Robert Wagner, Assistant Chair, 386-506-3752, Robert.Wagner@daytonastate.edu
Melissa Brown-Mack, Academic Advisor, 386-506-3052, Melissa.Brown-Mack@daytonastate.edu
Admission Note
Limited Access Program: Admission to this program is selective and requires completion of additional admission and enrollment requirements.
Program Overview
Mission:
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students to become effective, responsible, licensed, and contributing members of the physical therapy team through academic and clinical experiences.
Description:
Physical therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that provides services to individuals of all ages with physical dysfunction. Treatment focuses on restoring function and improving independent living following disease, injury, or deformity.
Graduates are eligible to apply for state licensure after successful completion of the program and passing the national licensing examination.
Program Accreditation: The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditationsupport@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. For program information, contact 386-506-3752 or robert.wagner@daytonastate.edu.
College Accreditation: Daytona State College is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Questions regarding accreditation may be directed to SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; telephone: 404-679-4500; or online at www.sacscoc.org.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Integrate scientific principles into clinical practice.
- Differentiate normal versus abnormal physiology.
- Describe responsibilities within the healthcare team.
- Perform evidence-based physical therapy interventions.
- Evaluate physical therapy literature for lifelong learning.
- Participate in professional development activities.
Program Requirements
Admission:
This is a Limited Access Program.
- Standard high school diploma or GED.
- Minimum age of 18.
- PERT scores at the 10th-grade level in reading, language, and mathematics, unless exempt.
- Attend a program information session.
- Satisfactory FDLE/FBI background check and drug screening.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Health Care Providers through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- Physical examination and required immunizations, including:
- Tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B.
- Negative tuberculosis screening (PPD test or chest x-ray, if indicated).
Enrollment:
Continuing enrollment approval is required prior to enrollment in program-specific courses.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Earn a grade of “C” or better in the following courses:
- PHT1006 Introduction to Physical Therapy
- ENC1101 Introduction to Composition
- MAC1105 College Algebra
- BSC1085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- Complete a minimum of 20 observation hours with a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) across at least two different settings, such as outpatient, inpatient, or long-term care.
Completion:
- Earn a grade of “C” or better in all program-specific and prerequisite courses.
- Follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Student Handbook and the Daytona State College Student Handbook.
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 grants, loans, and work programs available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at
daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/.
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/.
Career and Labor Market Information
Graduates may pursue employment in physical therapy and rehabilitation services, including roles such as Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Rehabilitation Assistant, and Physical Therapy Technician. In the Brevard-Flagler-Volusia workforce region, approximately 1,293 physical therapist assistants are employed, with an average annual salary of $64,570 and approximately 77 annual job openings.
| SOC Alignment |
31-2021 – Physical Therapist Assistants
|
| Average Hourly Wage |
$32.61 |
| Average Annual Salary |
$64,570 |
| Annual Job Openings |
77 |
| Regional Employment |
Approximately 1,293 employed |
Occupational Overview: Assist physical therapists in delivering therapeutic interventions that improve mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and help patients recover from injury, illness, or disability in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Wage Distribution: 10th percentile: $55,160 | 50th percentile: $64,570 | 90th percentile: $82,280.
Data Sources: CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Regional Demand Occupations List; FloridaCommerce Employment Projections Region 27; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach MSA; SOC 31-2021.
Note: It is never too early to prepare for your career. Log in to the Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board to create your account, submit your resume for review, search for employment opportunities, and practice your interviewing skills through Big Interview. For assistance, contact Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.
16 Credits
Communication Core (3 credits)
Required General Education course:
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3.00 |
Mathematics Core (3 credits)
Recommended Math Pathway:
Natural Sciences Core (4 credits)
Required course:
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4.00 |
Humanities Core (3 credits)
Recommended courses. Choose one:
Social Sciences Core (3 credits)
Required courses. Choose one:
| POS2041 | American Federal Government | 3.00 |
| AMH2020 | United States History 1865 to Present | 3.00 |
| AMH2010 | United States History to 1877 | 3.00 |
Program Specific Courses
58 Credits
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
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3.00 |
| Mathematics Core | 3.00 |
| PHT1006 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | 3.00 |
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4.00 |
PHT1006 fulfills the graduation requirement for the basic use of computers for this program.
Year 1
1st Semester (Pro. Phase) Spring
PHT1251 fulfills the graduation requirement for Oral Communications for this program.
2nd Semester - Summer
| Social Sciences Core - Civic Literacy course | 3.00 |
| PHT2211 | Modalities I | 2.00 |
| PHT2211L | Modalities I Lab | 1.00 |
| PHT2221 | Therapeutic Exercise II | 4.00 |
| PHT2221L | Therapeutic Exercise II Lab | 2.00 |
| PHT2129 | Neuroscience for PTA | 2.00 |
Year 2
1st Semester - Fall
2nd Semester - Spring
| Humanities Core | 3.00 |
| PHT2140 | Rehabilitation Skills for PTA | 3.00 |
| PHT2140L | Rehabilitation Skills Lab | 1.00 |
| PHT2810 | PTA Clinical Practicum II | 2.00 |
| PHT2820 | PTA Clinical Practicum III | 3.00 |
| PHT2931 | PTA Seminar | 3.00 |
Total Credit Hours: 74