Developing PTA Program
Middle Georgia State University is developing and seeking accreditation for a Physical Therapist Assistant Program, which is planned to be offered on the Dublin Campus. For more information email us at:
Mission Statement
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program prepares compassionate, competent, and ethical entry-level physical therapist assistants who enhance the health, function, and well-being of individuals and communities throughout Georgia and beyond. Through a rigorous academic curriculum, immersive clinical experiences, and a supportive learning environment, the program equips graduates to deliver high-quality, movement-based care, with a focus on serving rural and underserved populations. The program emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, cultural responsiveness, and professional growth, fostering a commitment to excellence in physical therapy practice.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapy practitioners are movement experts who provide a wide range of treatments across multiple body systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary systems. Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are essential members of the healthcare team, ensuring continuity of care under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
PTAs provide care techniques such as:
- Patient and client education
- Manual therapy techniques
- Gait training and neurological rehabilitation
- Therapeutic exercise and functional training
- Soft tissue techniques
- Use of physical agents (e.g. electrical stimulation, laser, heat/cold)
These interventions help patients improve mobility, manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability, ultimately promoting independence and quality of life.
Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?
- People recovering from orthopedic conditions such as fractures, joint replacements, amputations, and sports injuries
- Individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
- Children and adults with developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other neuromuscular disorders
- Patients with cardiopulmonary conditions including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and post-surgical recovery needs
- Older adults seeking to maintain independence, strength, balance, and mobility
- People with work-related conditions such as back pain, repetitive stress injuries, or workplace trauma
- Anyone seeking to improve movement, manage pain, and maintain a high quality of life
A Rewarding and Growing Profession
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PTAs is projected to grow by 16% between 2024 and 2034, the median annual salary for PTAs was $65,510 in 2024, with top earners making more than $87,630.
If you are interested in a career that combines science, service, and compassion to help others achieve mobility and independence, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant may be the right path for you.
Accreditation Statement
Effective April 29, 2026, Middle Georgia State University's Physical Therapist Assistant Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditationsupport@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 478-934-7478 or email .
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.