Barry PhilipsIf you are planning to become a physical therapist in Georgia, choosing the right physical therapy school is one of the most important steps in your career journey. Physical therapists help people recover from injuries, manage pain, improve mobility and regain independence after illness, surgery or physical limitations.
In Georgia, students can choose from several universities offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. These programs combine classroom instruction, laboratory training and supervised clinical education to prepare graduates for professional practice.
Admission into a physical therapy program can be competitive. Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree or the required undergraduate preparation, prerequisite courses, a competitive GPA, observation or clinical experience, recommendation letters and an application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
This guide highlights the top physical therapy schools in Georgia, their locations, program features and common admission requirements.
Top Physical Therapy Schools in Georgia
1. Emory University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Emory University is widely regarded as one of the strongest options for students seeking a physical therapy education in Georgia.
Its DPT program is part of Emory’s health sciences and medical environment, giving students exposure to a major academic medical institution.
Students receive education in movement science, patient care, rehabilitation, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
The program also places significant emphasis on clinical education, allowing students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world patient care.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Physical therapy observation experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
- Additional program-specific requirements
Emory can be particularly attractive to students who want to study in Atlanta and gain exposure to a major healthcare environment.
2. Mercer University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Mercer University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is another excellent option for aspiring physical therapists.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, patient management and professional development.
Students receive classroom and laboratory instruction before progressing through clinical experiences.
Mercer is also attractive to graduates who may eventually want to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy.
Common admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive undergraduate GPA
- Physical therapy observation experience
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
- Interview or other program-specific requirements
Applicants should review Mercer’s current prerequisite list carefully because completing the wrong courses can delay an application.
3. Augusta University
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Augusta University is one of Georgia’s major health sciences universities and offers a well-established pathway into professional physical therapy.
The university’s healthcare-focused environment can be especially beneficial for students interested in working alongside professionals from different healthcare disciplines.
The DPT curriculum combines scientific knowledge with clinical skills and practical patient-care training.
Applicants should generally prepare for requirements such as:
- Bachelor’s degree or required undergraduate coursework
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Competitive GPA
- Physical therapy observation
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
Students should check the university’s latest admission cycle for exact prerequisite requirements.
4. Georgia State University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Georgia State University offers a DPT program in the heart of Atlanta.
The university’s location provides students with access to a large metropolitan healthcare environment and numerous potential clinical settings.
The program prepares students in areas including human movement, rehabilitation, patient assessment and therapeutic intervention.
Typical requirements may include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Clinical observation
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
Students should also pay attention to prerequisite grade requirements, since simply completing a course may not be sufficient if the grade falls below the program’s minimum.
5. Georgia Southern University
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Georgia Southern University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Armstrong Campus in Savannah.
The program provides students with a combination of academic instruction, laboratory education and clinical experiences.
Its location in Savannah can appeal to students who prefer studying outside Atlanta while still having access to a substantial healthcare community.
Applicants should expect requirements such as:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- Science coursework
- Observation or clinical experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
- CPR and health documentation requirements where applicable
Georgia Southern is an option worth considering for students who want a public-university DPT education.
6. University of North Georgia
Location: Dahlonega, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
The University of North Georgia is another established institution for students seeking a DPT in Georgia.
The university combines academic preparation with practical clinical education designed to help students transition into professional physical therapy practice.
Prospective students should pay particular attention to the prerequisite courses and application timeline.
Common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree or required undergraduate preparation
- Prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Observation experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
- Interview where applicable
Students interested in UNG should begin prerequisite planning early.
7. Brenau University
Location: Gainesville, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Brenau University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program for students seeking professional preparation in physical therapy.
The program combines foundational sciences with clinical education and professional development.
Because DPT education requires significant laboratory and clinical preparation, students should expect an intensive academic workload.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- Physical therapy observation
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
- Other university-specific requirements
Brenau may appeal to students looking for a private-university environment.
8. PCOM Georgia
Location: Suwanee, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
PCOM Georgia is another important option for prospective physical therapists in the state.
The institution has a strong focus on healthcare education and offers students the opportunity to learn within a broader health-professions environment.
Its DPT program prepares students for professional practice through academic, laboratory and clinical education.
Admission requirements can include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Physical therapy observation
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- PTCAS application
- GRE, where required or applicable
Students should carefully review PCOM Georgia’s current requirements because standardized-test policies and application requirements can change.
9. South College – Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
South College’s Atlanta campus provides another option for students seeking professional physical therapy education.
Students considering this program should carefully investigate the program’s current accreditation status, admission requirements, curriculum and clinical education opportunities before applying.
Prospective students should review:
- Bachelor’s degree requirements
- Prerequisite courses
- GPA requirements
- Clinical or observation experience
- Application deadlines
- PTCAS requirements
- Accreditation information
- Tuition and financial aid
This is particularly important when comparing established programs with newer or expanding physical therapy programs.
