We are the first public institution in the state of Georgia to receive approval to grant the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Our mission is to prepare doctors of physical therapy who are committed to clinical excellence, professional distinction, and the pursuit of scholarly activities that contribute to the body of scientific and clinical knowledge.  A major feature that distinguishes our program is the depth and breadth of our faculty.  Known for their foundational and clinical knowledge, the faculty are leaders in their professions.  Emeritus faculty, clinical adjunct faculty and part-time instructors enhance our clinical and academic instruction.

Faculty clinical research interest focus on topic such as exercise-induced and traumatic muscle injuries and the functional relationship between muscle and bone.  Specific areas include wheelchair locomotion and skill trainings Tai Chi for individuals with disability, diabetes, motor learning and older adults.  Still other faculty research mobility methods for children with cerebral palsy, lymphedema, virtual reality for enhancing rehabilitation, and fall prevention.

Our faculty collaborate with renowned experts in the metro area as well as around the country. The clinical research projects conducted by our faculty have been funded by the Department of Defense, by the National Institutes of Health, by National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, by Paralyzed Veterans of America, and by American Association of Retired Persons.

We welcome students to our program from diverse backgrounds and locations, majors and interests. We value that diversity. Our students are simply the best.

Exceptional learning opportunities await each student, whether on campus, or at one of our clinical affiliation sites. We have affiliations with over 200 different healthcare facilities, many within the metro Atlanta area, but also, across the country, including Maine, New York, and Wisconsin. Unique opportunities await students as they partner with faculty members and conduct student research projects, contributing to the evidence themselves. Students have the opportunity to present their research at local, state, and national meetings.