The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The Program received its initial accreditation in May of 1977. Broward College itself is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate Degree in PT Assisting.

 The Physical Therapist Assistant Program offered by Broward College (BC) is delivered to the students via distance learning technology. That is, there is two-way audio and video interaction with an expansion site located in Fort Myers at a classroom located on the Lee campus of Edison State College (EC). Students take classes together in real time as an instructor broadcasts the lecture material. 

Classes at both sites participate in all lecture classes together - all lab sessions and clinical practicums are managed by the individual sites with a site coordinator located at EC who serves as a liaison between the sites. This innovative method of instruction is an exciting and challenging means by which two separate classes of students can be joined as they embark on an education in the field of physical therapy.

The curriculum provides the student the opportunity to develop competency in technical skills through planned experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and off-site clinical facilities. The Program is dedicated to developing assistants who are quality-minded and who will ultimately make unique contributions to the field of physical therapy.

The program is a full-time day program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A licensing examination is required upon completion of the two-year program and the Physical Therapist Assistant shall be eligible for an appropriate membership category in the American Physical Therapy Association. 

Broward College’s Criteria for Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant-Associate in Science Program:

• Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
• Applicants to the program will be ranked by the number of general education courses completed and the earned Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Applicants must successfully complete a continuing education course:  Online Test Drive prior to the start of PHT courses in Term I, August. Completion of this course is not required for application to the program. Registration information will be provided to students following acceptance to the program.
• Applicants must complete a Medical History and Physical Examination prior to the start of PHT courses in Term I, August. Completion of the physical is not required for application to the program. Physical Examination information will be provided to students following acceptance to the program.
• Students are required to travel to Broward College for a one day pre-admission meeting and to complete a Background Check and Drug Screen as part of the acceptance process. Attendance at a one-day program orientation at the Broward site is also required following acceptance.

Requirements for the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science:

• Complete a minimum of 74 semester hours of credit and a degree grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
• Complete the degree required courses with a grade of “C” or higher

Applications accepted from August 1 through February 20. Program admits in May 2009.

To apply to the program and for additional information visit the Broward College PTA Program Site. http://www.broward.edu/pta/pta/apply/page10964.html

Applications for the May 2010 start of the program will be accepted starting in October 2009 until January 2010.
Contact jgootkin@broward.edu for additional information