How to Guide: Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant
- How to Apply
- After you Apply – What to Expect
- Disability Accommodations
- Veteran’s Preference
- Fees
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
- PT / PTA Reinstatement
- PT and PTA Endorsement
- PT and PTA Renewal
- How to File
How to Apply
If you would like to apply as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew every two years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application, get it signed and notarized, and pay the required fee.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Immediately after applying, you must register and complete a fingerprint background check to be considered for licensure. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) awarded Fieldprint the contract to provide a service for electronic submission of fingerprints for Georgia applicants. The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) is simple and easy to use.
- To watch the training video to navigate the process: Training Video(hyperlink is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AeGPQQuXQ4).
- To access a downloadable set of instructions for the process: GAPS_Fieldprint Instructions.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by December 31st of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is January 1st through January 31st of even numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication for the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form >>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. See program information here >>
- If you are claiming veteran’s preference points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
|
Physical Therapist Application |
$75 |
|
Physical Therapist Assistant Application |
$75 |
|
PT Renewal |
$65 |
|
PT Late Renewal |
$90 |
|
PTA Renewal |
$45 |
|
PTA Late Renewal |
$55 |
|
Reinstatement (if expired less than 2 years) |
$100 |
|
Reinstatement (if expired more than 2 years) |
$150 |
|
Inactive status |
No fee |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Physical Therapist
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of Employment Form
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Training Permit
- Background Consent Form
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit
- Traineeship Reporting Form
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Physical Therapist Assistant
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of Employment Form
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Training Permit (if applicable)
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
A non-refundable application fee of $75.
Physical Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit (if applicable)
- Traineeship Reporting Form (if applicable)
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
A non-refundable application fee of $75.
PT / PTA Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license before you must submit a reinstatement application and fee.
If you have previously held this license before you must submit a reinstatement application and fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Compact Privilege
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Dry Needling Approval
- CV/Resume
- Made Eligible for NPTE
- NPTE - Passing Score
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit (if applicable)
- Traineeship Reporting Form (if applicable)
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
A non-refundable application fee of $100.
PT and PTA Endorsement
If you have previously held this license in another state and you are service member, a transitioning service member or a military spouse you will apply for licensure by reciprocity. You must submit this application by mail.
If you have previously held this license in another state and you are service member, a transitioning service member or a military spouse you will apply for licensure by reciprocity. You must submit this application by mail.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Official College Transcripts
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Training Permit (if applicable)
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
A non-refundable application fee of $150.
PT and PTA Renewal
If you currently hold this license and need to renew to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before December 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
If you currently hold this license and need to renew to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before December 31st of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the right hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
Please note that a license will remain in “Active-Renewal Pending” status when:
- A licensee has applied for renewal before the deadline; and,
- A licensee has supplied all of the required information to complete the renewal application before the deadline; and,
- It has been determined that the application requires additional review by the Board.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. §50-13-18(b), a license in this status is not considered to be lapsed, expired, inactive or invalid until the renewal application has been finally decided upon by the Board. If the license remains in that status or another active licensing status as allowed by statute or rule, the licensee may legally continue to engage in the practice of the profession.
Licensees will be notified of a change in status by email.
A non-refundable application fee of $65 for PTs and $45 for PTAs.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Call 404-424-9966 and request a paper renewal coupon be mailed to you. When completed, please mail the renewal coupon, the required fee, and any supporting documents to:
Georgia Board of Physical Therapy
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
- After renewing online or by mail, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed.
- Please note, if you fail to apply for the renewal of your license before the deadline, a reinstatement application will be required. Reinstatement applications must be submitted by paper only.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource American Academy of Physical Therapy
- Online Resource American Physical Therapy Association
- Online Resource APTA Georgia (formerly PTAG)