https://www.fgc.edu/academics/alliedhealth/physical-therapist-assistant.aspx

ALLIED HEALTH
Admission Booklet
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
DEGREE IN PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
APPLICATION FOR 2013
CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST, 2013
Application Deadline: JUNE 15, 2013
Application accepted from March 1, 2013-June 15, 2013
149 SE College Place, Lake City, Florida 32025-8703
General Admissions: (386) 754-4287/4396
Appointment with PTA Advisor : (386) 754-4372
Program information: https://www.fgc.edu/academics/alliedhealth/physical-therapist-assistant.aspx

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Florida Gateway College
The education and training of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a joint venture
among physical therapy professionals in the region, area health care facilities, and Florida
Gateway College.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled health care technician who works under
the supervision of a physical therapist (PT). PTAs are an integral part of all aspects of
patient rehabilitation. PTAs instruct patients in therapeutic exercise and activities, applying
massage, heat, cold, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, or ultrasound, educating the patient/
caregiver and reporting the patient’s response to interventions. In addition to direct patient
care, the PTA may also perform duties such as equipment preparation, documentation, and
participation in the administrative aspects of physical therapy.
The PTA is an essential member of the health care team, considered the only qualified
individual who assists the PT in the delivery of established physical therapy interventions.
During the course of physical therapy delivery, the PTA will interact with other health
care professionals, patients and their families. They provide patient care and psychosocial
support, while recognizing cultural and socioeconomic differences. The PTA must enjoy
working with people, and being physically able to lift, climb, and kneel to assist patient
needs.
The PTA works in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, sports and orthopedic
facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, community health
centers, pediatric centers, corporate or industrial health centers, schools, colleges and
universities. Following graduation, the PTA has the option of continuing his/her studies
and pursuing the educational requirements necessary to apply to a doctorate physical
therapy program.
During the PTA program, competency in technical skills of physical therapy is developed
through organized classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. An “Associate in
Science in Physical Therapist Assistant” degree is awarded upon successful completion
of the program. Graduates of the program must than take a national licensure examination
to fulfill obtaining PTA licensure required for employment.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Florida Gateway College is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The program is currently on probationary status.
Questions should be directed to Saralee Perry, Interim Program Director at
Sarlee.Perry@fgc.edu or 386.754.4372 or Vice President Tracy Hickman at
Tracy.Hickman@fgc.edu or 386.754.4324, or the CAPTE.
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education,
Department of Accreditation, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE
http://www.capteonline.org/WhatWeDo/RecentActions/PublicDisclosureNotices/
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Florida Gateway College
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Florida Gateway College, Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to
provide an opportunity for area students to acquire the education and training necessary for
graduation, licensure, and entry into the field of Physical Therapy as a Physical Therapist
Assistant. It is the goal of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program to develop competent and
sensitive rehabilitation practitioners who by virtue of their diverse clinical training will be
adapted to rural underserved clinical settings and will be receptive to the concept of rural
physical therapy practice.
Accomplishment of the mission will be achieved when program graduates, working under the
supervision of a Physical Therapist, are actively contributing to the restoration of impairments
and functional limitations for area residents, providing clinical education and training for
future Physical Therapist Assistant students and promoting the profession of Physical Therapy.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
Applicant MUST:
1. Have graduated with a diploma, or equivalent G.E.D., from an accredited high
school.
2. Submit a General Application form to the Office of Admissions.
3. Take the standardized placement test (ACT, PERT, or SAT).
* If deficiencies are found in Reading, Math or Writing, the student must
complete college prep courses in these specific areas before college courses
may be attempted. Test scores must be dated within two years of application.
Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award the Associate Degree:
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
Telephone number: (404) 679-4501
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BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST
ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Applicant MUST:
1. Apply to the technical phase (second year) of the PTA program by June 15th of
each year.
