PTA Schools in Georgia (GA)

Accredited PTA Programs in Georgia

The Physical Therapy Board in Georgia requires that physical therapist assistants earn at the minimum an associate’s degree from a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

You have multiple options when choosing a physical therapist assistant school for your education to become a PTA in Georgia:

• Become a Physical Therapist Aide in 9 months through a certification program
• Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2-4 years after earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, completing clinical training and passing the National Exam and state licensure process.

The most common degrees offered by PTA schools in Georgia to students are:

• PT Aide Certification
• Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Science (AS)
• Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Interested in learning more about these PTA programs? Click the green button to request more info directly from each degree program below to learn more about them.

Here is the complete list of physical therapist assistant programs in Georgia.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Albany State University is an integral part of its Darton College of Health Professions. The program focuses on the rehabilitation or prevention of disability, injury and disease related to movement and function within various systems of the human body. Students learn to work with individuals across all ages and conditions, addressing pain, physical impairments, functional limitations and disabilities.

The courses required for this degree depend on a student’s preferred area of study or “”pathway””. It is recommended that students meet with an adviser to map out their academic plan in order to achieve their career goals effectively. Prerequisites are mandatory before applying for the program.

Admission into the program follows a selective process wherein only top applicants secure a seat; simply meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. General education courses required for each career program are summarized in a comparison chart provided by Albany State University.

Program feedback can be addressed directly to PTA Program Director Kameron Causey or Chair of the Health Science Division Tonya Curles. Complaints against the program can be made to Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education without fear of retaliation.

Athens Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (Major Code: PTA3). The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as a physical therapist assistant.

The curriculum includes general education courses in language arts, communications, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, natural science, humanities and fine arts. It also includes core physical therapist assistant courses such as anatomy and physiology I & II along with labs, human development, introduction to physical therapy patient care skills among others.

A unique feature of this program is that it requires students to pass all courses with grades of C or higher. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers.

Upon completion of the 79 credit hour program at Athens Tech’s main campus location in Athens GA , students will be equipped to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in various healthcare settings.

Career outlook for graduates is favorable given the increasing demand for physical therapy services due to aging population who are staying active later in life. Additionally,this profession has been identified by Bureau Labor Statistics as one having faster than average job growth rates over next decade.

Unique information about Athens Technical College include its commitment towards institutional effectiveness and accessibility policy ensuring equal opportunity institution status.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Atlanta Technical College offers a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree designed to prepare students for licensure and employment as skilled entry-level PTAs. The five-semester, full-time daytime program integrates general education, health core curriculum, occupational coursework, and extensive clinical experience. Students complete three clinical rotations—two four-week and one seven-week—and must maintain CPR certification, APTA membership, immunizations including TB tests, background checks, and drug screenings.

The 76-credit hour curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, psychology, kinesiology, pathology, rehabilitation techniques, patient care skills, physical therapy procedures I & II, and a capstone seminar. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), required for Georgia state licensure.

Admission is competitive with requirements including a minimum 3.0 GPA; TEAS or HESI exam scores; 24 observation hours across multiple settings; attendance at an information session; and submission of official transcripts by May 28 annually.

Atlanta Tech’s PTA program emphasizes cultural competency in healthcare delivery through its mission aligned with workforce development goals. Accredited by CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education), the program boasts strong job placement outcomes—with employment rates reaching 100%—and projects significant career growth nationally (+30.6%) and statewide (+38.4%) through 2031. Estimated starting salaries begin around $45K per year.

Program cost is approximately $11,297.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is a competitive, accredited Health Sciences program that prepares students for careers in physical therapy. Students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree after completing coursework and clinical training designed to develop entry-level skills under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The curriculum includes functional training, wound management, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and use of physical agents.

Admission requires a high school diploma or GED and applicants must be 18 years or older. Only 14 students are admitted annually through a selective process. The program emphasizes professionalism and lifelong learning while preparing graduates for licensure via the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). CGTC’s PTA graduates achieved an impressive two-year ultimate pass rate of 96.15% as of February 2025.

Located on multiple campuses across central Georgia—including Warner Robins and Macon—CGTC offers robust student resources such as academic advising, financial aid support, child development centers, veteran services through the VECTR Center, and more. Unique features include articulation agreements for transfer opportunities and hands-on clinical affiliations with healthcare providers.

Accredited by CAPTE since 2020 with its next review scheduled for Fall 2025, CGTC’s PTA program equips students with practical skills in a growing field where demand continues to rise due to increased focus on rehabilitation care nationwide.

Chattahoochee Technical College’s North Metro Campus offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Applied Science degree through its Health Sciences division. The program prepares students to work under licensed physical therapists, providing hands-on care such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and pain management techniques. Emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the PTA curriculum spans four semesters of occupational coursework.

The program boasts outstanding outcomes: a 100% licensure exam pass rate for 2022–2023 (including first-time takers), a 100% employment rate within six months post-graduation over the most recent two-year average, and graduation rates of 89.5% for the class of 2023 and 83.3% for the class of 2024.

