Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the most common questions asked by students who are considering the PTA Program.

What is the role of the physical therapist assistant?

Physical therapist assistants (PTA) are a skilled healthcare workers who implement treatment programs under the direction and delegation of a physical therapist. These treatment programs are concerned with health promotion; the prevention of physical disabilities; and the treatment and rehabilitation of persons who are ill, injured or disabled. Some duties of PTAs include reading patients' charts; transferring patients; assisting patients in exercise and ambulation; applying physical agents, such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation to specific muscles; instructing patients and caregivers in functional skills; and observing and reporting changes in a patient's condition to a physical therapist.

Where are PTAs typically employed?

Physical therapist assistants typically work in settings where physical therapists are employed, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, school systems and other qualified agencies.

What is the application process for the PTA Program?

Visit the PTA Application Process Web page for more information.

Are there any recommended certifications or courses that are not required prior to applying, but are helpful to have, before starting the program?

Current CPR certification is helpful, as you will need it prior to working your clinicals. Completion of other general education courses with a grade of "C" or higher, which are required before graduation, will help alleviate some of your primary course work load while you are in the program. These courses include:

• Anatomy and Physiology II (BSC 2094C)
• English II (ENC 1102)
• Humanities or Psychology/Sociology (3 credits; whichever course was not taken as a prerequisite to the PTA program)

What can you tell me about the program?

The PTA Program is a limited-access program. In the Professional Phase, those applicants who have been accepted into the PTA Program complete lecture, lab and clinical experiences. Each entering class begins in August and follows a two-year, five-semester sequence.

What are the estimated costs of the program?

The table below outlines approximate tuition and fees, including unexpected expenses that may arise during the program.

Can I register online?

Yes. Visit MySCC to register for general education classes online.

What about financial aid?

The PTA Program is allocated some scholarship funds for students in need. You can contact Seminole State's Financial Aid Office to determine your eligibility for a variety of financial aid programs, which are intended to help students who are unable to attend college without assistance. Be sure to apply for financial aid a semester before you will need it.

Is employment possible while I am in the program?

Depending on your study habits, part-time employment is possible throughout the curriculum, except during your three required full-time internships.

What should I do if I have a complaint about the PTA Program?

Contact the PTA program manager or the program secretary immediately at 407.404.6042. We value community input on our strengths and weaknesses, and will handle complaints and reports of problems quickly.

Why should I choose Seminole State's PTA Program?

Students choose Seminole State's PTA Program because it:

• Is a high-quality and well-respected program.
• Gives students a solid educational foundation that integrates academic courses and hands-on clinical experiences.
• Is taught by an experienced faculty that is dedicated to student success. 
• Has an outstanding National Licensing Exam pass rate, which is consistently above the state and national averages.

• Employers (taken from the Employer Survey of Graduate Performance)
  • "I've had the pleasure of working with and supervising your interns and new grads, and they have all been excellent."
  • "I have nothing but praise for the students that I have been in contact with. They are professional and well-rounded."
  • "All seem to have sound understanding of PTA roles and interactions with PT limits, expectations, goals, etc."
  • "Thank you for preparing your grads to be vital members of our rehabilitation team."
  • "The PTAs we hired that graduated from your program are such an asset to our PT department."

• Patients (taken from the Questionnaire for Patients of Graduates of the PTA Program)
  • "We are truly impressed with your students' ability."
  • "Thus far, my expectations have been exceeded."
  • "These PTAs are a credit to the profession."

• Graduates (taken from the PTA Graduate Survey)
  • "Professionalism as well as patients first."
  • "The program prepared me well for every clinical internship and for employment."
  • "Overall, excellent program."

What if I have other questions or need something clarified?

Call us at 407.404.6004 with any questions you may have about Seminole State's PTA Program. Please complete and submit the PTA Interest Survey if you wish to receive updates on upcoming program information sessions (be sure to include your address). If you want to know if courses you have already taken will be accepted as prerequisites for the PTA Program, contact the Counseling and Advising Office on any Seminole State campus.

Did you know?

Seminole State awarded 1,377 A.A. and A.S. degrees in 2005-06 - an all-time high!