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.Martel@hgtc.edu.

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

PTA Student Outcomes

PTA Program Mission Statement:

To provide the opportunity for individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds to enter the physical therapy profession.

To graduate PTAs who exemplify the Standards of Ethical Conduct of the profession of Physical Therapist Assistant.

To have the faculty, students and staff contribute to the health and well-being of our community, and society through competent practice leadership, education, and humanistic ethical practices.

To adapt technological advancements into the clinical practice. 

PTA Program Goals

• Horry-Georgetown Technical College enrolled PTA program student body is a composite (age, gender, and race) of the College student body.
• Horry-Georgetown physical therapist assistant students and core faculty will exemplify the Core Values for the Physical Therapist or the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Horry-Georgetown Technical College faculty will prepare the physical therapist assistant graduate to adapt to meet the evolving practice of physical therapy.
• Horry-Georgetown Technical College physical therapist assistant graduates will meet the employment need of Horry-Georgetown counties.

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. 

• Communicate adequately and appropriately, both verbally and non-verbally, in a manner that fosters confidence, and reflects an understanding of socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological differences. 
• Demonstrate compliance with the scope of practice of a Physical Therapist Assistant in both legal and ethical dimensions; demonstrate professional behaviors by behaving honestly, tactfully, dependably, enthusiastically, cooperatively, and industriously. 
• Demonstrate the ability to self-reflect on strengths and weakness for career development.
• Distinguish between pathology of diseases including risk factors and incidence and explain the mechanisms of injury and tissue repair, inflammation, normal healing, and factors affecting recovery based on the review the medical record and physical therapy documentation.
• Explain the purpose and physiological effects, indications, precautions, and contraindications of physical therapy interventions in order to select, implement, and modify treatment within the parameters of the physical therapist plan of care based on the review of medical and physical therapy documentation.
• Demonstrate appropriate data collection techniques to assist the physical therapist in monitoring the effects of treatment.
• Be proficient in teaching different populations a home exercise or self-care program interventions and prevention strategies.
• Be proficient in CPR and emergency response and recognize the need for referral for other emotional and psychological conditions beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy.
• Document treatments accurately in SOAP note format, including specific treatment parameters, application techniques, and treatment outcomes with correct billing for reimbursement. 
• Comply with policy and procedures, safety and risk management strategies for self, patient, and facility.

Compliments
If you wish to communicate compliments of the PTA Program at HGTC, please contact the Program Director/Chair, Dr. Samantha Martel, at 843-477-2075 or email Samantha.Martel@hgtc.edu

Student Complaints:
Complaints from students will follow the PTA Program Student Policy 17, Due Process. Students are instructed to follow the Student Grievance Procedure for the South Carolina Technical College System. See Procedure 9.3.7.2 at the following link: Student Grievance

Non-faculty and Non-student Complaint Process:
Complaints will be directed to the PTA Program Director/Chair for stakeholders of the HGTC PTA Program.
Contact Information: Dr. Samantha Martel, Phone: 843-477-2075, Email: Samantha.martel@hgtc.edu

Process for handling complaints:
• The Program Director will complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Complaint Form.
• The Program Director will contact the appropriate college personnel to seek resolution of the complaint.
• A written response will be provided from the appropriate college personnel to the person filing the complaint with a timeline that is dependent on the nature of the complaint.
• A copy of all complaints will be kept in a secure location in the Program Director’s office.

If a stakeholder wishes to speak with someone other than the PTA Program Director, complaints can be directed to the Academic Chair of the PTA Program.

Contact Information: Dr. Lynn Brown-Bulloch, Phone: 843-477-2001, Email: carol.brown-bulloch@hgtc.edu

Complaints related to the accreditation of the HGTC PTA Program are directed to the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Contact Information:
Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
https://www.capteonline.org/complaints

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.