Physical Therapist Assistant

Program 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 beginning in the second 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.
• Attendance at PTA Mandatory Information Session.
• 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. The applicant is responsible for arranging the experience at approved facilities. A list of local facilities is available on the department webpage.
• GPA of 2.5 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), 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.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

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

Curriculum Sequence

Total Credit Hours

73