Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure in Georgia
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $191
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Renewal Costs $45
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CE Requirements 30 Units
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Georgia, you'll be working with the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the GOALS Portal (Georgia Online Application Licensing System). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your GOALS Account: Head over to the GOALS Portal and create a new user account. This is the hub where you will submit your application, pay your fees, and track your status. Hit submit on the application as soon as you can—it doesn't have to be perfect to get the process started, but you do need to be in the system.
- Register for GAPS: You will need a fingerprint-based background check via GAPS (Georgia Applicant Processing Service). Once you have your application on file, you'll receive specific instructions (often via email or inside the portal) on which vendor to use—typically Fieldprint or IdentoGO. Do not schedule this until you have submitted your application, as you'll need a specific "Reviewing Agency ID" (ORI number) provided by the Board.
- Take the GA JAM: Georgia requires the Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (GA JAM). You can register for and take this online assessment directly through FSBPT. It’s an open-book assessment, but don't sleep on it—you need a passing score to get licensed.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A secure and verifiable document (like your Driver's License or Passport), your Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the last few years.
- Items to Request: Request your Official Transcripts to be sent directly from your school to the Board (email is usually fastest if they accept digital). You also need to transfer your NPTE/NPTAE scores via FSBPT to Georgia.
- Exams: You must pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (GA JAM).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Georgia:
- Application Fee: $75
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $65
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $191
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Georgia Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by December 31st of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $45.
Note: There is a short late renewal period from January 1st to January 31st, but be aware that it incurs an additional penalty fee.
CE Requirements
30 CCUs (Continuing Competence Units) required every two years.
Deadline: December 31st of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for those managing Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Georgia allows all 30 CCUs to be completed via online or home-study courses, provided they are from approved providers.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy, the APTA or its state chapters (like PTAG), or the FSBPT (ProCert). General portals like MedBridge are accepted and highly efficient for travelers.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics and Jurisprudence (4 CCUs): You must complete four units specifically covering Georgia law and professional ethics every renewal cycle.
Excluded Topics: Georgia strictly excludes CPR, First Aid, financial gain/office management, and orientation to specific facility policies or equipment from counting toward your CCU total.
New Licensee Rule: If you are licensed during the first year of the biennium (odd year), you must complete the full 30 CCUs. If you are licensed during the second year (even year), you are only required to complete 15 CCUs for your first renewal.
Reporting: Georgia utilizes CE Broker for digital tracking. You are required to record your completed CCUs in the CE Broker system before your license can be renewed.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217-3858
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (478) 207-2440
- Email: PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist Assistant license in Georgia, you'll be working with the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through the GOALS Portal (Georgia Online Application Licensing System). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your GOALS Account: Head over to the GOALS Portal and create a new user account. This is the hub where you will submit your application, pay your fees, and track your status. Hit submit on the application as soon as you can—it doesn't have to be perfect to get the process started, but you do need to be in the system.
- Register for GAPS: You will need a fingerprint-based background check via GAPS (Georgia Applicant Processing Service). Once you have your application on file, you'll receive specific instructions (often via email or inside the portal) on which vendor to use—typically Fieldprint or IdentoGO. Do not schedule this until you have submitted your application, as you'll need a specific "Reviewing Agency ID" (ORI number) provided by the Board.
- Take the GA JAM: Georgia requires the Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (GA JAM). You can register for and take this online assessment directly through FSBPT. It’s an open-book assessment, but don't sleep on it—you need a passing score to get licensed.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A secure and verifiable document (like your Driver's License or Passport), your Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the last few years.
- Items to Request: Request your Official Transcripts to be sent directly from your school to the Board (email is usually fastest if they accept digital). You also need to transfer your NPTE/NPTAE scores via FSBPT to Georgia.
- Exams: You must pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (GA JAM).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Georgia:
- Application Fee: $75
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $65
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $191
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Georgia Physical Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by December 31st of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $45.
Note: There is a short late renewal period from January 1st to January 31st, but be aware that it incurs an additional penalty fee.
CE Requirements
30 CCUs (Continuing Competence Units) required every two years.
Deadline: December 31st of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for those managing Travel Physical Therapist Assistant CEUs: Georgia allows all 30 CCUs to be completed via online or home-study courses, provided they are from approved providers.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy, the APTA or its state chapters (like PTAG), or the FSBPT (ProCert). General portals like MedBridge are accepted and highly efficient for travelers.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics and Jurisprudence (4 CCUs): You must complete four units specifically covering Georgia law and professional ethics every renewal cycle.
Excluded Topics: Georgia strictly excludes CPR, First Aid, financial gain/office management, and orientation to specific facility policies or equipment from counting toward your CCU total.
New Licensee Rule: If you are licensed during the first year of the biennium (odd year), you must complete the full 30 CCUs. If you are licensed during the second year (even year), you are only required to complete 15 CCUs for your first renewal.
Reporting: Georgia utilizes CE Broker for digital tracking. You are required to record your completed CCUs in the CE Broker system before your license can be renewed.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217-3858
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (478) 207-2440
- Email: PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.