National Licensure Exam

After the program has been granted accreditation, students who complet the PTA Program will be awarded an associate of science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant and will be eligible to applly for the National Physical Therapy Examination – PTA, which must be passed and a state license issued in order to practice physical therapy.

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy develops and administers (NPTE) for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in 53 jurisdictions – the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These exams assess the basic entry-level competence for first time licensure or registration as a PT or PTA within the 53 jurisdictions. https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates

In addition, the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy  requries all licensure applicatns to pass an examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy before granditng initial licensure: Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module

It is important for PTA students to be knowledgeable of all Georgia and Board of Physical Therapy Regulateions regarding the review of candidates for eligibilyt for both initial and continuing licensure. Questions on the application for licensure address these rules. For detailed information, please review O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19. Refusal to grant, revocation, and reinstatement of licenses; surrender; probationary license.