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

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Associate Degree AS - Associate in Science

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

Mission/Purpose

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.

Program Overview

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.

Student Success Rates

Admission Year

Graduation Year

Graduation Rate

First time/
Ultimate Pass Rate

Employment Rate

2023

2024

40% *

100% / 100%

TBD

2022

2023

81.2%

87.5% / 100%

100%

2021

2022

73.3%

75.0% / 90%

100%

*The graduation rate is not stabilized because some students are still enrolled in classes.

Two Year Average Pass Rates

2023 - 2024

100%

2022 - 2023

94.44%

Math Pathway

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

Program Accreditation

Application Procedure

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

Application Deadline(s)

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.

Contact Information

GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service®. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC® under license from the American Council on Education.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Florida State College at Jacksonville may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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CONTACT US

(904) 646-2300
welcome@fscj.edu


Florida State College at Jacksonville does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, disability, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, sex, sexual orientation/expression, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy or genetic information in its programs, activities and employment. For more information, visit the Equal Access/Equal Opportunity page.

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