What is the primary requirement for an applicant to be licensed as a PTA?

To obtain a license as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Florida, passing a board-approved examination serves as the primary requirement. This examination assesses the knowledge and skills essential for practicing as a PTA, ensuring that the candidate can competently support physical therapists in their roles.

While other pathways, such as completing a residency or acquiring work experience, may enhance a candidate's qualifications, they are not mandatory for licensure. A letter of recommendation could be beneficial in various contexts but does not replace the formal assessment of competence that the examination provides. Thus, the emphasis placed on passing the examination underscores the critical need for standardized testing in verifying that all PTAs meet the necessary professional benchmarks for effective practice in the field.