*The PTA program is a “selective enrollment program.” Applicants’ records are
evaluated and ranked using the admission criteria points sheet (pg15). Initial
acceptance in the technical phase (second year) of the program is contingent upon
student’s:
A) Academic record (GPA)
B) Completion with a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses
C) A minimum of 24 volunteer hours completed
D) Work experience, if applicable
E) Summary of clinical experience
2. Applicants must complete prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better
by the end of Summer term before beginning the Fall term, the year of application.
3. Applicants must take the sciences (Anatomy/Physiology I and Anatomy/Physiology
II) within the last five years prior to application.
**Both Anatomy and Physiology courses must have a lab.
4. Applicants complete at least 24 hours of volunteer exposure in a physical therapy
setting. This experience may be gained through observation and volunteer work
ONLY not in an employment setting. Clinical experience must be acquired under the
auspices of a Licensed Physical Therapist or Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
*The enclosed Volunteer Experience Verification form must be signed by the
supervising clinician.
5. Deliver to the PTA Program Coordinator:
A) Volunteer Experience Verification Form
B) Summary of Volunteer Experience Form
C) Work Verification Form (if applicable)
D) Unofficial transcripts with prerequisite grades HIGHLIGHTED, and
E) Supplemental Application Form.
*All document forms provided online at fgc.edu (https://www.fgc.edu/
academics/allied-health/physical-therapist-assistant/forms.aspx)
or available in the Medical Technology Building 103 (Front desk)
Florida Gateway College reserves the right to make changes in admission criteria and program
information as circumstances require in the continuing development of the program. Florida
Gateway College will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and
guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal
educational opportunity. The Office of Disabled Services can provide further information and
assistance at (386) 754-4410.
Florida Gateway College does not discriminate in education or employment related decisions
on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, genetic
information, or any other legally protected status in accordance with the law. The Equity
Officer is Sharon Best, Executive Director of Human Resources, 149 SE College Place, Lake
City, FL 32025, and may be reached at (386) 754-4313.
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a two-year program that is divided into first year,
prerequisites classes and second year PTA technical classes. Prerequisite classes consist of a
total of 29 credit hours of general education courses, which must be completed before admission
into PTA technical classes. The prerequisite courses may be taken at a student’s own pace
but completion within a three year period is recommended. Science courses should be completed
within five years of PTA application submission. The PTA technical classes consist of 45
credit hours of procedural and clinical education courses.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR THE TWO YEAR PTA PROGRAM
(Effective Aug 2012)
Tuition (Florida resident) $ 7,646.00
Lab Fees
170.00 (approximate)
Physical
100.00 (approximate)
FDLE criminal history info and
Drug Screening 160.00
Liability insurance 12.00
CPR Certificate 60.00
Books
900.00 (approximate)
Uniform (single color scrubs) 70.00 (approximate)
Class Polo shirt
30.00 (optional)
APTA Membership 80.00
Graduation fee and pin
30.00 (approximate)
Florida Licensure Examination 600.00 (approximate)
________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL (approximate) $ 9,858.00
* Fees and expenses are subject to change.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid is available to qualified students through the Florida Gateway College Office of
Financial Aid (386-754-4283). Second year PTA students may be eligible for Company
Sponsored Scholarship Programs that exist within the profession.
EMPLOYMENT
Phase II of the PTA curriculum is academically demanding. The transition from general
education courses to a technical/clinical curriculum requires adjustment and a full-time
commitment. Employment may be possible on a part-time basis, but full-time employment is
discouraged. Employment is strongly discouraged during full-time clinical affiliations.
5

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
FIRST YEAR COURSES (PREREQUISITES)
CREDITS
ENC 1101 Freshman Composition 1 3
BSC(L) 2085 & 2086 Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 with Lab 8
PHY 1020 Essentials of Physics 3
DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development 3
SPC 1016 Oral Communications 3
HSC 2531* Medical Terminology 3
PHI 2600* * Ethics 3
MAC 1105*** College Algebra 3
Phase I – Total Credits 29
* Courses that may substitute for HSC 2531 are: PHT 1004 Introduction to Physical
Therapy.
