Physical Therapist Assistant Program, AS

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is delivered to the students at Broward College and Edison State College via distance learning technology. Lectures are broadcast in real time so that all sites participate in lecture classes together. The individual sites manage lab sessions. The clinical education component of the program is managed by the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education at the Broward site. The program provides the student with the opportunity to develop technical skills relative to physical therapy through planned clinical, classroom, and laboratory experiences. The graduate will be prepared to provide a variety of services under the direction and guidance of a supervising physical therapist.

The program is a full-time day program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A licensing examination is required upon completion of the two-year program and the Physical Therapist Assistant shall be eligible for an appropriate membership category in the American Physical Therapy Association. The program is offered at the Edison State College Lee County Campus.

This is a limited access program with the degree awarded by Broward College. Applicants should access admission information online at http://www.broward.edu/pta/ or call the Edison State College Health Technologies Office at (239) 489-9255. Applicants should review the program’s website at www.edison.edu for additional information. In order to successfully progress through the Physical Therapist Assistant program, students must successfully achieve all affective, cognitive, and psychomotor objectives, achieve a grade of “C” or above in all program courses, a grade of “S” in all clinical practicums, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher. Contact the Program Site Coordinator for additional progression criteria.

Physical Therapist Assistants Typically Earn:

Nationally, median annual earnings of physical therapist assistants were $46,140 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,170 and $54,900. In Florida, the annual median wage was $51,300.* Consistently, 90% of Edison State graduates from this program are locally placed.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008, 31-2021 Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes312021.htm#st (visited Feb. 23, 2010).

Career/Industry Opportunities:

• Hospitals
• Private Clinics
• Athletic Organizations
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Nursing Homes
• Home Health Agencies
• School Systems

Criteria for Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science Program:

• Applicants must have a minimum degree GPA of 2.5.
• Applicants to the program will be ranked according to the Admission Point System detailed below. 
• Upon acceptance to the program, students must complete a Background Check and Drug Screen.
• Once accepted into the Program, students must successfully complete a continuing education course: Online Test Drive prior to the start of PHT courses in Term I, August. Completion of this course is not required for application to the Program. Registration information will be provided to students following application to the Program.
• Applicants must complete a Medical History and Physical Examination prior to the start of PHT courses in Term I, August. Completion of the physical is not required for application to this Program. 

Admission Point System for PT Assistant Program:

Degree GPA

Completion of General Education Core Courses with a grade of “C” or above

 Residency

 Requirements for the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science Degree:

• Complete a minimum of 74 semester hours of credit and a degree grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
• Complete the following courses (Degree Core Requirements as shown below) with a grade of “C” or higher.