Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the most common questions asked by students who are considering the PTA Program.

What is the Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical therapist assistants (PTA) are a skilled healthcare workers who implement treatment programs under the direction and delegation of a physical therapist. These treatment programs are concerned with health promotion, the prevention of physical disabilities and the treatment and rehabilitation of persons who are ill, injured or disabled. Some duties of PTAs include reading patients' charts; transferring patients; assisting patients in exercise and ambulation; applying physical agents, such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation to specific muscles; instructing patients and caregivers in functional skills; and observing and reporting changes in a patients' condition to a physical therapist.

Where Are PTAs Typically Employed?

Physical therapist assistants typically work in settings where physical therapists are employed, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, school systems and other qualified agencies.

What Is the Application Process for the PTA Program?

Visit the PTA Application Process Web page for more information.

Are There Any Recommended Certifications or Courses That Are Not Required Prior to Applying but Helpful to Have Before Starting the Program?

Current CPR certification would be helpful, as you will need it prior to working your clinicals. Completion of other general education courses with a "C" or higher, which are required before graduation, will help to decrease some of your primary coursework load while you are in the program. These courses include:

• Anatomy and Physiology II (BSC 2094C)
• English II (ENC 1102)
• Humanities or Psychology/Sociology (3 credits; whichever course that was not taken as a prerequisite)

What Can You Tell Me about the Program?

The PTA Program is a limited-access/-quota program. In the Professional Phase, those applicants who have been accepted into the PTA Program complete lecture, lab and clinical experiences. Each entering class begins in August and follows a two-year, five-semester sequence.

What Are the Estimated Costs of the Program?

This list approximately covers the registration fees for credit hours and unexpected expenses that may arise during the program.

Can I Register Online?

Yes. Visit MySCC to register for general education classes online.

What about Financial Aid?

The PTA Program is allocated some scholarship funds for students in need. The Financial Aid Program at SCC should be contacted for to determine your eligibility for a variety of financial aid programs that assist students who are unable to attend college without aid. Be sure to apply for financial aid in the semester before you need it.

Is Employment Possible While I Am in the Program?

Depending on your study habits, part-time employment is possible throughout the curriculum except during your three full-time internships.

What If I Have Other Questions or Need Something Clarified?

Contact us at 407.404.6004 with any questions you may have. If you complete and submit this PTA Interest survey, ensuring that you include your address, we will mail you updates on information sessions that will be held at the College. If you have questions on courses you have already taken and wish to know if they will be accepted as prerequisites for the PTA Program, contact the Counseling and Advising Office on any SCC campus.

Why Should I Choose SCC's PTA Program?

Students choose SCC's PTA Program because it:

• Is a high-quality and well-respected program.
• Provides them with a solid educational foundation that integrates academic courses with hands-on clinical experiences.
• Is taught by an experienced faculty that is dedicated to student success. 
• Has an outstanding National Licensing Exam pass rate, which is consistently above the state and national averages.

But don't take our word for it. Read what some of our stakeholders have to say about SCC's PTA Program...

Employers (Taken from the Employer Survey of Graduate Performance)

• "I've had the pleasure of working and supervising your interns, new grads, and they have all been excellent."
• "I have nothing but praises for the students that I have been in contact with. They are professional and well-rounded."
• "All seem to have sound understanding of PTA roles and interactions with PT limits, expectations, goals, etc."
• "Thank you for preparing your grads to be vital members of our rehabilitation team."

Patients (Taken from the Questionnaire for Patients of Graduates of the PTA Program)

• "We are truly impressed with your students' ability."
• "Thus far, my expectations have been exceeded."
• "The PTAs we hired that graduated from your program are such an asset to our PT department."
• "These PTAs are a credit to the profession."

Graduates (Taken from the PTA Graduate Survey)

• "Professionalism as well as patients first."
• "The program prepared me well for every clinical internship and for employment."
• "Overall, excellent program."

Did you know?

SCC is just minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and many other Central Florida attractions.