Georgia residents have a sizable list of in-state DPT program options – currently eight accredited institutions offer a program including Emory University, Georgia State University, and Georgia Southern University – to name a few. With all of these options plus hybrid online Doctor of Physical Therapy programs to consider, you will need to evaluate several factors in order to decide which programs to apply to. This guide will help you as you make these decisions.
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On-Campus Programs vs Online DPT Programs in Georgia
Online and on-campus DPT programs each have their pros and cons – examining your own needs and learning styles will help you figure out what works best for you. If you are short on free time, an online program without a strict class time requirement may allow you to complete your degree when you can squeeze it in. If you have more availability and learn better in a classroom, an on campus program may be best.
Last Updated: 3/7/21
Online DPT Programs
Any DPT option featuring online learning among current program offerings is considered a hybrid option – this is because all online programs require some trips to campus to learn skills that need to be learned in person. While this requires some travel depending on your proximity to the program, it still does ease the burden of reporting to campus several times per week. And at least when it comes to clinical requirements – placement sites can typically be secured locally to you (check with the programs you are considering to make sure this is the case). This makes for a pretty convenient option for those who are trying to avoid relocating themselves and their families in order to complete their degree.
There are two types of online learning formats:
- Synchronous – requirements completed in real time, allowing for collaboration with other students. Anything from live typed chat discussions to video streaming is synchronous
- Asynchronous – requirements that are completed on a student’s own time, such as a homework assignment or prerecorded lecture
You should always contact programs directly to best learn how they are delivered.
On Campus DPT Programs
You are probably very familiar with how on campus learning works – students report to campus several times per week for class, and then complete homework assignments on their own time in between classes. With physical therapy there are clinical requirements, which means that on campus students will also report to clinical sites some semesters to complete clinical hours and gain crucial real world experience. Online students do this too, the only difference being that placement sites are secured locally to them.
How Long do Georgia DPT Programs Take to Complete?
Two and a half to three years is the typical amount of time it takes to complete a DPT program, though this can vary. Both on campus and hybrid offerings can take shorter or longer than this, depending on if they are accelerated or are offering more flexibility by spacing out requirements.
You can see the specific program lengths for Georgia on campus and online DPT programs in the tables below.
Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Georgia Students
The following are examples of hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Be sure to check with the school to see if they are authorized to operate in your state.
| School Name | Type | Live Classes | On-Campus Requirements | Time to Complete |
| Arcadia University (Sponsored) | Hybrid | Yes | Unspecified | 2 years |
| Baylor University | Hybrid | Some | Twice per semester | 2 years |
| Nova Southeastern University | Hybrid | Some | Every 4th week | 4 years |
| South College | Hybrid | No | Quarterly | 2 years |
| Tufts University | Hybrid | Some | Eight visits | 2 years |
| University of Southern California (Sponsored) | Hybrid | Yes | Up to twice per semester | 3 years |
| University of St. Augustine | Hybrid | Some | Twice per month | 4 years |
On Campus DPT Programs in Georgia
The following DPT programs have Georgia campuses.
| Program | City | Time to Complete | GPA Requirement |
| Augusta University | Augusta | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Brenau University | Gainesville | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Emory University | Atlanta | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Mercer University | Atlanta | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Suwanee | Suwanee | 3 years | Unknown |
| University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | 3 years | 3.0 |
General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Georgia
To become a physical therapist in Georgia, here are some common steps. Be sure to check with the state licensing agency for specific state requirements:
- Earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree – Consider looking for physical therapy programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) which may help you ensure you meet certification requirements in the future.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) – To do this, you will need to get approval from both the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the state of Georgia.
- Get Licensed – Make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy so that the state can issue your certification once you pass and check with the board to make sure you meet any additional requirements for licensure. This is a high-level overview, make sure to check out Georgia’s state board for exact requirements.