What Prerequisite Courses Do You Need for Physical Therapy School?
One of the biggest mistakes prospective DPT students make is waiting until their final undergraduate year before checking prerequisite requirements.
Different physical therapy schools may require different courses.
Common prerequisites include:
Biology
Many DPT programs require general biology courses, sometimes with laboratory components.
Chemistry
General chemistry is commonly required, while some programs may also require organic chemistry.
Physics
Physics is another common prerequisite because physical therapy involves principles of movement, force and biomechanics.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology are among the most important subjects for future physical therapists.
Some schools require separate anatomy and physiology courses, while others accept integrated courses.
Psychology
Psychology courses help students understand human behavior and psychological factors that can influence rehabilitation.
Statistics
Statistics is commonly required because physical therapy education emphasizes research, evidence-based practice and interpretation of scientific literature.
Exercise Physiology
Some programs require exercise physiology or a related course, although this is not universal.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist in Georgia?
The pathway to becoming a physical therapist generally involves several stages.
First, students typically complete a bachelor’s degree or the undergraduate coursework required for admission.
After completing the prerequisites, students apply to a DPT program.
A professional DPT program generally takes approximately three years of full-time study, although the exact length varies by institution.
After graduating, candidates must satisfy the licensing requirements applicable in the state where they intend to practice, including passing the required physical therapy licensure examination.
Therefore, becoming a physical therapist is a significant long-term educational commitment.
How to Get Into a Physical Therapy School in Georgia
Getting admitted to a DPT program requires more than simply meeting minimum requirements.
Maintain a Strong GPA
A competitive GPA can strengthen your application, particularly in prerequisite science courses.
Students should avoid assuming that the minimum GPA listed by a university is the GPA needed to be competitive.
Complete the Correct Prerequisites
Make a list of every DPT school you are considering and compare their prerequisite requirements.
This can prevent you from reaching application season only to discover that you are missing an important course.
Gain Physical Therapy Experience
Observation experience allows applicants to demonstrate that they understand what physical therapists actually do.
Try to gain experience in different clinical settings when possible.
Develop Relationships With Professors
Recommendation letters are an important part of many DPT applications.
Build genuine relationships with professors and supervisors who can eventually provide detailed recommendations.
Prepare a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain why physical therapy is the right career for you.
Focus on your experiences, motivation and understanding of the profession rather than simply saying that you want to “help people.”
Apply Through PTCAS
Many DPT programs use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.
Applicants should create their applications early because collecting transcripts, recommendations and other documents can take time.
How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost in Georgia?
The cost of attending physical therapy school varies considerably depending on the institution.
Public universities may offer different tuition rates for Georgia residents and nonresidents, while private universities generally have their own tuition structures.
In addition to tuition, students should budget for:
- University fees
- Books
- Laboratory expenses
- Housing
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Clinical education expenses
- Professional equipment
- Licensing and examination costs
When comparing programs, don’t look only at advertised tuition. Consider the total cost of attendance and the amount of debt you may have after graduation.
What Should You Look for in a Georgia DPT Program?
The cheapest program is not necessarily the best program, and the most prestigious program may not be the best fit for every student.
Consider these factors:
- Accreditation
- Graduation rates
- Licensure examination performance
- Employment outcomes
- Clinical education opportunities
- Faculty experience
- Class size
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Location
- Housing costs
- Specialization opportunities
- Research opportunities
Most importantly, confirm the program’s current accreditation status before submitting an application or paying a deposit.
Physical Therapy Schools in Georgia Comparison Table
| Rank | School | Location | Degree | Institution Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emory University | Atlanta | DPT | Private | Medical/research environment |
| 2 | Mercer University | Atlanta | DPT | Private | Clinical and professional development |
| 3 | Augusta University | Augusta | DPT | Public | Health sciences education |
| 4 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | DPT | Public | Urban healthcare environment |
| 5 | Georgia Southern University | Savannah | DPT | Public | Public university DPT education |
| 6 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | DPT | Public | North Georgia students |
| 7 | Brenau University | Gainesville | DPT | Private | Private university environment |
| 8 | PCOM Georgia | Suwanee | DPT | Private | Health-professions education |
| 9 | South College – Atlanta | Atlanta | DPT | Private | Atlanta-based DPT option |
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Conclusion
Georgia offers several strong options for students who want to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Among the schools worth researching are Emory University, Mercer University, Augusta University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, PCOM Georgia and South College’s Atlanta campus.
Before applying, prospective students should carefully compare each school’s prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, observation requirements, application deadlines, tuition, accreditation status and clinical opportunities.
The best physical therapy school in Georgia is ultimately the one that provides the right combination of academic quality, clinical preparation, affordability and career opportunities for your individual goals.
If becoming a physical therapist is your long-term goal, start preparing early. Complete the right prerequisite courses, maintain a strong academic record, gain meaningful physical therapy experience and build a well-rounded application. With careful planning, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate for a DPT program in Georgia.