Physical Therapist Assistant

The A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant degree prepares students to implement physical therapy treatment procedures under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists. As an assistant to a physical therapist, you will help patients recovering from debilitating illness, amputation, surgery, or accident to improve mobility, restore physical function, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

Admissions Information

Specific Admission Requirements for Program

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a limited-access program. All applicants must meet weighted Admission requirements by May 15 to advance to the next phase of consideration for admission to the program. However, meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the PTA program. An applicant who receives notification that she/he was not admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant program must resubmit the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application by the published application deadline in order to be considered for admission to the next available class. These applicants should check with Admissions to determine if HGTC Admission information requires updating. A waiting list of applicants is not maintained.

• Criminal Background Check 30 days prior to starting clinical each semester prior to the first technical semester; felony or misdemeanor convictions could result in applicants being ineligible to complete the program.
• Urine Drug Screening 30 days prior to starting clinical each semester beginning in the second semester.
• Submit a Health Sciences Division Student Health Record Form indicating the candidate has the ability to perform the physical tasks required in the program prior to second semester.
• Proof of CPR certification for Health Care Providers prior to second semester.
• Experience Documentation form submitted to Office of Admissions reflecting a minimum of 20 hours in a physical therapy facility (3-year time limit). The applicant is responsible for arranging the experience at approved facilities. A list of local facilities is available on the department webpage.
• GPA of 2.75 or higher on all required General Education and support courses, with "C" or higher in each course. These courses include: BIO 210 and BIO 211 (5 year time limit, 10 year time limit if already completed Bachelor or Master degree programs), ENG 101, MAT 120 or MAT 110, PSY 201 and Humanities. Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA must be maintained with no academic or disciplinary suspension at time of admission or program entry.
• To be licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of South Carolina the graduate must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and apply for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure with the Labor and Licensing Regulation Board of South Carolina. The cost of completing the NPTE and application for licensure is not included in the cost of tuition for the program.
• Completion of TEAS test (2-year time limit).
• Not have two unsuccessful (D, F, W or WF) attempts in the first technical semester course of the PTA program within the last two academic years.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for all PTH-prefixed courses for progression and graduation.

Students who meet all program graduation requirements will graduate with the Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree.

Student Resources

• Student Financial Fact Sheet
• HGTC Cost of Attendance
• PTA Student Handbook
• PTA Clinical Handbook
• Volunteer Site List
• Clinical Requirements

 

Other Student Information

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• South Carolina Chapter (APTA)
• The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

 

Forms

• Background Check
• Observation Experience Documentation Form
• Sample Application

For more information, contact:
Dr. Samantha Oldroyd - 843-477-2075

Accreditation Status

The Physical Therapist Assistant program: Horry-Georgetown Technical College 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; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 843-477-2075 or email Samantha.Oldroyd@hgtc.edu.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

PTA Program Mission Statement:

Consistent with the mission of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, the Physical Therapist Assistant program provides evidence-based didactic and clinical education to prepare graduates from diverse cultures and backgrounds to enter the physical therapy profession. The comprehensive learning opportunities of the program will enhance the lives of HGTC students, strengthen the physical therapy workforce and contribute to the health and well-being of the community we serve. Faculty and graduates of the program will exemplify the Core Values of the Physical Therapy profession and demonstrate dedication to the profession and professional growth through life-long learning. 

PTA Program Goals:

• The program will support diversity, equity, and inclusion to meet the needs of Horry and Georgetown communities.  
• Students and faculty will exemplify the Core Values of the Physical Therapy profession to provide highest quality of physical therapist services. 
• Prepare competent graduates to be successful on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to qualify for state licensure and meet the community’s employment needs. 
• Students and faculty will demonstrate dedication to the profession and professional growth through lifelong learning. 
• Produce graduates who work effectively as a member of the health care team to provide high quality contemporary patient-centered care. 

HGTC PTA Student Learning Outcomes: 

After successful completion of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Physical Therapist Assistant Program the graduate will be able to achieve the program learning outcomes. 

• PLO1: Students will demonstrate competence in implementing interventions and performing data collection within the parameters of the physical therapist plan of care based on the review of medical and physical therapy documentation for common pathologies seen by physical therapist assistants. (Discipline Body of Knowledge Competency) 
• PLO2:  Students will comply with policies and procedures and participate in quality assurance to ensure safety for all stakeholders and effective response to patient/client and environmental emergencies that occur in the healthcare setting.  (Patient Safety and Quality Improvement using Evidence Based Practice within Systems Environment)
• PLO3:  Students will use information and technology to communicate, document, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making for effective operation of the organization.  (Informatics, Technology and Practice Management)
• PLO4: Students will demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the core values for the physical therapist assistant.  (Professional & Ethical Behavior)
• PLO5: Students will communicate effectively with all stakeholders for patient-centered, interprofessional collaborative care with respect for individual, socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological differences.  (Communication, collaboration, and teamwork) 

Program Achievement Measures

Physical Therapist Assistant Student Achievement Measures

Program Disclosure Statement 

Applicants to the Physical Therapist Assistant program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.

Program Compliments or Complaints

Program Compliments or Complaints

Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities

On a typical day, a physical therapist assistant will perform components of a variety of treatment procedures, including:

Employment Opportunities

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment resources.

 

Required Courses and Sample Schedules

**Registration for MAT courses require students to have appropriate test scores and/or pre-req courses; please refer to your advisor to determine your academic qualifications and eligibility for enrolling in MAT courses.