43-33-13. Requirements for license to practice as physical therapist assistant.

A license to practice as a physical therapist assistant shall be issued to any person who: (1) Is a graduate of an educational program that prepares physical therapist assistants and which is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency and approved by the board or, in the case of an applicant who has graduated from an educational program which prepares physical therapist assistants conducted in a foreign country, has submitted, in a manner prescribed by the board, credentials approved by the board and who has further demonstrated the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language and has satisfactorily completed a three-month board approved traineeship under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed under this article; (2) Has satisfactorily passed an examination prepared or approved by the board; (3) Is not disqualified to receive a license under the provisions of Code Section 43-33-18 or subsection (b) or (c) of Code Section 43-1-19; and (4) Has satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for the issuance of a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. Such applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check.