** Courses that may substitute for PHI 2600 Ethics are: PHI 1100 Introduction to
Logic; HUM 2551 Philosophy and Religion; MUL 1010 Music Appreciation;
HUM 2511 Art and Music; AMH 1091 History of the African American.
*** Courses that may substitute for MAC 1105 College Algebra are: MGF 1106
Mathematics for Liberal Arts 1; MGF 1202 Finite Math; MAC 1140 Precalculus;
MAC 1114 Trigonometry; STA 2023 Elementary Statistics.
In addition to the Prerequisites, all students must complete a minimum of 24
hours of volunteer time under the supervision of a licensed PTA or PT.
(See Volunteer Experience Verification Form)
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
FINAL ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS
After confirmation of acceptance into the 2nd year of the PTA program, the student
will be given an acceptance packet to be completed by September 15th of year accepted.
The packet requires students to:
Provide transcript of Summer prerequisite courses completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Submit to a FDLE criminal background check and a drug screening.
Have a physical health examination verifying physical health status. Appropriate boosters
must be completed. MMR is required unless you had one within one year, or if you were
born in 1956 or before. The vaccine for Hepatitis “B” is highly recommended. If you
choose not to have the vaccine, you will be required to sign a waiver form.
Provide CPR certification (for health care providers) and maintain throughout program.
Show proof of health insurance.
Complete an AIDS and a Medical Errors course (included in technical class curriculum).
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PTA TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES
The second year of the PTA program is an intensive 12 month program. The following courses
are taken only by students accepted into the technical courses with all prerequisites complete.
FIRST SEMESTER (Fall)
CREDITS
PHT 1175C Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology 4
PHT 1200 Introduction to Basic Patient Care 3
PHT 1200L Introduction to Basic Patient Care Lab 2
PHT 1224C Therapeutic Techniques and Disabilities 4
PHT 1007 Topics in Physical Therapy 3
TOTAL CREDITS 16
SECOND SEMESTER (Spring)
CREDITS
PHT 1217 Physical Therapy Principles and Procedures 3
PHT 1217L Physical Therapy Principles and Procedures Lab 1
PHT 1930 Special Topics: Pre-clinical Practice Integration 3
PHT 2252C Orthopedic Disabilities and Treatment 4
PHTL 1801L Physical Therapy Clinical Practice I 4
TOTAL CREDITS 15
THIRD SEMESTER (Summer)
CREDITS
PHT 2220 Foundations of Exercise in Physical Therapy 3
PHTL 2220L Foundations of Exercise in Physical Therapy Lab 2
PHT 2162 Neurological Disabilities and Treatment 4
PHT 2931 Trends in Physical Therapy 1
PHTL 2820 Physical Therapy Clinical Practice II 4
TOTAL CREDITS 14
Total Credits 45
**Students will be required to commute to clinical sites (which can include travel to several
counties in the regional area) and therefore must have dependable transportation. Clinical
Practice I and II, requires a 5 day a week commitment (Monday – Friday), 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Saralee Perry, EDS, MS, PT
Interim Program Director
CHECKLIST
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
149 SE COLLEGE PLACE
Lake City, FL. 32025-2007
(386) 754-4372
A. PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION TO THE COLLEGE
*Deliver to Office of Admissions:
____ General application
____ Official high school transcript
____ Official college transcripts
____ PERT, ACT or SAT scores
MAIL TO:
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
149 SE COLLEGE PLACE
LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32025-2007
PHONE: (386) 754-4396
B. PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION TO PTA PROGRAM
*Deliver to Dept. of Physical Therapy (Building 103):
____ Volunteer Experience Verification Form
____ Summary of Volunteer Experience Form
____ Unofficial college transcripts with prerequisite grades HIGHLIGHTED
____ Supplemental PTA Application Form
Work Verification Form (if applicable)
MAIL TO:
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
149 SE COLLEGE PLACE
BUILDING 103, PTA PROGRAM
LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32025-2007
FAX NUMBER: (386) 754-4872
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SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION FORM
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
DATE OF APPLICATION_______________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
Name: ______________________________email address_________________________
(please print)
Permanent Address: _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________County__________________
Phone (home/cell):__________________________(work):_________________________
FGC Student Number: ____________________________________________________
Year Applying for Admission: ___________ (Technical courses start once/year in August)
Have you ever applied to this program before? _______ How many times? ___________
Date of Birth: _______________________________________Gender _______________
In case of emergency, notify: ________________________________________________
Relationship: _____________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________
NOTE: THIS APPLICATION IS GOOD FOR ONE YEAR ONLY.
