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.

I. Program Admission

Eligibility to start the first specialty course in the program is based upon the following minimum requirements:

1. Completion of at least 12 credits from the general education and/or support courses required for the AS degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.

2. 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.)

3. 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.
   

4. 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.
   

5. 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.

1. A grade of "C" or better in all Physical Therapist Assistant courses in this program.

2. 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

Forms & Applications
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Program Outcomes

Graduation Rate:

• Graduation Rate for the Class of 2007: 71.79%

• Graduation Rate of Last Three Graduating Classes: 65.88% (2005-2007)

Performance on Licensure Examination:

• First time pass rate for the Class of 2007: 94.74%

• Pass rate of last three graduating classes: 95.52% (2005-2007)

Employment Rate:

• Employment rate for the Class of 2007: 100%

• Employment rate of last three graduating classes: 100% (2005-2007)

Admissions Procedures:

Applicants who meet the application and admission requirements may submit an application at any time. Approximately 40 applicants will be admitted every August on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. Eligible applicants not admitted for the year in which they apply may be listed as an alternate for that year and will be admitted for the next available class. Students who fail to enroll and/or attend the term for which admission is granted must reapply for a future date or students may be slotted into an earlier class on a space available basis. (Exceptions will be handled by the Provost's Office at the Health Education Center). At the time of application, minimum requirements must be completed. Students must continue to meet the admission requirements at the point of matriculation (enrollment).