Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science
	Physical Therapy Assistant (Physical Therapist Assistant) (222A)
	The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a skilled technical health care provider who works under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist (PT) in the assessment, treatment and prevention of physical disability resulting from injury, disease, pain, birth defects and other health-related conditions. The PTA, working as a member of the rehabilitation team, assists in implementing the treatment program according to the plan of care developed by the PT. Typical duties of the PTA include training patients in exercise, ambulation and activities of daily living; conducting treatment using specialized equipment; administering therapeutic physical agents such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation; assisting in the performance of tests; and observing and reporting patient responses and changes in condition to the PT. It is also one of the 30 fastest-growing U.S. occupations for the next decade. Interested students can learn more about the profession of physical therapy and the role of the PTA by contacting the professional association. American Physical Therapy Association, 111 N. Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314, Telephone: 1.800.999.2782, www.apta.org.
	Certification and Licensing:
	Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the physical therapist assistant licensing exam.
	Requirements and Curriculum:
	The following courses must be completed prior to beginning the technical phase: *MAC 1105, **PHY 1020C, +**BSC 2085C, +**BSC 2085C, ENC 1101 and DEP 2004.
	Accreditation:
	Florida Community College at Jacksonville's PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
	General Courses
	ENC 1101 English Composition I (3)
	+**BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
	*MAC 1105 College Algebra (3)
	***Humanities (3)
	DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development (3)
	Credit Hours: 16
	Professional Courses:
	Required Professional Courses
	+**BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
	**PHY 1020C Physics for Liberal Arts with Laboratory (3)
	Physical Therapist Assistant Courses
	PHT 1000C Introduction to Physical Therapy (3)
	PHT 1120C Kinesiology (3)
	PHT 1200C Basic Patient Care (5)
	PHT 1300 Pathological Conditions (3)
	PHT 2220C Physical Agents and Mechanical Modalities (4)
	PHT 2252C Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy (5)
	PHT 2253C Neurological and Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy (6)
	PHT 1212C Electrotherapeutic Modalities (4)
	PHT 2801L Physical Therapy Clinical Practice I (4)
	PHT 2931 Trends in Physical Therapy (2)
	PHT 2810L Physical Therapy Clinical Practice II (6)
	PHT 2820L Physical Therapy Clinical Practice III (6)
	Credit Hours: 51
	Total Credit Hours: 74
	*Refer to General Education Requirements
	*Students who qualify may substitute a higher-level mathematics course. Students opting to earn an associate in applied science may take MAT 1033 instead of MAC 1105. **A minimum grade of "C" is required in math and science courses.
	***Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements. Students may elect to take this course during the first spring or summer term of the professional phase. However, it is highly recommended that it be completed prior to beginning the professional phase. +If these courses have been completed more than five years prior to enrollment in the technical phase, a competency examination with a specified minimum passing grade of seventy percent will be required.
	You have two options in this program: the associate in science (A.S.) degree, which can prepare you for employment or transfer to a state university, and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, which is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. Please see an advisor to determine the option that is best for you.
	Application Procedures:
	The PTA program is a selective access program. Information packets are available from the PTA department, North Campus (904.766.6513). The following steps are simplified for space. Refer to the program packet for complete application steps.
	1. Be accepted for admission to FCCJ or be currently enrolled.
	2. Submit a completed application to the PTA department. Incomplete and late applications not accepted.
	3. Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C, and a combined GPA of 2.5
	4. Complete the Revised PSB - Health Occupations Aptitude Examination.
	5. Submit documented evidence verifying 10 hours of observation, volunteer service and/or work exp.
	6. Send a copy of official college transcripts to the PTA program.
	6. Send a copy of official college transcripts to the PTA program.
	Applicants will be ranked according to a scale based on GPA, test scores and experience.
	The 24 highest ranked applicants are accepted.
	Following admission to the professional phase a physical will be required.
	Total Tuition and Fees:
	Estimated tuition is $4,300 (for Florida residents as of 7/03)

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