Physical Therapist Assistant

The PTA Program aims to:

• Deliver academic and clinical training for entry-level careers
• Provide equal access through fair and non-discriminatory admissions
• Maintain up-to-date equipment, technology and learning resources
• Employ qualified faculty who reflect current industry practices
• Continuously evaluate and improve program quality and outcomes

Program faculty are committed to:

• Creating a supportive learning environment for student success
• Encouraging communication, teamwork and mutual respect
• Using effective teaching methods aligned with current physical therapy practices

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Perform physical therapy interventions, including therapeutic exercises, mobility training and use of equipment
• Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment within a physical therapist's plan of care
• Communicate effectively with patients, families and healthcare teams
• Demonstrate professionalism, time management and cultural competence
• Practice within legal, ethical and regulatory standards
• Build a foundation for lifelong learning in physical therapy

• Admission is based on a FIRST-QUALIFIED FIRST-ADMITTED bases, so students MUST ensure they meet General College Admission Requirements and the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Admission Requirements.
• The program admits 25 students each Summer Semester.
• The program will be three semesters in length (summer, fall and spring ).
• The PTA program is full time.
• All lecture and lab classes are face-to-face classes. Typical days are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday depending on the term.
• Classes and labs meet on Thornley Campus.
• Clinicals are at affiliate clinical facilities.
• Students must successfully complete all three semesters of the PTA program and professional coursework in order to be eligible for graduation and licensure. 
• Once admitted to the program, a PTA student is required to achieve at least a 2.0 GPA on all courses required for the program as well as pass all competencies and critical safety areas. 
• Fall 2 and Spring 2 terms are clinical rotations which are specific for each student and may include out of town locations.
• Students are responsible for securing housing for any out-of-town clinical placements at their expense. There is no guarantee that all students will have only in town placements due to the number of clinical placements required for the program.
• While clinical rotations are during daytime hours, they may require weekend coverage. 
• Reliable transportation is required to and from clinical rotation sites, community experiences and campus classes.
• Parking at clinical sites may not be provided free of charge; students are responsible for any parking fees that they may incur.

• The PTA program is an intensive, academic experience.
• Students can expect to study between 15-30 hours per week outside of class.
• Students will be expected to engage in learning experiences that require group projects with fellow classmates, public speaking and collaboration with other disciplines.
• Students must maintain a “C” average to remain in the program. Students are required to successfully demonstrate skill competencies during lab practical exams each semester and competency check-offs during the Fall and Spring semesters in order to remain in the program.
• Students are assessed for professional development during each term. 

The following up-to-date vaccinations are currently required to attend clinic (note these are not TTC requirements) - more information will be provided once accepted into the program.

• Tetanus within the past 10 years
• Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella
• Hepatitis B series
• COVID series
• Meningitis (waiver may be an option)
• Annual flu vaccine

*These are subject to change based on the requirements of each clinical site

While covered under Trident Technical College's professional liability insurance, students will be required to purchase additional professional liability insurance due to clinic requirements. In addition, all students must provide proof of major medical health insurance when they first enter the technical phase of the program. Students must maintain coverage throughout the three semesters of the program.

Convictions: Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation can make the student ineligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants offered by the Federation of State Boards. Any student with concerns should contact the Program Coordinator to discuss the matter.

Students will need:

• Laptop
• Negative background check
• Negative drug screen
• American Heart Association BLS CPR certification 

Clinic: There may be exposure to patients with infectious diseases and those who are critically ill on clinical rotations. Open wounds, blood and body fluids may be encountered in this field. The PTA curriculum requires that each student participate in two seven week assignments (one during Fall 2 term and one during Spring 2 term) as well as integrated clinic observation times throughout the program. Each student is required to intern at either a general acute care hospital or acute rehab hospital in the inpatient department for one of the seven-week assignments.

The PTA program affiliates with numerous facilities in South Carolina and with limited sites out of state. These assignments will be made by the PTA faculty. Due to the limited availability of sites, there is no guarantee that a given student will be able to remain in Charleston or be placed in the location of his/her choice for clinic. Each student must sign a Memorandum of Understanding in reference to this policy prior to beginning classes. The student will be responsible for arranging and paying for housing, meals and transportation during these assignments. Lack of transportation will not be a justifiable reason for missing class or clinic.

Additional Program Costs: Student may have additional costs including but not limited to books, supplies, clinic housing/transportation, review course, licensure exam, immunizations, CPR certification which could average ~$5,000 in addition to tuition

*Total will depend on medical insurance and clinical placement housing requirements.

Should a student have a complaint, the student will follow the grievance policy and complete the appropriate form found in Etrieve: TTC Complaint Form.

Complaints from stakeholders of the TTC PTA Program will be directed to the PTA Program Coordinator. This may include, but is not limited to, complaints from clinical education sites, employers of graduates, and the public.

Contact Information: Wendy Albano, PT, DPT, MHS, Email: [email protected]

1. Submit a PTA Program Complaint Form to the above contact.

2. Program Coordinator will review and contact the appropriate personnel for resolution.

3. A written response will be provided within timeframe dependent on the nature of the complaint.

4. A copy of all complaints will be maintained in a secure location in the Program Coordinator’s office to maintain confidentiality of all involved parties.

5. No retaliation will occur by either the program or the college due to a compliant being filed.