Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate in Science

After an injury, a patient needs a skilled set of hands to help them recover. This is where you come in. Become trained in physical therapy, and learn the application of physical agents, massage, gait training and therapeutic exercises that help relieve pain and restore function.

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Getting Started: 12-Week Session

Jan. 2:  Financial Aid


Jan. 22:  Application


Jan. 29:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Online degree option: Most courses for our A.S. degrees are offered in person and online, so you can study when and where you want. 
  • Seamless transitionMost A.S. graduates earn credits that can be applied to a bachelor's degree at Seminole State or at the University of Central Florida through DirectConnect® to UCF.*
  • Job Placement: According to state data, most Seminole State A.S. programs have placement rates above 90 percent.

*A.S. students who are planning to transfer to bachelor's degree programs should meet with a counselor, advisor or specialist to make sure the required courses are taken and the entry requirements are met.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Type: Associate in Science
Major Code: PTA-AS
CIP: 1351080601

Program Description

Program Admission

Available Course Course Not Offered Summer 2024

Students must complete all Required Courses with a grade of "C" or higher.

This course introduces the new physical therapist assistant (PTA) student to the physical therapy profession, its professional organizations and the dynamic world of healthcare. Special emphasis is placed on becoming a healthcare professional and understanding the behaviors and responsibilities which by law, ethical standards, and professional standards of conduct are appropriate for a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant. Additional focus is placed upon understanding the role of the PTA in the healthcare system, the role of team members, legal/ethical issues, medical terminology, documentation, stress management, patient safety and privacy, practice parameters and communication skills. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, and cumulative examinations. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is a comprehensive examination of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. The concepts of active and passive insufficiency are introduced and their application to human movement made relevant. Special emphasis is placed upon the observation and analysis of human movement. The course format is mainly lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via quizzes and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is a lab companion to PHT 1120 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed upon palpation, goniometric measurements, manual muscle testing and the analysis of human movement. The course format is mainly demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and/or practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course emphasizes the essential patient care skills necessary for clinical practice. Students will learn the basics of assessment of medical status through vital signs, performance of safe patient mobility, infection control, prevention of pressure injury, body mechanics, wheelchair fitting and mobility, gait training and associated assistive devices, as well as use of modalities such as compression, thermal and cryotherapy. The course format is mainly lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via quizzes and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 1200 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Students will perform assessment of medical status through vital signs, performance of safe patient mobility, infection control, prevention of pressure injury, wheelchair fitting and mobility, gait training with the appropriate associated assistive devices, as well as use of modalities such as compression, thermal and cryotherapy. The course format is mainly demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course emphasizes various physical therapy modalities used to treat pain, edema, weakness, wounds and spasm. Modalities presented include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, soft tissue mobilization, compression wrapping, LASER, traction and hydrotherapy. The course format is mainly lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, quizzes and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 1213 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed on safe use of modality equipment as well as monitoring and documenting patient simulator responses to the treatments conducted. The course format is mainly demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is the first of two full-time clinical experiences designed to introduce students to the clinical setting. Students will treat patients under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Learning in this course is primarily evaluated with the Clinical Performance Instrument. Lab fee required.
This course is a comprehensive examination of the role of the cardiopulmonary system on physical therapy practice. Common pathologies, treatments, medications, lab values, imaging, and necessary treatment modifications for the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematologic systems are discussed. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, and cumulative examinations. Lab fee required.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 2289 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed on mobilizing patients with various cardiac precautions, auscultating heart and lung sounds, airway clearance, and interpreting and responding to electrocardiogram abnormalities. The course format is demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practice exams. Lab fee required.
