2232: A.S. Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (74 Credit Hours)
CIP: 51.0806
FL CIP: 1351080601
SOC: 31-2021
This is a limited-access program. Please consult CF.edu/LimitedAccess for information on limited-access programs.
The Physical Therapist Assistant works under the supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs are directly involved in patient treatment, performing such duties as applying physical agents, and designing and carrying out exercise programs. They provide direct patient care of individuals who experience temporary or permanent disability due to pain, injury, disease or birth defects.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a limited-access program. A limited-access program is one in which both program admission and course registration are restricted to a certain number of students meeting predetermined criteria. Limited-access status is justified when student demand exceeds available resources or accreditation requirements (i.e., student/faculty ratios, instructional facilities and equipment, clinical sites) or the nature of the program calls for specific admission requirements. Limited access programs have admissions processes and criteria beyond general college admissions. While any student meeting the minimum criteria is encouraged to apply, not all applicants may be accepted.
Criteria for Application
- Attend a mandatory PTA program information session
- Be admitted to CF in good standing
- Grade of C or higher and 2.75 GPA or higher in required general education courses
- Completion of the PSB Health Occupations Reading Comprehension Aptitude Examination with 40th percentile rank or above on the reading comprehension portion
- Completion of 16 hours of observation in two different physical therapy settings: 8 hours in a long-term care/subacute care setting and 8 hours in an outpatient physical therapy setting
- A reflective journal on the observation experience
Once a student is accepted into the program these additional criteria apply:
- Criminal background check.
- Physical examination, student health history form, student immunization record and proof of drug screen.
- American Heart Association Heart Code Basic Life Support Certification for the Healthcare Provider.
- HIV/ AIDS Education and domestic violence education.
- Attendance at a PTA program new student orientation.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, CAPTE, 3030 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305-3085, Telephone 703-706-3245, email address accreditation@apta.org, website http://www.capteonline.org. The PTA program graduate must take and pass a state-administered national examination in order to become licensed and eligible to practice.
Please note that completion of the PTA program does not guarantee entry into a physical therapy program. The PTA course work (technical phase) does not transfer to most physical therapy schools.
Application directions are explained at the required information sessions. Call 352-873-5817 for dates and times of information sessions or view at CF.edu/Health.
The program policies, including attendance, grading, clinical behaviors and readmission guidelines, are found in the student handbook that each student obtains once admitted to the PTA program.
This program is eligible for federal and state financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information about your individual eligibility.
The Economic Security Report provides students, parents and others with employment, earnings and other outcome information on graduates of Florida’s public institutions of higher education, e.g., State University System, Florida College System and District Technical Centers. To view the report, please go to https://pr.cf.edu/files/community/economic-security-report.pdf.
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