How to Become A Physical Therapy Aide in Kansas
Kansas employs approximately 440 physical therapy aides according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $25,280 1. Nationally, physical therapy aide employment is projected to grow 2.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 6,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a physical therapy aide in Kansas, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Physical Therapy Aide in Kansas
How do I become a physical therapy aide in Kansas? Kansas requires credentials such as Physical Therapist (PT), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The licensing authority is the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Kansas? Yes. Kansas has licensing or registration requirements for physical therapy aides. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do physical therapy aides earn in Kansas? The median annual wage for physical therapy aides in Kansas is $25,280 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $21,880 and experienced professionals can earn $39,260 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
- Median wage (Kansas): $25,280 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Both state and third-party exams required
Physical Therapy Aide License Requirements in Kansas
The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts oversees physical therapy aide licensing in Kansas 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (PT) | Physical therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting fro… |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) | Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: Both state and third-party exams required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Physical Therapy Aide Wages by Metro Area in Kansas
Physical Therapist Aides Wages by Metro Area in Kansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), physical therapist aides wages in Kansas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 280 | $25,280 | $29,530 | $23,480 | $38,770 |
| Wichita | N/A | $23,120 | $26,200 | $22,760 | $29,050 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for physical therapy aides in Kansas? Kansas currently employs approximately 440 physical therapy aides 1. Nationally, physical therapy aide employment is projected to grow 2.8% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a physical therapy aide in Kansas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Kansas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Kansas.
How much do physical therapy aides earn in Kansas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for physical therapy aides in Kansas is $25,280, which is $9,240 below the national median of $34,520 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Kansas State Board of Healing Arts - Licensing Information: http://www.ksbha.org ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |