Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA-AS)

PROGRAM GOAL:Upon successful completion of the prescribed course of study, students will receive an Associate in Science degree. Graduates will be prepared to make application for the Physical Therapist Assistant licensing examination. Graduates wishing to be employed in Florida are required, under Chapter 486, Florida State Physical Therapy Practice Act, to be licensed.

For more information about this program visit the Health Sciences Website!

The PTA program is an intensive two-year program that requires a strong commitment to full-time study for the entire two years. Once selected, the program is designed to be completed on a full-time basis because the courses must be taken sequentially and are generally offered only once per year. The major courses are offered during the day time. The program is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Before beginning this program of study, students should obtain a program application packet from the Division of Health Sciences, containing a current listing of admission and course requirements.

Application Process:

1. Admission to Gulf Coast Community College must be granted prior to applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
2. Scores from the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test or the equivalent course (see application packet) must be submitted showing the following minimum scores: English, 83; Reading Comprehension, 83; Algebra (not arithmetic), 72 or achieve a grade of "C" or better in MAT 0024 or higher level math course. Completion of a higher level algebra course will also satisfy this requirement. The tests are administered by the testing center at Gulf Coast Community College.
3. Official transcripts from high school and other colleges attended must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records. Transfer credit for non-physical therapist assistant courses must be evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Records. A minimum GPA of "C" or 2.0 is required. Preference is given to those students with a math/science background and a GPA of 2.8 or better.
4. A completed health sciences application must be submitted, including technical standards and prerequisites. The satisfaction of minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. Admission is competitive among eligible applicants. Final selections will be made by the Admissions Committee based on an objective point system computed from the admissions criteria.
5. One class per year will be admitted in the fall semester. Application deadline for the fall class is May 5th. If the class is not filled, the application deadline may be extended.
6. Students not admitted for the year in which they applied must reapply if they wish to be considered for entry in a subsequent year (no waiting list).
7. Program Policies: Specific program policies can be found in the Student Handbook for Physical Therapist Assistant Students.

Requirements after Conditional Acceptance:

• Satisfactory fingerprint / criminal background check.
• Completion of physical examination (with satisfactory results), including copy of immunization form.