Led by Program Director Dr. Aaron Freeman and Clinical Coordinator Morgan Marcum, Chattahoochee Tech’s PTA program features strong faculty support and clinical training opportunities that prepare students to serve diverse patient populations effectively.

Admission is competitive; prospective students must attend an information session and meet specific application requirements including observation hours and ATI TEAS testing. Academic advisors are available through the Office of Advisement to guide applicants through this process.

Graduates enter a growing healthcare field with promising career prospects in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, or home health settings. With its CAPTE accreditation and commitment to student success, Chattahoochee Tech’s PTA program stands out as a top choice in Georgia for aspiring physical therapist assistants.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Lanier Technical College, located on the Forsyth Campus, offers a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science Degree designed to prepare students for successful careers in physical therapy settings. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences, equipping students with the academic, technical, and professional skills needed for employment and advancement in the field.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The program boasts impressive outcomes: a 97% graduation rate over two years (2022–2024), 100% employment rate within six months post-graduation, and licensure pass rates as high as 94% on first attempts.

Lanier Tech’s PTA program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, effective communication, and lifelong learning. Students are trained to provide safe patient care under supervision while recognizing their scope of practice. Faculty employ evidence-based teaching methods and foster leadership through community involvement.

Unique features include close alignment with American Physical Therapy Association values and opportunities for licensed professionals to earn continuing education credits by serving as clinical instructors. Accredited and committed to workforce development excellence, Lanier Tech supports student success through resources like advising services and information sessions.

Note: All campuses will be closed January 21, 2025 due to anticipated winter weather conditions.

South University’s Savannah campus offers an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program. This curriculum is comprehensive, covering all essential concepts and theories related to physical therapy modalities and rehabilitation procedures. The technical phase includes six academic quarters of lecture, laboratory, and clinical coursework.

Students gain 640 hours of hands-on experience through two full-time clinical education experiences, with a variety of settings available including hospitals, nursing homes, sub-acute facilities, and outpatient centers. Additionally, the program incorporates a course on Current Rehabilitation Issues allowing students to integrate their clinical experiences with didactic materials.

Admission into this PTA program involves meeting South University’s General Undergraduate Admission Requirements along with completing prerequisite coursework. Transfer credits are accepted for prerequisite courses if approved by the registrar but not for courses within the professional phase curriculum.

The PTA program at South University meets professional licensure requirements for Georgia; however passing certification/licensing exams cannot be guaranteed as they are controlled by outside agencies.

Upon graduation from this PTA Program at South University Savannah campus in 2023-2024 academic year there was a graduation rate of 65%, first-time pass rate on NPTE licensure exam was 100% , ultimate pass rate was also 100% , while employment rate stood at an impressive 100%.

Overall outcomes aim to produce physical therapist assistants who reflect high standards within their profession under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

PTA Careers in Georgia

Georgia offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across various settings.

• In urban areas like Atlanta, PTAs can find positions in bustling hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, catering to a large population with diverse health needs.
• For instance, Emory Healthcare and Grady Health System are prominent employers in the region.
• In coastal regions, such as Savannah, PTAs may work in specialized clinics focusing on senior care or sports rehabilitation, addressing the needs of both aging populations and active lifestyles.

Additionally, rural areas like Thomasville provide opportunities in community health centers, where PTAs play a crucial role in delivering care to underserved populations, enhancing access to physical therapy services throughout the state.

PTA Schools Near Georgia

If living within Georgia isn’t a requirement for you, then you may think about moving to a state close by to complete your physical therapy education. Below are some states near Georgia that also offer some accredited physical therapy assistant schools you can compare.

• Florida
• Texas
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Alabama

Deciding Between PTA Schools in Georgia

In the various degree programs offered in Georgia, you’ll get to engage in classroom lectures, labs, lab work, and clinical work where you will learn the primary concepts and theories that make up the foundation to the practice of physical therapy.

Although every school’s program is unique, coursework in physical therapist assistant programs typically consists of:

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Intro to Physical Therapist Assistant
• Pathophysiology
• Kinesiology
• Testing & Measurement for the Physical Therapist Assistant
• Habilitation/Rehabilitation
• Modalities
• Therapeutic Exercises
• Physical Therapy throughout Patient Lifespan
• Current Events and Issues in Rehabilitation

Two clinical externships will also be completed during your program. They will usually provide between 630 and 700 hours of clinical experience. Your clinical externship may be conducted in an outpatient center, hospital, or nursing home where your school has a clinical agreement.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing PTA programs in Georgia. Here’s a list of some of the most significant factors to bear in mind as you search for your physical therapist assistant program:

• College size
• The pass rate of the license exam
• Lecture room and lab resources
• PTA Program costs and opportunities for financial aid
• Program admission requirements

As you bring all these physical therapy assistant program factors into consideration, it may be useful to survey college students in addition to recent graduates of the PTA schools you are targeting. Also, talking to employers who have actually employed these graduates can give you more insight into each program’s strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Georgia:

Become a PTA in Georgia
Find PTA Salaries in Georgia