Welcome to the Physical Therapist
Assistant Program
The physical therapist
assistant is a skilled technical health care worker who carries out
patient treatment programs under the direction of the physical
therapist. The assistant works to relieve pain and/or increase function
in patients via therapeutic application of heat, cold, light, water,
electricity, sound, massage, exercise, gait and functional activity.
Physical therapist
assistants work in a variety of settings which include:
- hospitals
- rehabilitation agencies
- schools
- outpatient clinics
- nursing homes
- home health agencies
- sports medicine clinics
- traveling therapy agencies
Persons interested in
pursuing this program should be comfortable working with people of all
age groups in close one-to-one relationships. They should enjoy physical
activity and be patient and empathetic when working with others.
Upon completion of the
program, the student is awarded an Associate in Science in Physical
Therapist Assistant degree.
This program is structured as a part-time program. A state licensing examination is given by
the
Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice. The goal of this
program is to provide knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will
culminate in successful employment of the graduate as a licensed
Physical Therapist Assistant.
Requirements of the PTA Program
(College Rule 6Hx23-4.60)
I. Program Admission
Eligibility to start the first specialty course in the program is
based upon the following minimum requirements:
-
Completion of at least
12 credits from the general education and/or support courses
required for the AS degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.
-
Completion of a minimum of 24 hours
of observation, volunteer service or work experience in a physical
therapy department. This requirement must be completed in at least 2
different types of clinical agencies.
(Physical therapy experience must be verified by a signed statement
from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.)
-
Completion of:
1. BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I and BSC 1085L Anatomy and
Physiology I Laboratory with a grade of "C" or better.
2. A 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in at least 12 semester
hours of Physical Therapist Assistant general education and support
courses.
-
Successful completion of the
requirements for a Basic Rescuer CPR Certificate and Basic First Aid
Certificate. The CPR Certificate must include a practical
component, a purely on-line course will not be accepted.
-
Prior to acceptance an enrollment into this program,
applicants must pass a background check and drug screening.
II. Special Progress Requirements
In order to enroll in any PHT course with prerequisites, a grade of
"C" or better must have been earned in all prerequisite PHT courses.
III. In addition to SPC graduation
requirements, students must meet these special graduation requirements.
-
A grade of "C" or better in all
Physical Therapist Assistant courses in this program.
-
Students must satisfactorily complete
an end-of-program competency assessment examination.
Important Information
-
Liability and clinical accidental insurance must be
obtained
through the College for which a special fee will be charged.
-
Students admitted to this program must have a
physical examination
by a licensed physician or an advanced RN practitioner verifying
satisfactory health status and a dental examination verifying oral
health status prior to entrance into the first session of the
program.
This must include all immunizations, tests, and health verifications
tests, and health verifications as specified within contractual
agreements with affiliating agencies. This may be required on an
annual basis at the discretion of the program director.
-
Program requirements are subject to change. Students
should
check with a counselor, advisor or the program director.
-
Students transferring from another Physical Therapist
Assistant
or other health-related program must be in good standing in such
program. (Exceptions will be handled by the Provost's Office at the
Health Education Center.)
-
In order to be successful
in the Physical Therapist Assistant
Program, the student must be
able to demonstrate
essential
student functions.
-
The Physical
Therapist Assistant program at SPC has had no official complaints
originate outside the institution. A process has been created and
posted. Complaints from those not affiliated with the institution
will be reviewed by the
PTA Program Director,
Health Education
Center Provost and other administrative personnel as needed.
Complaints investigated and deemed legitimate will be addressed
until resolved and documented.
|
Caruth Health Education Center
7200 66th Street North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
(727)341-3687  |