Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the most common questions asked by students who are considering Seminole State's Physical Therapist Assistant (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. PTAs read patients' charts; transfer patients; assist patients in exercise and ambulation; apply physical agents, such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation to specific muscles; instruct patients and caregivers in functional skills; and observe and report changes in a patient's condition to a physical therapist.

Where are PTAs typically employed?

PTAs 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 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 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.

Approximate Credit Hours and Fees (PTA Professional Courses; 51 Credits)
Fee Name	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Tuition Fees Per Credit Hour	$91.43	$326.90
Books	$900	$900
Professional Attire	$135	$135
Passport Photo	$15	$15
Lab Fees and Liability Insurance	$260	$260
School Accident Insurance	$86	$86
Graduation	$120	$120
Student Membership in APTA	$95	$95
Physical Exam and Hepatitis B Vaccine	$250	$250
Criminal Background Check	$35	$35
Licensure Exams (2)	$735	$735
Estimated Expenses Professional Phase (Program)	$7,193.93	$19,202.90
General Education Courses	23 credit hours	23 credit hours
Estimated Expenses Preparation Phase (General Education Courses)	$2,202.89 (not including books)	$7,618.70 (not including books)

Can I register online?

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

What about financial aid?

The PTA Program is allocated some scholarship funds for students in need. Contact the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility.  Be sure to apply early.

Is employment possible while I am in the program?

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

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?

Seminole State's PTA Program:

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

But don't just take our word for it. Read what some of our stakeholders have to say about Seminole State's PTA Program:

• 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. 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 taken will be accepted as prerequisites for the PTA Program, contact the Counseling and Advising Office on any Seminole State campus.

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