Physical Therapy in Georgia
If you are interested in aiding people with their mobility and quality of life, physical therapy could be the perfect career for you. Georgia’s physical therapists work in various settings such as hospitals, home health care facilities and outpatient facilities.
As a physical therapist, your skillset includes taking patient histories, ordering lab tests and performing examinations. Once diagnosed with the problem, you’ll create a treatment plan to increase patients’ mobility and function.
Education Requirements
Georgia offers several accredited Physical Therapy schools offering undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Students in these programs gain knowledge on evaluating and treating abnormal physical function due to injury or disability, as well as various health conditions.
These professionals work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as office practices owned by physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health services, sports and fitness facilities, schools, hospices, and government agencies.
In order to practice physical therapy in Georgia, candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree and pass the national exam required by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The examination covers topics such as physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, medical terminology, and therapeutic modalities.
After earning their undergraduate degrees, students should apply to one of Georgia’s physical therapy colleges for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This intensive clinical training requires nine semesters of academic coursework and three full-time clinical affiliations to ensure successful completion.
Licensing Requirements
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals that assist patients in regaining mobility, strength and flexibility after illness, injury or surgery. They may provide services at hospitals, nursing homes, schools or private practices.
In Georgia, physical therapists must obtain licensure in order to practice. This licensing process is overseen by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.
Before becoming licensed as a physical therapist, individuals must first complete an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This typically takes three to four years and can be completed at either college or university.
After graduating, physical therapists in Georgia must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination in order to be licensed. Furthermore, they must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their license.
Licensees must obtain at least 30 hours of continuing education each biennium on topics related to direct patient care, including occupational therapy assessment, treatment planning and implementation. These hours can be obtained through workshops, seminars, conferences, formal academic coursework or real-time interactive webinars.
Salary
Georgia is home to numerous medical facilities and rehabilitation centers that employ physical therapists, such as hospital outpatient facilities, clinics and nursing homes.
Georgia has an average salary for licensed physical therapists of $98,000, which is nine percent above the national median. However, salaries may differ based on where in the state you work and your specialty.
To become a physical therapist, you must first complete an associate of science degree program and obtain your license. Liening requirements vary by state; the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy provides information on licensing authorities in each one. As part of your studies, you’ll gain knowledge about the profession as well as its rules and regulations. Afterward, you must take exams to earn your license; these include the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and Georgia Law Examination; materials provided by Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy can help prepare you for these exams.
Work Environment
Physical Therapy in Georgia presents a wide range of job prospects. Thirteen hundred physical therapists work in hospitals; another 650 offer home-based care; and another 310 assist patients at skilled nursing facilities.
In Georgia, the average salary for a Physical Therapist is around $88,950 per year. Employers often provide competitive benefits like paid time off and retirement savings options to their employees.
A Physical Therapist‘s role is to evaluate, design and implement a personalized treatment plan that includes techniques for increasing patient mobility, core strengthening and other wellness-oriented activities. This requires working closely with patients and their families.
Finding a rewarding PT job in Georgia is simpler than you might think, thanks to the abundance of high-quality career options available. To find the ideal opportunity, it’s essential to be clear about each position’s requirements and ask hiring managers for more details regarding their perks and benefits packages. Finding your ideal match will allow you to progress in your career while enjoying an enjoyable working environment.