This course is a comprehensive examination of common adult neurological disorders. Emphasis is placed upon the etiology, pathology, clinical presentation, medical testing, management, prognosis and neurorehabilitation techniques for cerebral vascular accidents, cerebellar disorders and other balance disorders. Normal pediatric sensorimotor development is reviewed. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes and cumulative examinations.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 2253 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed upon students completing the appropriate data collection, neurorehabilitative techniques and patient/caregiver education required for the treatment of disorders discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Students will develop interventions based upon the physical therapist's plan of care/goals, medical reports and the patient response. The course format is demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required.
This course is a comprehensive examination of common adult and pediatric neurological disorders. Emphasis is placed upon the etiology, pathology, clinical presentation, medical testing, management, prognosis, and neurorehabilitation techniques for various disorders including, but not limited to, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, upper and lower motor neuron disorders, ALS, and pediatric neurological disorders. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes and cumulative examinations.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 2255 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed upon students completing the appropriate data collection, neurorehabilitative techniques and patient/caregiver education required for the treatment of disorders discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Students will develop interventions based upon the physical therapist's plan of care/goals, medical reports and the patient response. The course format is demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required.
This course includes the pathologies, treatment modifications, pertinent medications, lab values and imaging for multiple body systems including, but not limited to, immune, integumentary, lymphatic and male reproductive. Additionally, non-system diagnosis including oncology and pertinent genetic/developmental disorders are examined. Lab demonstrations and practice will include wound care treatments such as pulsed lavage, sterile technique, wound dressings, wound cleansing, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser compression garments, edema pumps, edema measurement and compete decongestive therapy. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, cumulative exams, competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams.
This course includes the pathologies treatment modifications, pertinent medications, lab values, and imaging for multiple body systems including, but not limited to, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, metabolic and women's reproductive health considerations. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes and cumulative examinations.
This course builds upon the foundation of the musculoskeletal system and introduces common treatments in physical therapy practice. The effects and therapeutic benefits of range of motion, soft tissue stretching, joint mobilization, and muscle strengthening are examined. Considerations requiring treatment modifications are emphasized. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, quizzes, and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 2224 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed upon range of motion, stretching, joint mobilization, and strengthening techniques. The course format is demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course builds on exercise concepts introduced in Therapeutic Exercise I and integrates knowledge of musculoskeletal and orthopedic dysfunctions. The conservative and post-surgical rehabilitation for specific pathologies is emphasized. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via quizzes and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is the lab companion to PHT 2228 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed upon students completing the appropriate data collection, interventions and patient/caregiver education required for the treatment of disorders discussed in the lecture portion of this course. Students will develop treatment plans based upon the physical therapist's plan of care/goals, medical reports and the patient response. The course format is mainly demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via competency-based skill checks and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course emphasizes the etiology, pathology, clinical presentation, prognosis and general medical management of a variety of musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, metabolic and other system disorders most commonly seen in physical therapy practice. Medical management, including lab values, imaging, pharmacology and their significance and consideration in treatment is emphasized. The course format is mainly lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via quizzes and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is the second of two full-time clinical experiences designed to prepare students for entry-level clinical practice. Students will treat patients under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant. Learning in this course is primarily evaluated with the Clinical Performance Instrument.
This course guides the physical therapist assistant student in the transition from student to licensed clinician. It is designed to cover the content of the Florida Jurisprudence exam, National Physical Therapy Exam preparation, billing, applying for licensure, job interview and resume development skills. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, and quizzes. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course is primarily for science majors or students with a strong biology background. It is a study of the molecular and cellular composition and function of living organisms. Emphasis will be given to structure, chemical metabolism and genetic mechanisms. Laboratory illustrates basic biological principles. Lab fee required. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for A.A. degree seeking students.