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VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION FORM
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
Applicants employed, as listed below, for more than 6 months, can use time employed to count
as volunteer hours in addition to gaining points on the work verification form.
PT aide or technician can use employment to count for 70 volunteer hours
Massage therapist and CNA can use employment to count for 50 volunteer hours
Other medical can use employment to count for 20 volunteer hours
These applicants must complete WORK EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION FORM to gain all
points possible. *If applicants choose to gain maximum volunteer hours it must be done at a
different location than employed.
Applicants are encouraged to volunteer at different settings (Acute, outpatient, inpatient, skilled
nursing facility). Use a NEW FORM for each location.
APPLICANT’S NAME: _________________________________________________
FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS: _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
DATES OF EXPERIENCE: _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS:
_______________________________________
What type of clinical setting? Please type or print legibly.
_____________________________________________
VERIFIED BY: (P.T. or P.T.A.) _______________________________________________
LICENSE NUMBER:_____________________________
DATE: __________________
PHONE NUMBER: __________________________
Volunteer Conduct
Individuals participating in volunteer hours must demonstrate appropriate behavior
to include:
Attire: Closed toe shoes, scrubs/khaki pants and polo. No t-shirts.
No cell phone usage while observation.
Arrive at 8:oo a.m. or otherwise arranged designated time.
Notify facility if you cannot attend during your scheduled time.
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SUMMARY OF VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE FORM
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
Give a brief explanation of how the volunteer experience impacted you and your
decision to pursue physical therapy as a profession. Give a clear description on how you
feel you can make a difference as an Health Care Professional and your understanding
of the role of a physical therapist assistant. Describe a medial condition/diagnosis you
observed and how physical therapy treatment improved the patient.
Please type and title: Summary of Volunteer Experience. Maximum of 2 pages double
spaced.
11

WORK VERIFICATION FORM
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE
APPLICANT’S NAME: _________________________________________________
FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS: _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Supervisor of applicant applying: Please complete this section.
The person named above is applying to the PTA program at Florida Gateway
College. Please verify proof of employment.
Job/Title: ____________________________________________________
Start Date of employment: _______________________________________
End Date of employment: _______________________________________
Total number of years employed: _________________________________
This applicant was/has been employed in my supervision.
VERIFIED BY: (P.T., P.T.A., or other medical professional)
______________________________________________
LICENSE NUMBER:_____________________________
PHONE NUMBER: _________________________DATE: __________________
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PTA Program Admission Sequence
Florida Gateway College
June-July for August start (Fall-term) (preparing for PTA program)
1. Complete General FGC Acceptance Process
Submit Application with fees
Submit High School and College transcripts
Provide PERT,ACT,SAT scores
Make General Advisement Appointment
By June 15th, the following year (preparing for PTA program)
2. Complete PTA Program Acceptance Process
Submit Supplemental PTA Application
Submit Volunteer Experience Verification Form
Submit Summary of Volunteer Experience Form
Submit Unofficial college transcripts with pre-requisite grades Highlighted
Submit Work Verification Form (if applicable)
By July 31st
3. Admission points assigned, students ranked
4. Students notified of Acceptance, Alternate or Denial Status Letters
5. Students required to complete acceptance packet of required documentation after
receiving an acceptance or alternate letter
6. Class selection finalized
By August, year entering PTA program
7. Complete all pre-requisite courses
August, Fall term
8. Mandatory Orientation
9. Technical courses begin
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Admission Point System Assessment
Florida Gateway College
Acceptance to the PTA Program is selective and competitive. A maximum of 30 students will
be accepted. A point system is used to rank each applicant based on the following criteria:
