A Calling
Like No Other.
Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function.
Physical therapists are health care professionals that diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. Physical therapists (PTs) treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. 1
An education in physical therapy allows individuals the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of career settings (including hospitals, private practices, educational institutions, work settings, nursing homes, and more). Physical therapists must be licensed in the state where they wish to practice. After completing an accredited doctoral physical therapy program, individuals must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to become licensed.
MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
1 American Physical Therapy Association
Department of Physical Therapy
Health Sciences Campus
Room 1304
987 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912
"Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience." -APTA vision statement
Augusta University offers a 3-year doctoral program in Physical Therapy, which is comprised of 9 semesters, including 36 weeks of clinical experience.
We train talented and ambitious learners to grow into autonomous health professionals. We combine first-rate classroom instructions and laboratory practices with extensive clinical training at sites throughout Georgia and the southeastern United States.
Our learner-centered approach emphasizes active learning, problem-solving skills, and evidence-based practices.
As a program accredited by CAPTE, graduates of the Augusta University Doctor of Physical Therapy program are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). When earning a passing score on the NPTE, a physical therapist is then eligible to apply for licensure to practice physical therapy in any state within the United States or US owned territory.
Licensure Boards by state
Applications must be submitted through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Learn more about the application process.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Augusta University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 706-721-1518 or email mnovak@augusta.edu
Other educational programs offered by the Department of Physical Therapy: CAPTE only evaluates entry-level DPT programs for accreditation and does not accredit transitional DPT, post-professional degree program, residency or fellowship programs. The residency programs offered by Augusta University are evaluated for accreditation by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
More information about ABPTRFE and the accreditation status of any residency or fellowship program »
"Dr. Johnson's commitment to the pro bono clinic is changing patients' lives and impacting our PT students who have the opportunity to participate in the care of this underserved population,' said Colleen Hergott, DPT, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy.
“We want our students, faculty and members of the surrounding community to have opportunities to work and learn from individuals from various backgrounds," said Dr. Michelle Johnson, coordinator of the Visiting Scholars Program.
“This investment shows an institutional commitment from our leadership to the notion that Augusta University is committed to quality instruction,” said Dr. Zach Kelehear, vice provost for instruction.
“I've always had an interest to help other people get to their goals and being able to speak to them that are close to graduating and trying to find their path that thing is very important.”
