Physical Therapist Assistant

The A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant degree prepares students to implement physical therapy treatment procedures under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists. As an assistant to a physical therapist, you will help patients recovering from debilitating illness, amputation, surgery, or accident to improve mobility, restore physical function, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Information

Specific Admission Requirements for Program

This is a Top Qualified program with a limited number of available seats.  It has additional requirements beyond those of HGTC’s General Admission policy.  Every applicant will be reviewed on a weighted application, but all will not be selected.  Detailed information is shown below.

Getting Started with Physical Therapist Assistant 

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for all PTH-prefixed courses for progression and graduation.

Students who meet all program graduation requirements will graduate with the Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree.

Student Resources

• Student Financial Fact Sheet
• HGTC Cost of Attendance
• Physical Therapist Assistant Program Specific Cost
• PTA Student Handbook
• PTA Clinical Handbook
• Volunteer Site List

 

Other Student Information

 

Forms

• Background Check
• Observation Experience Documentation Form
• Sample Application

For more information, contact:
Dr. Camila Denshuick - (843) 477-2024
Dr. Christopher "Chip" Carroll - (843) 477-2187

Accreditation Status

The Physical Therapist Assistant program: ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, (CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: .  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 843-477-2024 or email Camila Denshuick.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

PTA Program Mission Statement:

Consistent with the mission of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, the Physical Therapist Assistant program provides evidence-based didactic and clinical education to prepare graduates a variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds to enter the physical therapy profession. The comprehensive learning opportunities of the program will enhance the lives of HGTC students, strengthen the physical therapy workforce and contribute to the health and well-being of the community we serve. Faculty and graduates of the program will exemplify the Core Values of the Physical Therapy profession and demonstrate dedication to the profession and professional growth through life-long learning. 

PTA Program Goals:

• The program supports integration of all members of the communities which the program serves. 
• Students and faculty will exemplify the Core Values of the Physical Therapy profession to provide highest quality of physical therapist services. 
• Prepare competent graduates to be successful on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to qualify for state licensure and meet the community’s employment needs. 
• Students and faculty will demonstrate dedication to the profession and professional growth through lifelong learning. 
• Produce graduates who work effectively as a member of the health care team to provide high quality contemporary patient-centered care. 

HGTC PTA Student Learning Outcomes: 

After successful completion of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Physical Therapist Assistant Program the graduate will be able to achieve the program learning outcomes. 

• PLO1: Students will demonstrate competence in implementing interventions and performing data collection within the parameters of the physical therapist plan of care based on the review of medical and physical therapy documentation for common pathologies seen by physical therapist assistants. (Discipline Body of Knowledge Competency) 
• PLO2:  Students will comply with policies and procedures and participate in quality assurance to ensure safety for all stakeholders and effective response to patient/client and environmental emergencies that occur in the healthcare setting.  (Patient Safety and Quality Improvement using Evidence Based Practice within Systems Environment)
• PLO3:  Students will use information and technology to communicate, document, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making for effective operation of the organization.  (Informatics, Technology and Practice Management)
• PLO4: Students will demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the core values for the physical therapist assistant.  (Professional & Ethical Behavior)
• PLO5: Students will communicate effectively with all stakeholders for patient-centered, interprofessional collaborative care with respect for individual, socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological differences.  (Communication, collaboration, and teamwork) 

Program Achievement Measures

Physical Therapist Assistant Student Achievement Measures

Program Disclosure Statement 

Applicants to the Physical Therapist Assistant program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.

Program Compliments or Complaints

Program Compliments or Complaints

Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities

On a typical day, a physical therapist assistant will perform components of a variety of treatment procedures, including:

Employment Opportunities

For more information about careers, visit  for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment resources.

 

Required Courses and Sample Schedules

**Registration for MAT courses require students to have appropriate test scores and/or pre-req courses; please refer to your advisor to determine your academic qualifications and eligibility for enrolling in MAT courses.