Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S.) (222A)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

The mission of the Associate in Science Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is to create competent, ethical and confident entry-level health care practitioners committed to professional development through life-long learning in a positive, non-discriminatory, and supportive learning environment. The program is a balance between theory and practice that enhances the educational experience and provides students with the skills and preparation necessary for employment in the field of physical therapy.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a competitive selective access program that consists of two phases. In the first phase, students complete general education coursework in preparation for the second phase. The second phase consists of professional coursework and includes lecture, laboratory and clinical education.

Acceptance into the professional phase of the PTA program is limited and based on academic performance and other criteria. A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.

Upon completion of the PTA program, students are awarded an Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree, and are eligible to apply to sit for the state administered national examination in order to qualify for licensure to practice as a PTA.

*The years represented reflect the years that these cohorts of students graduated from the PTA program.

This program includes an Algebra Through Calculus math pathway. For additional information about Mathematics Pathways, please visit the Mathematics Pathways page.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please email Health Career Advising at hcic@fscj.edu or call (904) 646-2300.

Admission to the professional phase of the PTA program is limited and based upon selective academic performance and other criteria. A new class is admitted each spring and summer terms. To be considered, individuals must complete the following by the review deadline:

1. Complete an application for Florida State College at Jacksonville with Physical Therapist Assistant as the Program Plan.

2. Complete the required prerequisites with a minimum grade of C and minimum combined grade point average of 2.5.

3. Complete the HESI® Admission Assessment (A2).

4. Complete a minimum of 10 hours of outpatient and 10 hours of inpatient observation, volunteer service, and/or work experience in physical therapy. Submit documented evidence of observation time on the Physical Therapy Clinical Observation Form to the Heath Careers Advising Center by email at hcic@fscj.edu.

5. Submit official transcripts from both high school/GED® and any postsecondary education. Transcripts must be officially sealed and sent directly from the awarding institution via electronic delivery to studentrecords@fscj.edu or via mail to FSCJ Admissions Office, PO Box 40515, Jacksonville, FL 32203.

These additional admission requirements are to be completed after acceptance into the program before classes begin:

1. Complete a medical physical.

2. Submit signed Core Performance Standards form.

3. Submit immunization records and communicable disease screenings.

4. Complete ten-panel drug screening.

5. Complete Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) background check.

Admission Documents Submission

The following documents should be sent to the Health Career Advising Center at hcic@fscj.edu. The subject line of the email should include Program of study, term, and type of attachment. In the body of the email, include the student name and ID number. A copy of the forms can be found on the FSCJ PTA website under “Admissions Information”.

• Physical Therapy Clinical Observation Verification Forms

• HESI® Admission Assessment (A2) scores

• Military Experience verification

• Core Performance Standards Form

• Verification of Employment in Healthcare

  • Completed by employer. The letter should be typed on company letterhead and include the dates of employment, health related duties, and number of hours worked per week

The application deadline is February 15 each year for the cohort starting in the Summer term and September 15th each year for the cohort starting in the Spring term.

Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next.

(904) 646-2300 or hcic@fscj.edu.

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