Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.

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Banner Code: PTAA

Associate in Science

(74 credit hours)

The Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is designed to graduate physical therapist assistants to assist physical therapists in the rehabilitation of patients/clients.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Accreditation was granted until 2010.

To be officially considered for admission into this program, a student must:

have a high school diploma or GED certificate,
obtain the general college admission application by calling the FGC Admissions Office, (386) 754-4396. Submit the completed application to the Office of Admissions,
complete a supplemental PTA department application,
take a placement exam as prescribed by State Board of Education Rule. For placement testing, make an appointment by calling (386) 754-4335,
complete all first year general education courses with a grade of C or better,
complete 24 hours of clinical exposure in a physical therapy setting,
write a summary of your acquired clinical experience,
schedule an appointment at (386) 754-4358 to meet the program coordinator to answer any of your questions before formal admission into the program.

Students will comply with FDLE screening when admitted. In addition, students will be certified drug free by urinalysis.

Courses designated as (CO) are occupational Physical Therapist Assistant classes, and (GE) are general education courses.

First Year

A student is required to successfully complete all of the following Phase 1 courses before being formally accepted into the second year of the PTA program. A grade of C or better is required in each course with an average GPA of 2.5 to be considered for admission in the PTA program. Phase 1 courses consist of general education and a specialty course, called Introduction to Physical Therapy (PHT 1004 ). Phase 1 courses need to be completed by the end of the Spring Semester of the year of application. The following sequence is suggested for taking the Phase 1 courses:

Fall Semester: 16 Credit Hours

ENC 1101 - Freshman Composition I 3 credits
MAC 1105 - College Algebra 3 credits
BSC 2085 - Anatomy and Physiology I 3 credits
BSC 2085L - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1 credit, 3 Lab hours weekly **
PHY 1020 - Essentials of Physics 3 credits
HSC 2531 - Medical Terminology 3 credits

Spring Semester: 13 Credit Hours

PHI 2600 - Ethics 3 credits ****
SPC 1017 - Oral Communications 3 credits *****
BSC 2086 - Anatomy and Physiology II 3 credits
BSC 2086L - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 1 credit, 3 Lab hours weekly **
DEP 2004 - Human Growth and Development 3 credits

Note(s):

*Courses that may substitute for MAC 1105 - College Algebra are: MGF 1106 - Mathematics for Liberal Arts I or other higher math courses.

**Anatomy & Physiology I and II must be completed within the last five years prior to starting PTA second year.

****Courses that may substitute for PHI 2600 are: PHI 1100 - Introduction to Logic , HUM 2551 - Philosophy and Religion , MUL 1010 - Music Appreciation , and HUM 2020 - Introduction to Humanities .

*****Course that may substitute for SPC 1017 - Oral Communications is: SPC 2608 - Public Speaking .

Second Year

Summer Term C: 12 Credit Hours

PHT 1175C - Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology 4 credits, 90 contact hours of lecture & lab
PHT 1200 - Basic Patient Care 3 credits, 45 contact hours of lecture
PHT 1200L - Basic Patient Care Lab 2 credits, 60 contact hours of lab
PHT 1224C - Therapeutic Techniques and Disabilities 3 credits, 60 contact hours of lecture & lab