Physical therapist assistant

FEATURES of SPC's Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree program

• Provides lecture and clinical lab classes as part of your learning experience
• Prepares you for quick entry into your career
• Is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association
• Puts you in a health care setting under the close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for clinical courses

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN in the Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree at SPC

• Diseases and problems commonly treated in physical therapy
• The basics of therapies used, including therapeutic exercise, functional training and soft tissue massage
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Industry standards and safety regulations

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Students accepted into the program will be required to successfully  pass a background check and drug screening.
• Liability and clinical accidental insurance must be obtained through the college for a fee.
• Students admitted to this program must have a physical examination by a licensed physician or an advanced RN practitioner verifying satisfactory health status prior to entrance into the first session of the program. This must include all immunizations, tests, and health verifications tests, and health verifications as specified within contractual agreements with affiliating agencies. This may be required on an annual basis at the discretion of the program director.
• Program requirements are subject to change. Students should check with a counselor, advisor or the program director.
• Students transferring from another Physical Therapist Assistant or other health-related program must be in good standing in such program. Exceptions will be handled by the Provost's Office at the Health Education Center.
• Complaints generated from the community that fall outside of the college's due process may be reported to either PTA Program Director  Dr. Kory Thomas, PT, DPT. or Dean of Health Programs  Deanna Stentiford.

RESOURCES

• American Physical Therapy Association 
• Florida Physical Therapy Association 
• Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice 
• Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• CAPTE Student Financial Fact Sheet

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Graduation rate of last two graduating classes: 71.7% (2024-2023)
  • Graduation rates are calculated by the program based on the percentage of students who matriculated in the first technical course in the program after the add/drop period and who completed the program.
• Performance on licensure exam: Overall ultimate passing rate of last two graduating classes: 98.1% (2023-2022).  Ultimate pass rates for 2024 are not available at this time. First time pass rate of last two graduating classes: 95.25% (2024-2023); 90.5% (2024), 100% (2023).
  • Licensure examination pass rates are based on results received from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
• Employment rate of last two graduating classes: 100% (2023-2022). 2024: No data available at this time.
  • Employment rates are based on self-reported data received from graduates, as well as supplemental data gathered by the program staff.

Program Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at St. Petersburg 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: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 727-341-3612 or email thomas.kory@spcollege.edu.

CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION at SPC

This Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Degree prepares you for the national licensing exam and transfers to our Health Services Administration B.A.S. degree.

HEALTH CONTINUING EDUCATION

SPC also offers health continuing education through the Workforce Institute.

Program Admission Guides

Please review the program admission guide to ensure your eligibility prior to applying below.

• Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. Admission Guide
• Essential Student Functions

Health Programs Application

Students accepted into the program will be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.

Application Windows