Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs help individuals of all ages who are ill, injured or have a health condition that limits the ability to perform daily activities. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient centers, home health, schools, work settings and the sports and fitness areas. Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercises for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes or walkers and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation. PTAs must complete a two-year Associate Degree and successfully pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants to be licensed in most states including South Carolina.

Individuals who have suggestions or concerns regarding the PTA Program may use the “Contact TCL” link on the TCL home page to file such concerns.

CAREER OPTIONS

  In 2009, the average annual income in South Carolina for a Physical Therapist Assistant was $49,260.* Earnings can increase substantially with time and experience.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

  The Physical Therapist Assistant Program consists of general education courses, science and physical therapist assistant courses taught at the college, on-campus and off-campus laboratories and full-time clinical education experiences at available sites. The program is five consecutive semesters in length. Successful completion of all course work results in an earned Associate Degree in Applied Sciences/Physical Therapist Assistant.

 For list of required courses, please see course catalog

 SPECIALIZED PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

   Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 / 703-706-3245 / website

ADMISSIONS

  Applicants interested in the Physical Therapist Assistant program must first complete the college admission application process. The student will then make an appointment to meet with a Health Science Advisor. Acceptance into the college does not guarantee admission into a health sciences program. Applications for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program may only be obtained from Health Science Advisors. Call 843.525.8267 for additional information and to schedule an appointment with an advisor. 

HANDBOOKS

PTA Program Student Handbook

Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook

HELPFUL LINKS

 American Physical Therapy Association
The South Carolina Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association
United States Department of Labor
PTA Program Information
TCL PTA Program Statistics 

HEALTH SCIENCES ADVISOR

Maggie O’Sullivan
Phone: 843-525-8326 / mosullivan@tcl.edu

FACULTY

Cindy Buchanan, Program Director/Instructor
Phone: 843-525-8230 / cbuchanan@tcl.edu

Jennifer Culbreth, Instructor
Phone:  843-470-5956 / jculbreth@tcl.edu

Marge Sapp, Health Sciences, Division Dean

Phone: 843.525.8276 / msapp@tcl.edu

*Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Information Presentation

PTA Program Application Checklist and Weighted Admission Score Sheet

For application information:

health@tcl.edu

or call Joseph Griffin at 843-525-8267