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: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application


Aug. 26:  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 Fall 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 professionalism in the healthcare industry. Special emphasis is placed on becoming a healthcare professional and understanding the behaviors, responsibilities, and practice guidelines set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and the State of Florida. Students will understand the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) model and its relevance to the profession, and develop an understanding of health care disparities, social determinants of health, justice, equity, diversity, inclusion (JEDI), and belonging. Additional focus is placed on medical terminology, documentation, patient safety and privacy, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), practice parameters, professionalism, 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 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 1120 and provides laboratory practice for those skills requiring hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed on palpation, goniometric measurements, manual muscle testing, and the analysis of human movement. 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 emphasizes the essential patient care skills necessary for a physical therapist assistant. 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 lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, 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 (including lifting and transferring), 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 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. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
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/practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
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 in conjunction with various common diagnosis & pathologies. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
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. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
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 various disorders including but not limited to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, upper and lower motor neuron disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and vestibular disorders. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
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. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course includes the pathologies, treatment modifications, pertinent medications, lab values, and imaging for multiple body systems including, but not limited to immune, integumentary, and lymphatic. Additionally, non-system conditions including oncology are examined. Lab demonstrations and practice will include wound care treatments such as pulsed lavage, sterile technique, wound dressings, wound cleansing and assessment, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER), and lymphedema management techniques. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, cumulative exams, competency-based skill checks, and oral/practical exams. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
The 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, pelvic health and pregnancy-related therapy. The course format is lecture and discussion. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, quizzes, and cumulative examinations. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course builds upon the foundations 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. 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 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 upon concepts introduced in Musculoskeletal I & II and integrates common musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions. Students will understand the etiology, pathology, clinical presentation, prognosis, and general medical management of a variety of musculoskeletal diagnoses. Surgical & conservative management of these diagnoses 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 common musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions. 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 demonstration and practice of psychomotor skills in the lab environment with the use of patient simulators. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments and 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 an examination of the pain experience. Special emphasis is placed on the multidimensional nature of pain as well as the biopsychosocial model of health, disability, and pain. Students will learn common tests and measures used to evaluate nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain as well as appropriate interventions to treat pain. Learning in this course is evaluated via assignments, projects, 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 physical therapist assistant. Learning in this course is primarily evaluated with the Clinical Performance Instrument. Students must complete this course with a grade of “C” or higher.
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.
In this course students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. This course will cover molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and replication. 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 course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for 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 course introduces students to rhetorical concepts and audience-centered approaches to writing including composing processes, language conventions and style, and critical analysis and engagement with written texts and other forms of communication. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Communication 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
In this course, students will develop problem solving skills, critical thinking, computational proficiency, and contextual fluency through the study of equations, functions, and their graphs. Emphasis will be placed on quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Topics will include solving equations and inequalities, definition and properties of a function, domain and range, transformations of graphs, operations on functions, composite and inverse functions, basic polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and applications. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students and is the core course for majors in the Algebra Through Calculus pathway.
or higher level MAC or MAP prefix course that meets General Education requirements.
Art Appreciation Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will develop an appreciation of and the ability to think critically about culture and be provided with the tools to understand, analyze, and discuss works of visual art and material culture. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
In this course, students will learn about the creative ideas and accomplishments of various cultures in various fields of humanities that may include art, architecture, drama, history, music, literature, philosophy, and religion. The course will include cultural expressions from the western canon and may also include expressions from around the globe. 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.
In this course, students will learn about the creative ideas and accomplishments of various cultures in various fields of humanities that may include art, architecture, drama, history, music, literature, philosophy, and religion. The course will include cultural expressions from the western canon and may also include expressions from around the globe. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. 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.
In this course, students will be assigned readings representative of a broad range of literary genres and cultures. These readings will cover a variety of literary movements and historical eras. The readings will include selections from the Western Canon. Written analysis of literary works may be required. Students will be provided with opportunities to practice critical interpretation. 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 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.
In this course, students will survey the history of classical music from antiquity to the modern period, focusing on western music. The curriculum may also integrate a variety of popular and global styles where appropriate. 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.
In this course, students will survey the history of classical music from antiquity to the modern period, focusing on western music. The curriculum may also integrate a variety of popular and global styles where appropriate. 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.
In this course, students will be introduced to the nature of philosophy, philosophical thinking, major intellectual movements in the history of philosophy, including topics from the western philosophical tradition, and various problems in philosophy. Students will strengthen their intellectual skills, become more effective learners, and develop broad foundational knowledge. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement.
In this course, students will be introduced to the nature of philosophy, philosophical thinking, major intellectual movements in the history of philosophy, including topics from the western philosophical tradition, and various problems in philosophy. Students will strengthen their intellectual skills, become more effective learners, and develop broad foundational knowledge. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required.
In this course, students will explore dramatic structure, techniques, and various organizational elements. The course provides an introduction to theatre as a collaborative art form through the critical analysis of its historical context, production, theory, and connections to theatrical literature, including the western canon. 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.
In this course, students will explore dramatic structure, techniques, and various organizational elements. The course provides an introduction to theatre as a collaborative art form through the critical analysis of its historical context, production, theory, and connections to theatrical literature, including the western canon. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. 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.

In this course, students will learn the foundations of Anthropology as the study of human variation in its biological, social, and cultural dimensions. Students will learn about anthropological concepts, principles, and methodologies to understand and explore past and present human behavior. They will apply the anthropological approach to analyze issues pertaining to past and contemporary cultures, and develop intellectual skills and habits to understand behavioral, social, and cultural issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
In this course, students will learn the foundations of macroeconomics as the branch of economics concerned with how decision-making, in an environment of scarcity, maps onto the aggregate economy. Students will examine theories and evidence related to the following core set of topics: national income determination, money, monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic conditions, international trade and the balance of payments, and economic growth and development. 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 degree seeking students.
In this course, students will learn the foundations of macroeconomics as the branch of economics concerned with how decision-making, in an environment of scarcity, maps onto the aggregate economy. Students will examine theories and evidence related to the following core set of topics: national income determination, money, monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic conditions, international trade and the balance of payments, and economic growth and development. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. 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 degree seeking students.
U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of the American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and the Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the governments laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. 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 degree seeking students and partially satisfies 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, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of the American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and the Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the government’s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. 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 degree seeking students and partially satisfies the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
In this course, students will gain an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. topics may be drawn from historical and current perspectives in psychology. 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.
In this course, students will gain an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. topics may be drawn from historical and current perspectives in psychology. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. 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.
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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