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PTA students

Physical Therapist Assistant, AS

Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Science (AS)
Total Credit Hours74
Average Time to Complete2 years
Academic PathwayHealth Sciences
ADVISOR FOR LAST NAME N-ZDr. Melinda Cumbaa, DPT, PT
PTA Program Coordinator
850.913.3312
mcumbaa@gulfcoast.edu

ADVISOR FOR LAST NAME A-MAdam Padgett, PTA, CKTP
Assistant Coordinator & ACCE
850.769.1551, ext. 6180
apadgett@gulfcoast.edu

Academic Programs SpecialistCrickett Pimentel
850.913.3311
HealthSciencesGCSC@gulfcoast.edu

PATHWAY NAVIGATORTerri Tomas
850.769.1551 ext. 5863
tthomas3@gulfcoast.edu

M. Cumbaa faculty page

A. Padgett faculty page

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Physical Therapist Assistant, AS

Would You Like a Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant?

If so, then the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Gulf Coast State College may be for you!

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Gulf Coast State College is exciting, challenging and action-packed!

To be successful in this Major/Career, you should:

  • Be comfortable with performing physical activity

  • Have a strong background in science

  • Be able to communicate well with a variety of people

  • Have an interest in disease prevention and wellness

PTA Program Outcomes

Graduates of the PTA program at Gulf Coast State College earn an Associate in Science degree and may apply for licensure as a Physical Therapist by examination in the state of Florida.

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a skilled technical health care worker who delivers physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist (PT).  These services may include instructing patients in therapeutic exercises for strengthening, flexibility, balance/coordination, mobility, function; applying physical agents such as heat, cold, electricity, and traction; communicating with the PT as the patient’s medical condition changes; monitoring/documenting/reporting patient response to treatment.

PTAs are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, and outpatient physical therapy clinics.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for physical therapist assistants working in the United States was estimated to be at $68,460, but can vary based on the  geographical location.

The PTA Program’s average two-year employment rate is over 90% for graduates licensed within a year of graduation. Statistics on the program’s graduation rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate can be found through the Program Outcomes link listed in the column to the right of the page, "In This Section".

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Gulf Coast State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,  Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone (703) 706-3245, email:  accreditation@apta.org; website:  CAPTE Online. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (850) 913-3312, or email mcumbaa@gulfcoast.edu.

Accreditation Curriculum Mission Program Outcomes Prerequisites Estimated Student Expenses

Physical Therapist Assistant Course Requirements

h3

English I
Visual & Performing Arts or
Philosophy/Religion or
Literature 
Select One from a list of Math Courses
Anatomy and Physiology
American National Government, United States History I, or United States History II and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency 
General Psychology
Anatomy and Physiology Courses
Medical Terminology
Physical Therapy Courses

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog

What can you do with a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Gulf Coast program graduates typically site for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam following graduation. The following represents our first attempt pass rates:

Class of 2021: 79%

Class of  2022: 86%

Class of  2023: 80%

Two-Year rate:

2021-2022: 82%

2022-2023: 83%

Gulf Coast PTA alumni are incredibly employable. The following represents the percentage of students who found employment within one year of graduation:

Class of 2020: 86%

Class of  2021: 100%

Class of  2022: 100%

Class of  2023:  100%

Two-Year rate:

2020-2021: 93%

2021-2022: 100%

2022-2023: 100%

Physical Therapist
Adam Padgett
"The Physical Therapist Assistant program at GCSC was more than just 'the next stop' in my education. They prepared me academically and professionally for my future career; my classmates and instructors became my greatest friends. A large part of my success today is due to the hard work and attention to detail my instructors placed in my education."
-Adam Padgett
Physical Therapist Assistant, Excel Therapy, LLC
Who is Eligible for the Physical Therapist Assistant AS Program?
If you are a high school graduate, you can apply to this program. If you have earned credits from a regionally accredited college or university, you may have a head start at Gulf Coast State College. There are specific course requirements for entering this program. For more information, please consult the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Info Packet.
Why Choose Gulf Coast State College to Earn Your Degree?
You'll get a great education with one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. Get the personal attention you deserve with small class sizes and professors who care. The PTA program at Gulf Coast State College has a 94% employment rate, for graduates within 6 months of licensure.
Physical Therapist Assistant Student

Physical Therapist Assistant Lab

You'll acquire the skills you need to be successful in Gulf Coast State College's Physical Therapist Assistant Laboratory, overlooking the beautiful bay on our Panama City campus. Our state-of-the-art laboratory space will enable you to perform simulated treatments using current technology.

Are you ready to get Started ?

How to apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

To apply, you’ll need to complete  the general admission application to Gulf Coast State College . Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the  application process. 

Consult the Physical Therapist Program webpage and the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information about the Physical Therapist Assistant program. 

Apply to Gulf Coast

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about  scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

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Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Amanda Reed, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.