PTA Application Requirements

Official transcripts/test scores must be received by the application deadline (end of February) in order for a student to receive credit for transferred courses.  

Students must submit official transcripts:

• high school
• All colleges/universities attended
• CLEP or AP (Advanced Placement) must be ordered from the College Board
• IB must be ordered from IBO
• AICE must be ordered from Cambridge International

Every applicant for admission to Seminole State College is required to make a statement as to his or her length of residence in Florida. To receive the lower Florida resident tuition rate, students must be classified as Florida resident for tuition purposes.

It is recommended that students visit an academic advisor for guidance in course selection, sequencing and scheduling.

A grade of "C" or better must be attained in all the general education courses.

It is recommended that students complete as many of these courses as possible prior to applying for a seat in the program.  If you have not completed your co-requisite courses before applying to the PTA program, you will still be considered for admission. If you are accepted, you will need to complete the remaining co-requisite courses prior to graduation.

Effective Fall 2022, the FL Dept. of Education modified the courses for the PTA AS degree. Students are encouraged to consult with their assigned advisor to determine if these changes will apply to them.

(PR/CR means Pre-requisites or Co-requisites)

*Core Humanities Courses

A minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.50 is required to apply to the program.

Observation hours are required to seek exposure to physical therapy by working, volunteering, or observing. The hours must be done prior to applying for a seat in the program. If a physical therapy site offers more than one type of physical therapy, you may count that as a different setting. Keep in mind, though, it will be considered only one site. You may not observe anyone other than a PT or PTA. A site is the location of the business. The setting is the type of therapy such as Pediatric Outpatient, Geriatric Inpatient Rehab, Adult Acute Care, Lymphedema Therapy etc. If a physical therapy site offers more than one type of physical therapy, you may count that as a different setting. Keep in mind, though, it will be considered only one site. Applications are scored based on the number of sites, number of settings, and number of hours. Please see “Selection Process” for specific scoring. You may not document observation of anyone other than a PT or PTA.

The PTA Dept. does not provide a list of healthcare facilities to do observation hours. Students should contact the facilities they wish to do observation hours at and inform them that they plan to apply for SSC’s PTA program and courteously request the opportunity to work, observe or volunteer.

A  Physical Therapy Experience Form  must be completed and signed by the supervising PT or PTA from each healthcare facility. The completed forms must be submitted with the PTA program application.

Minimum Requirements

• Students must complete 20 hours of observation in at least two different physical therapy sites (up to 100 observation hours will be considered).
• The 20 observation hours must have been completed in the 12 months prior to the application deadline.  
• More than 20 hours in two types of sites is recommended and will be considered in the selection of candidates.  Observation time in excess of 100 hours will not be considered.

Maximum Requirements

• Students can complete up to 100 observation hours (at least 20 hours at each site is recommended). 
• Students can submit up to 100 hours from the last three years. 

Please note:  The following facilities may not accept student volunteers: Orlando Regional Medical Center, the UF Health Cancer Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital including Pediatric Sports Medicine, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, South Seminole Hospital, and Orlando Health Physician Group Practices.

Take the TEAS® test and score at least 59% Adjusted Individual Total Score. The student's official TEAS® score must be in student's record prior to submitting a PTA application.

The test is offered by appointment only at the Seminole State Assessment and Testing Centers. View the Assessment and Testing Center TEAS calendar schedule for locations and times. Students can prepare for the test using the TEAS® study manual and/or the online practice assessment found at www.atitesting.com.

TEAS Re-take Policy: Students can take the test up to three times within a 12-month period - 31 days between retakes. Test scores are valid for two years.

After provisional acceptance, all students enrolled in a Healthcare Professional program with a clinical or practicum component will be required to complete a full background check and a drug/alcohol screening. Students are encouraged to review the clinical facility requirements prior to beginning their course work.

Students are provisionally accepted pending successful completion of a background check, drug and alcohol screening and physical exam. A physician's signature indicates a student can perform the functions of a physical therapist assistant. Students will receive the physical examination form after provisional acceptance.

The program does not support any particular insurer, but some students have suggested Insuranceforstudents.com  for insurance needs.