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Physical Therapist Assistant (Limited Access Program), A.S. Degree

Program Information

A.S. Degree - Code 221600 - Catalog 2025/2026

Robert Wagner, Assistant Chair, 386-506-3752, Robert.Wagner@daytonastate.edu

Melissa Brown-Mack, Academic Advisor, 386-506-3052, Melissa.Brown-Mack@daytonastate.edu

Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes

Mission:

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program promotes the ideals of the Daytona State College Mission Statement of emphasizing student success, embracing excellence and diversity, as well as fostering innovation to enhance teaching and learning. Each student in the PTA Program will receive academic and clinical experiences to provide them with a professional foundation to become an effective, responsible, licensed and contributing team member in Physical Therapy.

Description:

The program prepares graduates to work in physical therapy. Physical Therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that provides services to individuals of all ages with physical dysfunction including those suffering from strokes, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, serious burns, neurological and orthopedic disorders. The profession tailors the rehabilitation process individually for each patient and through evaluation and treatment, seeks to restore or improve impaired functions. Physical therapy strives to help patients attain a maximum level of independent living by developing the capacities that remain after disease, accident or deformity. Job title: Physical Therapist Assistant. The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Graduates, upon completion of the program, apply for State licensure.

Program Accreditation: This program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) - 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 706-3245. email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 386-506-3752 or email Robert.Wagner@DaytonaState.edu.

College Accreditation: Daytona State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates and baccalaureate degrees. Daytona State College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Daytona State College 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).

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Integrate scientific principles which form the foundation of physical therapy into clinical practice.

  2. Differentiate the normal vs. abnormal states of physiology that are observed and/or treated in the clinical setting.

  3. Describe his/her role and responsibilities to the patient, the physician, the physical therapist and other members of the health care team.

  4. Perform interventions, under the supervision of the physical therapist, consistent with evidenced-based physical therapy practice safely, effectively and efficiently.

  5. Analyze and evaluate the physical therapy literature in pursuit of life long learning.

  6. Value active participation in the American Physical Therapy Association, the Florida Chapter and East Central District as means of professional development.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grant, loans, and work program available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/finaid. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Approximate Costs

Program Tuition and Fees*: $7,576.12
Access Fee: $94.72
Assessment Fee: $34
Lab Fees: $174
Textbook Estimate: $755
Uniforms and Supplies: $125
Health Screening and Immunizations (depending on applicant's health care provider): $275
FDLE Background Check and Drug Screening: $180
Licensing Exam Fees: $850
Basic Life Support Certification: $50

*In-state tuition only; out-of-state tuition will be higher

Additional Admission Requirements

This is a limited access program.

  • Have a standard high school diploma or GED.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.  
  • Complete a minimum of 20 hours of observation with a licensed Physical Therapist or P.T.A. (Physical Therapist Assistant) evenly distributed between at least 2 different types of physical therapy settings - outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care. Some facilities may require a background check. 

  • Complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) with a minimum 10th grade level for reading, language and mathematics. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.

    • Exemptions include:
      • Florida public high school students who graduated after the year 2003 and earned a Standard High School diploma
      • Active duty military applicants
      • Those who have successfully completed college level English and/or Math
  • Attend a program information session.

  • Provide satisfactory results of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check and drug screen.

  • Possess Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for the Health Care Provider to include adults, infant, children, and automatic external defibrillator (AED) through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

  • Complete and submit a physical examination by a licensed physician, including the following required immunizations and exam:

    • tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B, and
    • a negative PPD test (or chest x-ray if indicated) for tuberculosis

Continuing Enrollment Requirements

Continuing enrollment approval will be required to enroll in the program specific courses based on a selections process after completing the required general education courses. Student selection for continuing enrollment is based on specific admission criteria and a points system. Applications are only accepted during the month of September.  Applicants considered for continuing enrollment will be contacted for an interview.

  • Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
  • Ensure a higher ranking with the following:
    • Earn cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better  
    • Successfully complete all prerequisites and corequisites by the application deadline 
  • Complete the following course with a grade of 'C' or better:
    • PHT1006 Introduction to Physical Therapy
    • ENC1101 Introduction to Composition
    • MAC 1105 College Algebra
    • BSC1085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab
  • Submit a completed application for continuing enrollment to the School of Health Careers.

