Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 490 - RULES OF GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Chapter 490-2 - LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Rule 490-2-.03 - Licensure: Foreign-Educated Applicants

(a) Transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency approved by the Board to determine if the professional instruction is substantially equivalent to that of entry-level United States-educated therapists. The credentialing evaluation agency shall evaluate the transcripts and professional instruction using the most recent Coursework Tool (CWT) adopted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and send its evaluation and a copy of the official transcript directly to the Board. A list of credentialing agencies approved by the Board shall be included in each application packet.

(b) Proof of licensure/certification/registration, that is current and in good standing, to practice physical therapy, or proof of appropriate eligibility to practice physical therapy, in the country of education must be submitted.

(c) Verification of licensure/certification/registration in all jurisdictions in which the candidate holds or has ever held a license/certification/registration must be submitted.

(d) Applicants educated in a non-English speaking physical therapy program must take and receive a passing score of 89 on the IBT TOEFL to include: a passing score of 22 on the writing section, a passing score of 22 on the reading section, a passing score of 21 on the listening section and a passing score of 24 on the speaking section before being allowed to sit for the licensure examination. Official score results must be submitted to the Board.

(e) Applicants educated in an English speaking physical therapy program must have a school official submit an official letter to the Board attesting that the physical therapy curriculum was taught in English.

(f) Once a completed application is on file and prior to initiation of a traineeship, all foreign educated applicants must take and pass the NPTE and the examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

(g) All foreign-educated applicants must complete a Board-approved traineeship consisting of a minimum of 480 hours, which must be completed within three (3) months of the issuance of the traineeship permit. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Board if the applicant has demonstrated clinical competency with a minimum of 5 years of continuous active practice and license in good standing.