FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What is the role of a PTA and where is a PTA employed?

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a member of the healthcare team who implements treatment programs under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. These treatment programs are concentrated in health promotion, the prevention and/or treatment of physical disabilities. Some duties of the PTA include reading the patient’s chart, transferring the patient, assisting the patient in exercise, gait training, and ambulation, applying physical agents such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to specific muscles, instructing the patient and caregiver in functional activities, and observing and reporting changes in the patient's condition to the Physical Therapist.

PTAs work in settings where physical therapists are employed. These include hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, school systems, and colleges and universities.

Do I have to have a license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Florida?

Yes, successful completion of the PTA program at PSC will allow you to be eligible to take the Florida State Board exam.

When does the PTA program begin?

The PTA program begins a new class every August.

Where are the courses held? 

All classes are held at the Winter Haven campus of PSC. All classes will be held in the WRH building—rooms 100 and 111.

What are the requirements for the PTA program?

The requirements for entering the PTA program include the following:

When is the application deadline?

The PTA program admits students under a “rolling admissions” process. The completed program application should be submitted to the program Director or Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education. The date and time the application is received will be noted and documented on the application. To be eligible for admission to the PTA Program, the application should be received on or before May 31 of the year the applicant intends on being admitted to the program. The applicant will be admitted to the next available class based on time of completion of the prerequisite courses and seat availability.

Do I have to complete all the prerequisites before I apply to the program?

No, you may apply to the program even before you complete the prerequisites. Once the completed application has been submitted, you are accepted into the program on a “first come, first qualified” basis. You will be admitted to the next available class after completion of the prerequisites and if there are seats available.

Will I be able to work part time while in the program?

Yes, depending on the student’s study habits and organization, part-time employment is possible except during the three full-time clinical affiliations (unless you work at night). Classes are held Monday through Thursday: mornings or afternoons. Program requirements are rigorous, and students must make a commitment to the program to ensure success.

Can I take the other general education courses before beginning the PTA program?

Yes, the other general education courses maybe taken before beginning the PTA program.  Completion of these courses before entering the program may help to lighten your load once you are in teh program.  The general education courses that maybe taken before entering the program are:

Is financial aid available? 

Yes, the PTA Program is allocated limited scholarship funds for students in need. The Financial Aid department at PSC should be contacted for consultation for eligibility of the student for a variety of financial aid programs available to assist students who would be unable to attend college without aid.

Will courses that I've taken at another college transfer to PSC? 

That depends on the courses taken and the content of those courses. Courses that are transferred from other colleges are evaluated and accepted to determine credits via equivalency.