Physical Therapist Assistants License in District of Columbia
Quick Answer
To become a licensed PT in Washington DC, earn a CAPTE-accredited DPT and pass the NPTE. CE required for renewal. DC is a PT Compact member jurisdiction. Contact the Department of Health for current fees.
- Exam
- NPTE + third-party exam
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after DPT graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Physical Therapist Assistants license in District of Columbia
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in District of Columbia
Entry Level
$84,510
Median
$100,760
Experienced
$131,810
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistants in District of Columbia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NPTE + third-party exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after DPT graduation.
Physical Therapist Assistants Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know
Washington DC's COS data returns 'PHYSICAL THERAPY' as a separate entry from 'Physical Therapist Assistants.' The PT entry confirms CE requirements, degree requirement, third-party exam, and no experience requirement. The Department of Health's Health Regulation Administration's Board of Physical Therapy oversees licensing. DC is a PT Compact member jurisdiction. DC's compact urban environment and high concentration of hospitals, including MedStar, GW Hospital, and NIH/Walter Reed in nearby Bethesda, create strong PT demand. Howard University and George Washington University offer health sciences programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist Assistants license in District of Columbia?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after DPT graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Physical Therapist Assistants license in District of Columbia?
- You need to pass the NPTE + third-party exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Physical Therapist Assistants requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.