Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree

What You Need to Know

• In order to be successful in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, you must be able to demonstrate essential student functions.
• See our estimated program fees.
• Liability and clinical accidental insurance must be obtained through the college for a fee.
• 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.
• Complaints generated from the community that fall outside of the college's due process may be reported to either PTA Program Director Rebecca Kramer or Health Education Center Provost Phil Nicotera.

Resources

• American Physical Therapy Association 
• Florida Physical Therapy Association 
• Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice 
• Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy 

Program Outcomes

• Graduation Rate of Last Three Graduating Classes: 61% (2010-2012)
• Performance on Licensure Examination: Pass rate of last three graduating classes: 98.6% (2010-2012)
• Employment Rate of last three graduating classes: 100% (2010-2012)

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation inPhysical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, 1-800-999-2782.

Helping people regain or attain the ability to walk and carry out daily activities can be very satisfying. As a physical therapist assistant, you're an integral part of a rehabilitation team that helps patients improve their quality of life by restoring physical function or preventing permanent disability.

Features

• Prepares you for the national licensing exam through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
• Provides lecture and clinical lab classes as part of your learning experience
• Prepares you for quick entry into your career
• Is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association 
• Puts you in a health care setting under the close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for clinical courses

Careers

Our program prepares you to become a physical therapist assistant.

You can find more information through Career One Stop and Florida's Labor Market Statistics Center.

Outlook

Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to increase 46 percent through 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. This soaring demand is due in part to an increasing aging population, particularly baby boomers who are staying more active later in life than previous generations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Opportunities

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

What You Will Learn

• Diseases and problems commonly treated in physical therapy
• The basics of therapies used, including therapeutic exercise, functional training and soft tissue massage
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Industry standards and safety regulations

Continuing Your Education

This A.S. degree transfers to our bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration.