Frequently Asked Questions
What are the educational requirements for a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants must complete an accredited two-year education program, typically offered through a community or junior college. Candidates must receive an associate’s degree upon graduation. TTC’s Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program provides academic study including general education, professional physical therapist assistant courses, and hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of settings.
How do I get started?
To enter TTC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, call the College’s Admissions and Records Office at (843) 574-6460 or visit the admissions page on our website for an application and information on the application process. Acceptance into TTC’s Allied Health Sciences programs is on a first qualified, first accepted basis.
When do the professional courses start?
Students are admitted into the Physical Therapist Assistant program in the Summer semester after completion of the program requirements.
Will credits from another college transfer to TTC to meet the general education requirement for program admission?
To transfer credits to TTC, you must either contact the admissions office at the previously attended institution and have an official transcript sent to the TTC admissions office or complete a request for such in the TTC admissions office. Upon receipt, the transcript will be reviewed by TTC admission personnel to determine the equivalency of transfer credits.
From how long ago will general education credits be considered acceptable for meeting admission requirements?
There is no time limit for acceptance of general education requirements with the exception of Biology 210, Biology 211 and AHS 104 which must have been completed within the past five years.
Who do I contact regarding my current admission status to the PTA program?
The admissions coordinator for the PTA program is: Beth Murdaugh (843) 574-6460 Email: beth.murdaugh@tridenttech.edu
Where do physical therapist assistants (PTA) work?
Physical therapist assistants work in a broad range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing, extendened care, patient homes, education centers, schools, hospices, fitness centers and sports training facilities.
What are the licensure requirements for becoming a PTA?
More than 40 states including South Carolina required physical therapist assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified. States requiring licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria.
What is the employment outlook for a PTA?
The availability of PTA positions is very good at the local and national levels.
Is the physical therapist assistant program a stepping stone to a physical therapy program?
No. The physical therapist assistant curriculum differs from that of the physical therapist and does not provide the needed prerequisites required for physical therapist education.
