About the Program
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program is a two-year course of study leading to an associate in applied science degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants.
The Program requires one year of prerequisite general education coursework and one year of core PTA coursework. This is a pre-admit program and requires a specific application process for admission into the professional phase of the program. Once admitted, a student will have the option to follow an On-Campus program or a hybrid Online track program. The On-Campus classes are all enhanced and/or supported by Canvas, the college’s course-management system. The Online-track program conducts lecture courses via Canvas, the college’s course management system but cannot be completed entirely online. The Online-track program requires students to be at the Shelby-Hoover Campus for all laboratory sessions. Online lecture courses may also require students to visit instructional sites for various requirements or to complete exams, quizzes, and or clinicals.
Class size for both program tracks is limited; qualified students are ranked for admission based on a point system. The deadline for applications is January 15th. Published guidelines and requirements are subject to change without notice. Updated information will be posted on the Jefferson State web site as available.
Program Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Jefferson State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703- 706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: www.capteonline.org
Program Costs
Estimated costs for each track are the same. The estimated costs for the On-Campus and Online programs are listed below. Please note that Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the State Board of Education without notice. The list below does not include textbooks, uniforms, liability insurance, health insurance, medical screening fees, and other fees associated with testing, transportation/lodging on clinical rotations, professional membership dues, small lab supplies or other incidentals.
- Pre-requisite Coursework (In State) – 29 credit hours x $170 $4,930.00
- Pre-requisite Coursework (Out of State) – 29 credit hours x $299 $8,671.00
- Professional Coursework (In State) – 40 credit hours x $170 $6,800.00
- Professional Coursework (Out of State) – 40 credit hours x $299 $11,960.00
Prerequisites and Requirements
Students must possess and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above on all college credit from all institutions; complete all required PTA general education courses with a grade of “C” or better; and currently possess and maintain a GPA of 2.50 or above for required
PTA General Education Courses
- ENG 101 English Composition (3)
- BIO 201** Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
- BIO 202** Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
- PSY 200 General Psychology (3)
- PSY 210 Human Growth and Development (3)
- AHUM Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3)
- SPH 106/107 Speech (3)
- OAD 211 Medical Terminology (3)
- MTH Elective Math 100 or higher; not 110, 116, 231 0r 232
**5-year limit; an exception may be made if student can provide documentation of having passed BIO 230 Human Pathophysiology with at least a C within last 5 years
Required: ACT exam with a composite score of 21 or higher; achieved within 3 years of the application deadline.
Required: Signed documentation by a PT or PTA of 40 hours or more experience in a physical therapy setting. At least eight of the 40 hours consist of exposure to an acute care (hospital-based), inpatient rehabilitation, or skilled nursing facility. The document must be submitted with the application.
Department Faculty
Vanessa LeBlanc
PT, DPT PTA Program Director
(205) 983-5995
Office GSB 316F
[email protected]
Leslie Naugher
PTA, MS, ACCE
(205) 983-5996
Office GSB 316E
[email protected]
Cindy Elliott
PTA, MS Instructor, Advisor
(205) 983-5270
Office GSB 316A
[email protected]
