Mississippi Physical Therapist Assistant Schools and Careers

On this page you will find information on the top accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools in Mississippi.

Once you have graduated from an accredited school you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed the national certification exams for physical therapy assistant and the Mississippi state jurisprudence exams.

Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Mississippi

In 2023 there are seven CAPTE-accredited PTA schools in Mississippi – see below.

You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Mississippi and neighboring areas.

Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Mississippi

Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Mississippi, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.

Mississippi is one of 27 States in which it is a requirement to undertake both a State-level exam as well as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

The purpose of the state exam is to ensure that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.

The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Mississippi PTA License Requirements

After graduating from a Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, prospective PTA licensees in Mississippi must pass the state jurisprudence exam, meeting the minimum passing score set by the MS State Board of Physical Therapy.

The Board administers this exam, ensuring candidates understand local laws. Additionally, applicants undergo a current fingerprint/criminal history background check. A temporary license, lasting up to 90 days, is available with a supervisory agreement.

Once you have graduated from an accredited PTA program, it is required by Mississippi law that you obtain a license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State. The Mississippi Board of Physical Therapy regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Mississippi. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: PO Box 55707, Jackson, MS 39296-5707
Email: info@msbpt.state.ms.us
Phone: (601) 352-2918
Website: https://www.msbpt.ms.gov/

Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PT’s and PTA’s.

The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license that will allow a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.

Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Mississippi

In Mississippi, the average (median) Physical Therapy Assistant salary is $61,600, just 2% below the national average. The average hourly wage is $29.61, with 1,110 PTA professionals employed in the state. The top 10% of earners in this field command a salary of $77,440, while the bottom 10% earn $33,100. These figures highlight the competitive compensation landscape for Physical Therapy Assistants in Mississippi.

In Mississippi, from 2018 to 2022, Physical Therapy Assistant salaries experienced a substantial increase of $11,090, marking a 22% positive change. Employment in this field also saw growth, with an additional 290 professionals, representing a 35% increase. Looking ahead, the projected growth from 2020 to 2030 suggests a continued upward trend, anticipating a 28% expansion in Physical Therapy Assistant employment opportunities within the state. These figures underscore both the increasing demand for PTA services and the positive trajectory of the profession in Mississippi.

PTA Salaries and Employment in Mississippi by Metro Area

The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.