Or any Area B or C General Education Science Course (Note: BSC 2010C is a prerequisite for BSC 2093C)

This is the first part of a two-semester course that investigates in detail the structure and function of humans. The course is primarily designed for students of healthcare professions, biology or physical education. We will utilize a "system" approach, examining each organ system at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels and discuss interactions with other systems. Emphasis will be placed on the homeostatic rather than the dysfunctional individual. Lab fee required.
This course is the second part of a two-semester course that investigates the structure and function of humans. The course is designed for students of healthcare professions, biology or physical education. We utilize a "systems" approach, examining each organ system at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels and discuss interactions with other systems. Emphasis will be placed on homeostatic rather than dysfunctional individuals. Lab fee required.
English I Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This is a course in the process of expository writing. Students will compose essays that are unified, organized, logically developed and supported, clearly stated, and well-focused. The analysis of texts and vetting of information will help inform student writing. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Communications requirement for degree seeking students.

Students can satisfy the English Requirement with either ENC 1101 English I or ENC 1102 English II.

College Algebra Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course is a study of the fundamental topics in advanced algebra with emphasis on applications, the understanding of the function concept and manipulative skills. Major topics include operations on algebraic expressions and complex numbers, solving polynomial equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities and rational equations and inequalities, applications, functions, exponents and logarithms, graphs of polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions and systems of equations and inequalities. The use of graphing calculators will be incorporated throughout the course. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students.
or higher level MAC or MAP prefix course that meets General Education requirements.
Art Appreciation Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course introduces students to art from a variety of cultures and historical contexts. Topics include major art movements, varieties of materials and aesthetic theories. Coursework covers formal terms, elements and principles common to the study of art and architecture. The course stresses the relationship of design principles to various art forms including, but not limited to, sculpture, painting and architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods and media and students will have an increased vocabulary of art terminology. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This humanities course is designed to introduce students to the critical study of human culture and its varied expressions across time. Students will employ interdisciplinary methods of analysis through engagement with cultural artifacts in order to develop a foundational understanding of the human experience and its connection to culture. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This humanities course is designed to introduce students to the critical study of human culture and its varied expressions across time. Students will employ interdisciplinary methods of analysis through engagement with cultural artifacts in order to develop a foundational understanding of the human experience and its connection to culture. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities for degree seeking students.
This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and applications of analytical and theoretical approaches to literature. Students will employ critical thinking in their interrogation of the texts. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
Open to all students, this course is designed for the musical layman and is a survey course devoted to music in world civilization. Included is a study of the music relating to the background of the life and other arts of the times. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is designed for the musical layman and is a survey course devoted to music in world civilization. Included is a study of the music relating to the background of the life and other arts of the times. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree-seeking students. Honors level content. Permission from Honors Director required.
This course covers fundamental philosophical questions of the human condition including: discussions of existence, identity, ethics, culture, free will, personhood, politics, distributive justice, and much more. Students engage in deep critical thought, analysis of philosophical perspectives including their own, and ultimately gain perspective on how philosophy manifests itself in every aspect of our lived experience. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement.
This course covers fundamental philosophical questions of the human condition including: discussions of existence, identity, ethics, culture, free will, personhood, politics, distributive justice, and much more. Students engage in deep critical thought, analysis of philosophical perspectives including their own, and ultimately gain perspective on how philosophy manifests itself in every aspect of our lived experience. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement.
This course surveys the art of theatre. Students will learn about the process of creating theatre through study of the production process and the many artists who participate in the creation of theatre. Through videos and attendance at live theatre, students will also learn the various forms of theatre, such as tragedy and comedy and various modes of presentation, both presentational and representational. Students will also be introduced to theatre's historic roots and its diversity as expressed in various cultures throughout the globe. This course contains a reading and writing component. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B. E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This course surveys the art of theatre. Students will learn about the process of creating theatre through study of the production process and the many artists who participate in the creation of theatre. Through videos and attendance at live theatre, students will also learn the various forms of theatre, such as tragedy and comedy and various modes of presentation, both presentational and representational. Students will also be introduced to theatre's historic roots and its diversity as expressed in various cultures throughout the globe. This course contains a reading and writing component. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B. E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.

* POS 2041 or POS 2041H partially satisfies the Civic Literacy requirement. Students entering the Florida College System for the first time in Fall 2022 or later can satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement by passing a course and an assessment.   Refer to the online catalog for assessment options.

This course covers the study of man. It is an introductory course covering the economic, cultural, social and political development and technology of primitive societies. Attitudes, approach to problems and the general way of life of primitive societies are compared with modern societies. The course also provides a brief introduction to the development of fossil man and archaeology. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students.
This is an introductory course covering the nature, scope and methods of economics, economic concepts and economic institutions. Emphasis is placed upon production, consumption, determination of prices, distribution of income, fiscal policy, national income determinants, money and banking and comparative economic systems. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for AA degree seeking students.
This is an introductory course covering the nature, scope and method of economics, economic concepts and institutions. Emphasis is placed upon production, consumption, determination of prices, distribution of income, fiscal policy, national income determinants, money and banking and comparative economic systems. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for AA degree seeking students.
U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course basic aspects of the federal government are studied. Emphasis is placed upon content and interpretation of the Constitution, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the federal court system and the citizen's connection to the federal government by means of elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students and the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
Honors U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, basic aspects of the federal government are studied. Emphasis is placed upon content and interpretation of the Constitution, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the federal court system and the citizen's connection to the federal government by means of elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students and the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
This is an introductory course which surveys the scientific study of behavior and mental processes known as psychology. This course will focus on the major categories identified by the American Psychological Association which are: Biological, Cognitive, Development, Social and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. These categories will encompass topics such as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal behavior, treatment and therapy options, and an introduction to research methods. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections of PSY 2012 have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
This is an introductory psychology course with an Honors designation. It intends to survey the scientific study of behavior and mental processes known as psychology. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course will focus on the major categories identified by the American Psychological Association which are: Biological, Cognitive, Development, Social and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. These categories will encompass topics such as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal behavior, treatment and therapy options, and an introduction to research methods. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections may have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is an introductory survey of sociology covering its scope, methods and general principles. Topics emphasized include group behavior, race relations, population, social institutions, social change and social stratification. The purpose of the course is to assist the student in acquiring an understanding of society. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students.
This course is an introductory survey of sociology covering its scope, methods and general principles. Topics emphasized include group behavior, race relations, population, social institutions, social change and social stratification. The purpose of the course is to assist the student in acquiring an understanding of society. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Note: This course contains Honors level material. Acceptance into the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director required. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students.
Total Credits: 74

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

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Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.

Estimated Program Cost

The Physical Therapist Assistant program follows the same tuition schedule as the College. Additional costs include lab fees, uniforms, books, supplies, background checks, health assessments, as well as graduation and licensing fees. Including general education courses, the approximate total for the Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. degree is $10,863 (based on in-state tuition; subject to change without notice).

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