Additional Completion Requirements

  • Earn a grade "C" or better in all program specific and prerequisite courses.   

  • Adhere to the policy and procedures of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program as outlined in the PTA student handbook, as well as those outlines in the Daytona State College Student Handbook.

  •  

 

General Education

16 Credits

Communication Core (3 credits)

  Required General Education course:
ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3

 

Mathematics Core (3 credits)

  Recommended Math Pathway:
MGF2130Mathematical Thinking

3

 

Natural Sciences Core (4 credits)

  Required course:
BSC1085CHuman Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab

4

 

Humanities Core (3 credits)

Choose One Course

ARH1000Art Appreciation

3

HUM2020Introduction to Humanities

3

LIT2000Literature and Culture

3

MUL1010Music Appreciation

3

PHI2010Introduction of Philosophy

3

THE1000Theatre Appreciation

3

 

Social Sciences Core (3 credits)

Choose One Course

POS2041American Federal Government

3

AMH2020United States History 1865 to Present

3

AMH2010United States History to 1877

3

POS2041, AMH2020, AMH2010: These courses satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement. 

Note: Prior to enrollment in college-level English or math courses, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental course work. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.

 

Program Specific Courses

BSC1086CHuman Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab

4

PHT1006Introduction to Physical Therapy

3

PHT1128Kinesiology of PTA

4

PHT1251Patient Care Skills

2

PHT1251LPatient Care Skills Lab

2

PHT1300Pathology for PTA

4

PHT2129Neuroscience for PTA

2

PHT2140Rehabilitation Skills for PTA

3

PHT2140LRehabilitation Skills Lab

1

PHT2211Modalities I

2

PHT2211LModalities I Lab

1

PHT2214Modalities II

1

PHT2214LModalities II Lab

1

PHT2220Therapeutic Exercise I

3

PHT2220LTherapeutic Exercise I Lab

2

PHT2221Therapeutic Exercise II

4

PHT2221LTherapeutic Exercise II Lab

2

PHT2235Therapeutic Exercise III

4

PHT2235LTherapeutic Exercise III Lab

2

PHT2804PTA Clinical Practicum I

3

PHT2810PTA Clinical Practicum II

2

PHT2820PTA Clinical Practicum III

3

PHT2931PTA Seminar

3

Total Credit Hours:58

PHT1006 fulfills the graduation requirement for the basic use of computers for this program.

PHT1251 fulfills the graduation requirement for Oral Communications for this program.

 

Sample Program of Study

Prerequisite Courses

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3

Mathematics Core

3

PHT1006Introduction to Physical Therapy

3

BSC1085CHuman Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab

4

PHT1006 fulfills the graduation requirement for the basic use of computers for this program.

 

Year 1

1st Semester (Pro. Phase) Spring

BSC1086CHuman Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab

4

PHT1128Kinesiology of PTA

4

PHT1251Patient Care Skills

2

PHT1251LPatient Care Skills Lab

2

PHT2220Therapeutic Exercise I

3

PHT2220LTherapeutic Exercise I Lab

2

PHT1251 fulfills the graduation requirement for Oral Communications for this program.

 

2nd Semester - Summer

Social Sciences Core - Civic Literacy (AMH2010, AMH2020 or POS2041)

3

PHT2211Modalities I

2

PHT2211LModalities I Lab

1

PHT2221Therapeutic Exercise II

4

PHT2221LTherapeutic Exercise II Lab

2

PHT2129Neuroscience for PTA

2

POS2041, AMH2020, AMH2010: These courses satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement. 

 

Year 2

1st Semester - Fall

PHT2804PTA Clinical Practicum I

3

PHT1300Pathology for PTA

4

PHT2214Modalities II

1

PHT2214LModalities II Lab

1

PHT2235Therapeutic Exercise III

4

PHT2235LTherapeutic Exercise III Lab

2

 

2nd Semester - Spring

Humanities Core

3

PHT2140Rehabilitation Skills for PTA

3

PHT2140LRehabilitation Skills Lab

1

PHT2810PTA Clinical Practicum II

2

PHT2820PTA Clinical Practicum III

3

PHT2931PTA Seminar

3

Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.

Total: 74