Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.

(74 credit hours)

The Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, a limited access program, qualifies students to take the national physical therapy licensing exam to become a physical therapist assistant. 

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. 

The program’s current status is withdrawal of accreditation due to two-year pass rates being below the required 85%; for more information, see https://capteonline.org/about-capte/recent-actions-and-updates/recent-actions/public-disclosure-notices.  The college is requesting reconsideration of CAPTE’s decision to withdraw accreditation.  Per CAPTE procedures, 13.7b, after filing for reconsideration, the program’s accreditation status remains intact until a final decision is made. 

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 386-754-4460 or email Christine.McLaughlin@fgc.edu.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate ethical and legal practice that is consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Standards of Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
2. Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient/client management and implement a comprehensive plan of care established by the physical therapist.
3. Students will demonstrate competence in the implementation of selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
4. Students will demonstrate competence in the performance of components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures before, during, and after interventions.
5. Students will participate in the healthcare environment as a member of a patient/client-centered inter-professional collaborative team.

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

• Submit an official high school transcript, GED® or documentation of Home Schooling, and any transcripts from colleges other than FGC to the FGC Office of Enrollment Services.
• Submit a Florida Gateway College admission application to the Office of Enrollment Services.
• Submit the supplemental PTA Program application.
• Complete the PTA entrance exam, TEAS, with a score of 58.7% or higher on Science and Reading Comprehension.
• Complete all first-year courses within Phase I with a grade of C or better.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 or better in all prerequisite courses.
• Complete all program criteria per the PTA Admission Booklet and submit all required forms by the posted deadline.

Career Pathways Admission:
A number of positions will be reserved for Career Pathway students, under a Career Pathway agreement among FGC and the high schools in the service area. To be eligible for one of these positions, a Career Pathway student must meet all requirements for admission included in the PTA Admission Booklet and 1) attend Florida Gateway College for all prerequisite courses, 2) have a minimum 2.8 GPA in all prerequisite courses, and 3) apply to the PTA Program within two years of high school graduation.

Clinical Agency Requirements:
In order to meet clinical agency requirements where student training will take place, all students in Nursing and Health Sciences Programs must now meet state and federal regulations as described by Florida Statutes S. 400.211. An in-depth background screen and drug screen is required. Further instructions regarding the background and drug screen are provided in the acceptance letter.

Random screening within the program may be required. Cost is the responsibility of the student for admission background and drug screening and any further random analysis.

The PTA program is a 1+1 model including 32 credit hours in Phase 1 and 42 credit hours in Phase II. Phase I includes PHT 1007 - Topics in Physical Therapy  which must be completed prior to admission to Phase II. All of Phase I should be completed by the end of Summer term prior to admission to the Program.

Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Total 74 Credit Hours

Program Notes:

• Additional costs are required when admitted to the program, including liability insurance, health insurance, medical examination, background and drug screening, graduation, and licensing fees. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the program.
• Proof of current CPR certification [Healthcare Provider for American Heart Association] is required prior to participation in the clinical portion of the program.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical facilities during the clinical portion of the program.
• Phase II of the PTA program is academically demanding and the transition from general education courses to the technical portion of the program requires adjustment and a full-time commitment. Part-time employment may be possible, but full-time employment is strongly discouraged.

Completion of Phase I does not guarantee admission into Phase II. Interested students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at (386) 754-4280 or the PTA Program Coordinator for a current Admission Booklet.