The governor appoints eight members to this panel, which meets six times a year to supervise and regulate more than 2,000 licensed physical therapy assistants practicing in the state.
The board prepares and approves examinations for licensure, reviews the qualifications of applicants and issues licenses, enforces continuing education requirements, establishes standards for educational programs, investigates complaints against practitioners, and disciplines those who violate regulations.
Minimum Education Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Georgia
To become a physical therapy assistant in this state, a student must first earn a high school diploma or GED. The next step is to enroll in a postsecondary institution that the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) recognizes. The school needs to have a PTA educational program that the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy has approved.
Though PTA certificates and bachelor’s degree programs are available at some schools, most institutions offer either an associate of science (AS) or an associate of applied science (AAS) degree.
Curricula vary, but schools usually have required core courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, kinesiology, rehabilitation, and therapy modalities and exercises. In addition, students typically perform two or more clinical internships that entail working 630 to 700 hours at hospitals, nursing homes, or outpatient centers.