Most states use the FSBPT's electronic verification service, but check if you need to send a paper form for any specific state.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph, your Social Security Number, and a list of all past and current physical therapy licenses.
- Items to Request: Official transcripts sent directly from your PTA program to the Board, and your NPTE scores transferred via FSBPT.
- Exams: The Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam (open book, taken online).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:
- Application Fee: $160
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $36 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $196
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arkansas Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by March 1.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $2.
Note: Fees are temporarily reduced through June 2026, but be careful—missing the deadline triggers a steep $100 late fee.
CE Requirements
30 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist Assistant pros: Arkansas currently has no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 30 Contact Hours through pre-recorded webinars or text-based content.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. The Board automatically accepts courses approved by the APTA, its components, or other state physical therapy licensing boards. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for Arkansas Travel PTA CEUs.
Mandatory Topics
- Jurisprudence: You must complete a Board-approved Jurisprudence course covering the Arkansas Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board Rules during each biennium.
Excluded Topics: The Board does not grant credit for CPR, basic first aid, clinical practice exams, organizational business meetings, or courses related to office management and marketing.
New Licensee Rule: If you receive your initial Arkansas license during the first year of the biennium, you must complete 15 Contact Hours. If licensed during the second year of the biennium, the CEU requirement is waived for your first renewal.
Reporting: Arkansas is an audit-based state. You do not need to submit certificates unless specifically requested by the Board. You are required to maintain your own records and certificates for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 9 Shackleford Plaza, Suite 3 Little Rock, AR 72211
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (501) 228-7100
- Fax: (501) 228-0294
- Email: arptb@arkansas.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.