Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program are prepared to become credentialed as Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) upon completion of the full-time two-year program and after successful completion of the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination. The Physical Therapist Assistant shall be eligible for an appropriate membership category in the American Physical Therapy Association.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will provide the framework for graduates to work with patients who have lost function or been disabled by illness, surgery, accidents or congenital conditions. Physical therapy is an active and progressive occupation that requires constant close contact with new people, technology and treatment methods. Under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, physical therapist assistants work closely with people of all age groups who have a wide range of physical problems. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Children with developmental delay
- Adolescents with sports injuries
- Adults, following workplace injuries or surgery
- Elderly patients with conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, or amputations.
Current occupational employment and wages data for Physical Therapist Assistants are published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-5
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program is delivered to the students at Broward College and Florida SouthWestern 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.
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 at 239-489-9494 for additional progression criteria.
Accreditation:
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Broward College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation @apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.
Application, Admission, Graduation Requirements:
Students must apply for admission to Broward College in addition to the PTA Program and meet all admissions criteria found at www.broward.edu/healthsciences The program is a limited access program. Admission to Broward College does not guarantee admission into the program. Students are required to complete a supplemental application and meet specific criteria. There are a limited number students admitted to the program each year. Applicants may review Broward College Physical Therapist Assistant program information at www.broward.edu/pta and can access admission information at www.broward.edu/healthsciences or call 954-201-2892.
Information is available online at: www.fsw.edu/academics/ and on the School of Health Professions Home page at: www.fsw.edu/sohp
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