Interested in becoming a Physical Therapist in Georgia? If so, this article will provide you with an overview of the education and licensing requirements required for this career. The article will also discuss the career outlook. The salary and other benefits of this career are described below. Read on to learn more. After completing your education, you will be eligible to begin your journey as a licensed Physical Therapist in Georgia. However, this career is not right for every person.
Salary
In Georgia, the average salary for a physical therapist is $85,210 per year. This is below the national average of $101,070. The table below outlines the salary ranges for physical therapists in metro and non-metro areas. These salaries are listed monthly and yearly, respectively. Read on for more information about the physical therapy salary in Georgia. Also, find out what is the median salary for this career.
The salary of a Physical Therapist in Georgia increases every year, on average, by 9%. However, the increase in compensation is not permanent. Many people pursue higher education to switch jobs. This investment pays off quickly. On average, physical therapists earn a return of the cost of their education in one year. The increase in compensation is enough to justify the additional cost of a higher education program. As a result, salary increases for physical therapists in Georgia can be twice as high as national averages.
Education required
As a licensed physical therapist, you’ll need to complete continuing education credits to stay on top of the latest changes in the field. Georgia requires that physical therapists obtain 30 hours of continuing education credit every two years. Of this, at least 4 hours must be in Ethics or Jurisprudence. You can fulfill this requirement by enrolling in courses or taking an exam from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is required for a position as a physical therapist in Georgia. The education required to earn this degree is a three-year doctoral program. Tuition starts at $25,610 per year for Georgia residents, but it can cost upwards of $90,000 if you choose a private university. However, this program is highly competitive, and you should plan accordingly.
Licensure
To become a licensed physical therapist in Georgia, you need to pass two examinations. The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) are the two required exams for licensing. To prepare for these exams, you can use a study guide or a textbook that covers physical therapy. The NPTE is a national examination that evaluates your knowledge and skills in the field of physical therapy.
Georgia’s Physical Therapy Practice Act specifies that a licensed PT must complete thirty hours of continuing education every two years. Of these hours, four must be in ethics and jurisprudence. The board will audit your continuing education experience and verify that it is related to patient care. While the Georgia Physical Therapy Act is somewhat restrictive in many ways, the wording in the statutes is not. The act also states that Georgia is a direct-access state.
Career outlook
A career in physical therapy is a promising prospect in Georgia. The demand for this profession is expected to grow by 35 percent by 2028, thanks to Georgia’s aging population. The number of people aged 65 and older is expected to rise by 143 percent by 2030. The benefits of physical therapy for senior citizens are numerous. In addition to preventing joint disease, it can help people cope with conditions like cancer or Parkinson’s disease. The benefits of physical therapy are often achieved without the use of drugs.
In Georgia, thirteen hundred physical therapists are employed in hospitals. These therapists treat both acute and chronic injuries. A further 650 work in private practices or in skilled nursing facilities. In Georgia, physical therapists earn an average of $84,910 a year. Physical therapist salaries in these areas vary widely depending on the skill level and the type of job. The Physical Therapy Association of Georgia hosts ongoing education classes and keeps a database of job openings for physical therapists.