The Physical Therapist Assistant program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help rehabilitate patients disabled by birth defects, injury or disease. Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of the physical therapist to assist patients in restoring physical function, prevent permanent disability and maximize physical performance in the activities of daily living. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded an Associate in Science degree in Physical therapist Assistant.

After completion, students are eligible to apply for licensure. The licensing examination is given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Career Opportunities at:

•  Assisted living facilities
•  General hospitals
•  Higher education centers
•  Home health agencies
•  Orthopedic/sports rehabilitation clinics
•  Pediatric health centers
•  Public schools
•  Rehabilitation equipment companies
•  Rehabilitation hospitals
•  Skilled nursing facilities

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.

A national licensing examination is given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy . 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. Requirements for Health Related Programs (6Hx23-4.53) apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
2. Completion of:
1. BSC 2085 Anatomy and Physiology I and BSC 2085L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory, with a grade of "C" or better, HSC 1531 Medical Terminology, ENC 1101 Composition I or (Honors) Computer Literacy Competency with grade of "C" or better.
2. A 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in at least 9 semester hours of Physical Therapist Assistant general education and support courses.
3. Students transferring from another physical therapist assistant or other health related program must be in good standing such program. (Exceptions will be handled by the Provost's Office at the Health Education Center.
4. Completion of a minimum total of 24 hours of observation, volunteer service or work experience in a physical therapy departments. This requirement must be completed in at least two (2) different types of clinical agencies. (Physical therapy experience must be verified by a signed statement from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant).
5. 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.
6. Within three (3) months prior to enrolling in the first specialty course each student must have a physical examination by a licensed physician or advanced RN practitioner verifying satisfactory health status. This must include all immunizations, tests, and health verification as specified within contractual agreements with affiliating agencies. This may be required on an annual basis at the discretion of the program director.

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

• All transcripts from high schools (or GED) and college (s) currently or previously attended must be received. Students who have completed an AA or BA degree are not required to submit high school transcripts.

• Prior to acceptance and enrollment into this program, applicants must pass a background check and drug screening (see Special Application and Admission Requirements for Health Related Programs).

• Liability and clinical accidental insurance must be obtained through the College for which a special fee will be charged.

• Program requirements are subject to change. Students should check with a counselor, advisor or the program director.

• In order to be successful in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, the student must be able to demonstrate essential student functions.

• Complaints generated from the Community that fall outside of the College's due process may be reported to either  the PTA Program Director, or the Health Education Center Provost.  Documentation regarding complaints and outcomes will be filed in the Health Education Center Provost Office.

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).

Contact Information
HEC_Advising@spcollege.edu

(727) 341-3687