The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant works under the directions and supervision of the physical therapist, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stoke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others.

Enrollment - 25 students

Accreditation - The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The recent re-accreditation visit granted accreditation until December 2014.

Schedule - The professional courses begin each Summer term. Classes include both didactic and laboratory sessions. Classes are usually scheduled Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The PTA program cannot accept part-time students.

Faculty - The PTA faculty includes two full-time instructors; a program coordinator and a clinical coordinator.

Physical Demands - A Physical Therapist Assistant may need to be able to perform the following in day-to-day work situations. (Not all inclusive.)

• Remain continuously on task for several hours while standing, sitting, moving, lifting and/or bending.
• Gross and fine motor activities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care.
• Lifting and moving loads possibly in excess of 50 lbs.

Clinic - There may be exposure to patients with infectious diseases and those who are critically ill on clinical rotations. Open wounds, blood and body fluids may be encountered in this field.

The PTA curriculum requires that each student participate in three clinical rotations-one 2-week assignment (during Summer term, usually in July or August) and two 7-week assignments (end of Fall semester and one during Spring semester usually beginning in March). Each student is required to intern at a general acute care hospital for one of the 7-week assignments.

The PTA program affiliates with numerous facilities in South Carolina and with limited sites out of state. These assignments will be made by the PTA faculty. Due to the limited availability of sites, there is no guarantee that a given student will be able to remain in Charleston or be placed in the location of his/her choice for clinic. Each student must sign a Memorandum of Understanding in reference to this policy prior to beginning classes. The student will be financially responsible for arranging housing, meals, and transportation during these assignments.

Insurance - Students may be required to purchase additional professional liability insurance. All students must provide proof of Major Medical health insurance prior to engaging in clinical practice in July. Students must maintain coverage throughout the three semesters of the program.

CPR Certification - All students must have CPR certification prior to clinical rotations. Students are responsible for making the necessary arrangements. Courses are offered through the College (AHS 106), area hospitals, the American Heart Association (BLS for the Healthcare Provider) or the American Red Cross (CPR for the Professional Rescuer).

Licensure - Students who successfully complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Program are eligible to take the computer-based National Physical Therapy Examination for the PTA. Passing the board examination entitles the individual to use the initials PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant. Licensure is required in the State of South Carolina.

Salary - Starting salaries for new PTA graduates vary widely based upon geographic locale and site of employment (hospital, home health, private practice, etc.). Income in the more rural areas tends to be higher than in the metropolitan areas. The current state average is approximately $27,000 to $37,000 annually.

Career Opportunities - The availability of PTA positions is very good at the local and the national levels. Graduates of the PTA program can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, home health agencies, private practice, and the public school system.

Success Rates - (2003-2005)

Graduation rate - 70%

Pass rate of graduates on the National Physical Therapy Examination - 100%

Employment rate of graduates seeking employment in physical therapy  - 100%  

                               
Physical Therapist Assistant Faculty

Lori Fischer, MS, PT

Program Coordinator

Office Location: Main Campus, Building 630/ Room 120

(843) 574-6480

lori.fischer@tridenttech.edu

Lois Sosa, MS, PT

Clinical Coordinator/ Department Head of Rehabilitative Services

Office Location: Main Campus, Building 630/ Room 209

(843) 574-6141

lois.sosa@tridenttech.edu