Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree

Program Overview

St. Petersburg College's Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree prepares students for a career as a PTA, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to pass the national licensing exam. The program integrates lecture and clinical lab classes, providing hands-on experience under the supervision of professionals. Graduates have a high success rate on the licensure exam and employment opportunities in various healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

St. Petersburg College's Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree equips students for a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The degree prepares graduates to pass the national licensing exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Objectives:

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the essential functions of a Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Prepare students for success on the national licensing exam.
• Facilitate the transfer of graduates to a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration at SPC.

Program Description:

• Integrates lecture and clinical lab classes.
• Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Provides students with hands-on experience in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Diseases and problems commonly treated in physical therapy
• Therapeutic exercise, functional training, and soft tissue massage
• Legal and ethical responsibilities

Assessment Criteria:

• Grade of "C" or better required in all courses
• Successful completion (78%) of a comprehensive program exam given at the end of the second year

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Physical Therapist Assistant

Opportunities:

• Assisted living facilities
• General and rehabilitation hospitals
• Higher education centers
• Home health agencies
• Orthopedic/sports rehabilitation clinics
• Pediatric health centers
• Public schools
• Rehabilitation equipment companies
• Skilled nursing facilities

Outcomes:

• Graduation rate of last two graduating classes: 75.8% (2023-2022)
• Performance on licensure exam: Overall ultimate passing rate of last two graduating classes: 98.1% (2023-2022); First time pass rate of last two graduating classes: 94.25% (2023-2022)
• Employment rate of last two graduating classes: 100% (2022-2021)