A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Information

The Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant is a two-year, selective admissions program. The first semester consists of required general education coursework that must be completed prior to admission into the Technical Phase. The program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences necessary to practice as Physical Therapist Assistants. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is required for licensure and employment as a PTA. New cohorts are admitted annually, with the Technical Phase beginning in the Spring Term.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northwest Florida State College 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: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (850)863-6511 or email [email protected].

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking admission must first apply to the college and select Pre-PTA Gen Ed Cohort as their program of study prior to applying to the Technical Program. Consideration for selection is contingent upon meeting the admissions criteria outlined in the PTA Program Application Packet, available on the PTA website. Qualified applicants are accepted up to the annual cohort size based on workforce demand and clinical site availability; if qualified applicants exceed available seats, a selective admissions points system is used as outlined in the application packet.

Students selected for the Technical Program receive conditional acceptance, pending completion of a background check, drug screen, and all required general education coursework with the minimum required GPA. For additional information, contact the PTA Department at (850) 863-6511 or via email.

Before Program Admission

• Apply to the college and select Pre-PTA Gen Ed Cohort
• Visit PTA website – review application packet and view information session video
• Submit PTA Technical Program Application by posted deadline

After Program Admission

• Complete criminal background check and drug screen
• Attend mandatory orientation
• Prior to clinical rotations, submit documentation of:
  • Physical examination
  • Immunizations
  • CPR certification