Physical Therapist Assistant AS Degree Program
Important Program Application Information
The application period is May 1 through May 31 each year with the first semester of PTA Program coursework starting in the subsequent fall term. An online application is available on the PTA Program’s website during the application period.
The following prerequisite courses must be completed or in the process of completion at the time of application and before beginning professional core (PHT) courses.
- ENC 1101 – College Composition I
- BSC 2085C – Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Must be taken within 5 years of application)
- BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Must be taken within 5 years of application)
- One of the following: POS 2041 – American National Government, or AMH 1020 AMH 1020 – History of the United States: 1877 to the Present, or AMH 1010 – History of the United States: 1607-1877
- One of the following: MGF 1130 Mathematical Thinking, STA 2023 Introduction to Probability and Statistics, or MAC 1105 College Algebra
The program has a new application requirement consisting of attending one Program Informational Meeting, times and dates are posted below.
- March 12, 2025, at noon (Virtual Only) Zoom link https://polk.zoom.us/j/5906255588?omn=86009716345
- April 16, 2025, at noon (Virtual Only) Zoom link https://polk.zoom.us/j/5906255588?omn=86009716345
- April 30, 2025, at noon (Virtual Only) Zoom link https://polk.zoom.us/j/5906255588?omn=86009716345
- May 14, 2025, at noon (Virtual Only) Zoom link https://polk.zoom.us/j/5906255588?omn=86009716345
Please note: To apply to the program, students must be admitted to the College before applying. This process can take 6-8 weeks. Please click here for more information.
Please visit the Admissions Requirements page here for further information regarding the Admissions Requirements.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Programs: AS-25540
As an integrated two-year curriculum, the program offers the students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science degree with immediate entry into a rewarding career upon successful completion of the licensure exam.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical Therapist Assistants are members of the healthcare team who provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. A PTA provides patients treatment for various diagnoses across the lifespan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. PTAs help patients regain or maintain their independence and achieve functional goals and mobility.
For more information about salary, education, licensure, and work settings, please visit the American Physical Therapy Association website here.
Program Details
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Polk State College is an integrated two-year curriculum and offers an opportunity to earn an Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree with immediate entry into a rewarding career upon successful completion of the licensure exam. The Program is a 74-credit Associate in Science degree program that trains and qualifies graduates to work in the physical therapy field. A student seeking admission must first be admitted to the College and complete the prerequisite courses before beginning the program. The program requires a separate application process for acceptance into the program. The program follows a merit-based point system for the selection admissions process. Please see the admission requirements for more details.
OUTCOMES
Graduation, Employment, and Licensure Pass Rates
| Cohort | First-Time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
| 2023 | 90% | 100% | ||
| 2022 | 54.6% | 100% | ||
| 2021 | 59.1% | 68.2% | ||
| 2022-2023 | 71.4% | 100% | 61% | 100% |
| 2021-2022 | 57.5% | 78.7% | 77.8% | 100% |
Accreditation
The Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Polk State 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: www.capteonline.org.
If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 863.669.2904 or email mkrell@polk.edu.
If you need to contact the program directly, please contact:
Mary Krell, MPT
Program Director, Physical Therapist Assistant
Phone: 863.669.2904
Internal Extension: 5751
Email: mkrell@polk.edu
Regina Tino, CCI
Coordinator, Clinical Education, Physical Therapist Assistant
Phone: 863.669.2906
Internal Extension: 5754
Email: rtino@polk.edu
