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Program Overview

Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate in Science (A.S.)

The PTA program at FGC is a competitive, selective admission program following a 1+1 model. In phase I students complete all pre-requisite courses and are then eligible to apply for Phase II. Phase II consists of 3 full-time semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Students will develop an understanding of human disease, functional anatomy and kinesiology, therapeutic techniques, orthopedic and neurological illnesses, pediatric interventions, and application to patient care in multiple settings. The program concludes with fourteen weeks of full-time clinical work practice. Graduates of this program earn an Associate of Science Degree and are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants. The passing of this examination results in licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Florida Gateway 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: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 386-754-4460 or email Christine.McLaughlin@smartdurak.com.

Review the guided degree pathway where you will find a detailed plan for your courses and other requirements each semester that prepare you for graduation and your transfer goals.

Financial Fact Sheet

Locations

FGC Main Campus and clinical experiences within the five county district of FGC.

Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:00 with additional time after classes and on Fridays for lab practice and testing

71.4%

Completion Rate

100%

Job Placement Rate

91.7%

State Licensure Rate

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Careers at a Glance

Starting Salaries

Varies and ranges from $32,500 to $48,500.

Employment Opportunities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTA positions are expected to grow by 26% between years of 2018-2028 (much faster than average). PTAs have opportunities to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities, home health agencies, the school system, and academic institutions.

Financial Fact Sheet

Employers of FGC Graduates

  • Avalon Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lake City, Florida
  • Solaris, Lake City, Florida
  • Lake City Medical Center, Lake City, Florida
  • The Orthopedic Institute, Lake City, Florida
  • Fyzical- Lake City, Florida
  • Healthworks, Lake City, Florida
  • Heartland, Lake City, Florida
  • Heartland, Live Oak, Florida
  • Heartland, Chiefland, Florida
  • Ayers Rehabilitation, Trenton, Florida
  • Lake Butler Hospital, Lake Butler, Florida

Program Details

Program Accreditation 
  • The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Florida Gateway 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: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 386-754-4460 or email Christine.McLaughlin@smartdurak.com.
Graduating YearGraduation RateNPTE-PTA Pass RateEmployment Rate
202371.4%1st Time: 5/5 – 100%
2022/202361.1%2 year NPTE Pass rate: 91.7%
202254.5%1st Time: 6/7-85.7% Ultimate: 6/7 – 85.7% 100%
2021/202266.7%2 year NPTE Pass rate: 91.7%100%
202175%1st Time: 5/16-31.3% Ultimate: 9/16 – 56.3% 100%
Admission Requirements
  • Complete the PTA entrance exam. TEAS,  with a score of 58.7% or higher on Science and Reading Comprehension
  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or better and an overall 3.0 GPA in those courses.
  • Submit an application to Florida Gateway College (if you are not already a student at FGC).
  • Submit the Supplemental PTA Application Packet and required documents by the deadline.
  • Submit the signed Drug Screen and Background Check Policy.
  • Complete a minimum of 50 observation hours, with twenty-five (25) spent in an inpatient setting and twenty-five (25) in an outpatient setting.
  • Submit a completed Student Interview Form which is located as a separate link under the heading “for more information about the PTA, AS” below the Application Booklet.
  • Submit a minimum of two (2) professional recommendations.
Program Notes
  • This program has limited access with admission in the fall semester
  • CAPTE Accreditation
  • This program provides students with:
    • Small student/instructor ratio
    • High state board pass rates
    • Simulation lab
    • Well-equipped clinical lab
    • Variety clinical affiliates
    • Hands-on practical intensive
    • Variety in learning approaches
    • Educated and dedicated instructors
    • Supportive teaching/learning environment
Program Guide & Syllabi
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate ethical and legal practice that is consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Standards of Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and the Values-Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient/client management and implement a comprehensive plan of care established by the physical therapist.
  • Demonstrate competence in the implementation of selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
  • Demonstrate competence in the performance of components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measures before, during, and after interventions.
  • Participate in the healthcare environment as a member of a patient/client-centered interprofessional collaborative team.
Book List & Materials
  • Clinical Kinesiology and Anatomy, Sixth Edition. Lippert, Lynn.
  • PhysioU
  • Physical Agents in Rehab, 4th edition, Cameron
  • Principles & Techniques of Patient Care, 6th edition, Fairchild
  • Therapeutic Exercise, 7th edition, Kisner
  • Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 2nd edition, Goodman
  • Physical Rehabilitation, 7th edition, O’Sullivan
  • PTA Exam: The Complete Study Guide, Giles
  • Neurological Interventions for Physical Therapy, 4th edition, Martin
  • Fundamental Orthopedic Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 5th edition, Manske
  • PTA Basecamp., Giles