Academics
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, 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 Polk State 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 Fall semester in August.
Where are the courses held?
All PTA program classes are held at the Winter Haven campus in the WRH building, rooms 100 and 111. General education courses are available in Winter Haven, Lakeland, as well as online/hybrid versions.
What are the requirements for the PTA program?
The requirements for entering the PTA program include the following:
- Application to Polk State College as a degree-seeking student
- Completed application to the PTA program
- Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better:
ENC 1101 – College Comp I
BSC 2085C – Anatomy and Physiology I
PSY 2012 – General Psychology - Completion of at least 10 hours of observation in any physical therapy setting (within 3 years)
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
When is the application deadline?
The PTA program application deadlines are as follows:
a. For linkage students: April 16- April 30 each year (Linkage transmittal forms must be submitted by March 16 each year).
Do I have to complete all the prerequisites before I apply to the program?
No, the three (3) prerequisite courses may be completed during the summer term prior to starting the program’s PHT courses (beginning in the fall term). The students must pass all prerequisite courses with a grade C or better and upload transcripts after completion. However, the 10 observation hours must be completed before applying to the program. Once the completed application has been submitted within the application window, the program’s Admissions Committee will oversee the selection admissions process to determine the students who would be invited for admission to the program for that academic year.
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 general education courses maybe taken before beginning the PTA program. Completion of these courses before entering the program is recommended if possible as it may help to lighten your load once you are in the program. The general education courses that maybe taken before entering the program are:
- MGF 1106 – Liberal Arts Math
- PHI 2600 – Ethics
- BSC 2086C – Anatomy and Physiology II
- HSC 2554 – Principles of Human Disease
Is financial aid available?
Yes, the PTA program is allocated limited scholarship funds for students in need. The Financial Aid department at Polk State 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 have taken at another college transfer to Polk State?
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. The PTA Program does not accept transfer of core PTA courses taken in another PTA Program.