1. Grade Point Average (GPA) in prerequisite courses. Awarded from 1-15 points.
2. An “A” in Anatomy Physiology I and Lab (BSC 2085,BSC 2085L, Anatomy/Physiology II
and Lab (BSC 2086, BSC 2086L) and Essentials of Physics (PHY 1020) awarded 2 point per
class.
A “B” in Anatomy Physiology I and Lab (BSC 2085,BSC 2085L, Anatomy/Physiology II and
Lab (BSC 2086, BSC 2086L) and Essentials of Physics (PHY 1020) awarded 1 point per class.
3. A maximum of 5 points can be earned from volunteer experience hours. Different settings
(hospital/acute care, outpatient clinics, and/or skilled nursing facilities) are encouraged and acceptable.
4. Applicant can earn points by showing proof of work experience in the medical field
(complete work verification form) up to 5 points awarded.
5. Applicants are graded on the Summary of Volunteer Experience in four areas: Awareness of
PTA role, punctuation,/grammar, interest/enthusiasm and comprehension of diagnosis/
treatment. Points are awarded in each area for a total of 20 points.
6. College service area residents (Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Union, and Gilchrist counties) earn
2 points with valid Florida Drivers License.
7. HOSA students (Health Occupations Students of America) earn 1 point with verification.
The maximum points that can be accumulated using this system are 58. Students are ranked in
descending order, with the highest point earners being selected into the program first and the
next five being selected as alternatives pending decline from one of the top 30. Applicants accumulating
the same number of total points will be ranked against each other according to the
score (5,4,3,2,1) obtained in Section 5: 1 st Awareness of PTA role and 2 nd Comprehension of
Diagnosis/Treatment. Number of applicants accepted may change from year to year depending
on clinical site availability but cannot exceed the cap of 30.
Applicants selected will be notified with a written acceptance letter or alternate status letter by
July 31st of each year. Applicants not selected will also be sent letter of denial status at that
time. Applicants and Alternates receiving a letter must return the signed Acceptance/Decline
form enclosed informing the program of their position within 10 days of when letters were postmarked.
Alternates will be notified only if a position in the class needs to be filled. *Letters are
sent electronically via email to your FGC wolves email account. It is your responsibility to
check your email account for official notification and any other pertinent information the
college needs to distribute as this is the college’s official student communication system.
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PTA Admission Criteria Points Sheet
Florida Gateway College
1. Grade Point Average (GPA) assigned points Points Accumulated
2.50-2.599 1
2.60-2.699 2
2.70-2.799 3
2.80-2.899 4
2.90-2.999 5
3.00-3.099 6
3.10-3.199 7
3.20-3.299 8
3.30-3.399 9
3.40-3.499 10
3.50-3.599 11
3.60-3.699 12
3.70-3.799 13
3.80-3.899 14
3.90-4.0 15 ________
2. Weight class GRADES assigned points (A or B)
BSC 2085 Anatomy & Physiology I A) 2 points B) 1 point _______
BSC 2085L Anatomy & Physiology I Lab A) 2 points B) 1 point _______
BSC 2086 Anatomy & Physiology II A) 2 points B) 1 point _______
BSC 2086L Anatomy & Physiology Lab A) 2 points B) 1 point _______
PHY 1020 Essentials of Physics A) 2 points B) 1 point _______
3. Volunteer Hours assigned points
>100 5 points
81-100 4 points
61-80 3 points
41-60 2 points
24-40 1 point _______
4. Work Experience assigned points
>4 years 5 points
3-4 years 4 points
2-3 years 3 points
1-2 years 2 points