Frequently Asked Questions

The following are common questions asked by people considering this program.

What is the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant and where are they employed?

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled healthcare worker who implements treatment programs under the direction and delegation of the Physical Therapist. These treatment programs are concerned with health promotion, the prevention of physical disabilities and with the treatment and rehabilitation of persons ill, injured and/or born with disabilities. Some duties of the PTA include reading patients' charts; transferring patients; assisting the patient in exercise and ambulation; applying physical agents such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation to specific muscles; instructing the patient and care giver in functional skills; and observing and reporting changes in a patient's condition to the Physical Therapist. Physical Therapist Assistants work in settings where Physical Therapists are employed. These include hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, school systems and other qualified agencies.

What is the application process for the PTA Program?

Please visit the application process area of our Web site for more information.

Are there any recommendations that are not required prior to applying, but would be helpful to have before starting the program?

Current CPR certification would be helpful, as you will need it prior to clinical. Completion of other General Education courses with a C or higher which will be required prior to graduation  will help to decrease some of the load while in the program.  These are:

• BSC 2094C Anatomy and Physiology II
• ENC 1102 English II
• Humanities or Psychology/Sociology (3 credits) *whichever was not taken as a prerequisite

What can you tell me about the program itself?

The PTA Program is a limited-access/limited-quota program. In the Professional Phase, those applicants that have been accepted into the PTA program complete classroom (lecture and lab) and clinical experiences. Each entering class begins in August and follows a two-year, five-semester sequence. The following professional courses are taken at that time: Semester Sequence.

What are the estimated costs of the program?

This list includes not only registration fees for credit hours, but also unplanned or unexpected expenses that come up as part of the program

Approximate Credit Hours and Fees (PTA Professional Courses) 51 Credits

Can you register online?

Yes, for general education classes. Go to MySCC.

What about Financial Aid!

The PTA Program is allocated some scholarship funds for students in need. The Financial Aid Program at SCC should be contacted for consultation as to eligibility of the student for a variety of financial aid programs that have been developed to assist students who would be unable to attend college without aid. Please apply for Financial Aid the semester before which it is desired.

Is employment possible while I am in the program?

Depending on the students study habits, part-time employment is possible throughout the curriculum except during the three full-time internships.

What about if I have other questions, or need something clarified?

Please feel free to contact us at 407.404.6004 with any questions you may have. If you would fill out and return the attached survey and include your address, we would be happy to mail you updates on information sessions that will be held at the college on varying dates and times. If you have questions about courses you have taken and wish to know if they will be accepted as prerequisites for the program please contact the Counseling & Advising office at any SCC campus.

Why should I come to SCC's PTA Program?

Because we:

• Are a High Quality and well respected program
• Supply a solid educational foundation which integrates academic
  courses with hands-on clinical experiences
• Have experienced and dedicated Faculty
• Have a great pass rate on the National Licensing Exam, consistently
  above the state and national average.

Don't take our word for it, you might find what you're looking for in one of the following comments from...

Employers (In Employer Survey of Graduate Performance)

• "I've had the pleasure of working and supervising your interns, new grads, and they have all been excellent."
• "I have nothing but praises for the students that I have been in contact with. They are professional and well-rounded."
• "All seem to have sound understanding of PTA role and interaction with PT-limits, expectations, goals, etc."
• "Thank you for preparing your grads to be a vital member of the rehabilitation team."

Patients (In Questionnaire for Patients of Graduates of the PTA Program)

• "We are truly impressed with her ability."
• "Thus far my expectations have been exceeded."
• "She is such an asset to the PT Department."
• "This gentleman is a credit to his profession."

Graduates (In PTA Graduate Survey)

• "Professionalism as well as patients first."
• "The program prepared me well for every clinical internship and for employment."
• "Overall, excellent program."

Did you know?

SCC's Heathrow facility is conveniently located in the heart of the I-4 high tech corridor.