Q. What is Physical Therapist Assistant?
A. Licensed physical therapist assistants are educated health care providers that work under the supervision of a licensed professional physical therapist and assist in the provision of physical therapy interventions. The physical therapist assistant helps manage conditions such as sprains/strains, fractures, back and neck injuries, sports and work related injuries, and others.

Q. When does the program start and what is the application deadline for the program?
A.  The program begins every January.  Applications must be submitted by September 1st. Applications may be accepted after the deadline date.  However, applications accepted after the deadline date may not be considered for the upcoming program class.

Q. What are the application requirements?
A. To apply to the program, you must have completed or be enrolled in ENC 1101 at the time of application.  However, the selection of students for the program is based on the number of required general education and science courses completed at the time of program selection.

Q. What are the admissions/selection criteria?
A. Because enrollment is limited in this program, admission/selection criteria is based on the number of required general education and science courses completed at the time of program selection with top priority given to students that have completed all of the required general education and science courses.  Additionally, GPA is included in the selection process.

Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the general education and science courses?
A. You can apply to the program before completing these courses. However, selection is based on the number of courses completed.  You are encouraged to complete all of the non-program courses to increase your chances of acceptance into the program.

Q. How much does the program cost?
A. As of June 2008, the cost of tuition is $78.24 per credit for in-state students and $282.27 per credit for out-of-state students. Here are estimates for total tuition, based on 74 credits at these per-credit rates. In-state students: $5,790.00. Out-of-state students: $20,888.00. Tuition is due at the beginning of each term and can be determined by multiplying the number of credits by the cost per credit hour. Additionally, over the course of the program, students should expect to pay approximately $350 for books, $125 for name tags, uniforms and footwear, and $15.50 annually for malpractice insurance. Most laboratory courses have an additional fee between $20.00 and $50. All costs are subject to change.

Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?
A. You will receive an Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.  This will qualify you to take the licensure examination offered through State of Florida Board of Physical Therapy.

Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. The program classes are offered weekdays from approximately 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A. Employment is not encouraged.  Students must earn at least a final grade of “C” or better in each course to continue in the program. If students must work, they are encouraged to work a maximum of 20 hours per week to be successful in the program.

Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?
A. The Medical Center Campus does not provide job placement.  Through the Career Center located in the New Student Center on the Medical Center Campus, graduates may review employment opportunities that have been forwarded to the Career Center.

Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession after graduation?
A. To work as a Physical Therapist Assistant, a license is required in the State of Florida.  This license requires that you first pass the credential examination offered by the State of Florida Board of Physical Therapy.