Physical Therapist Assistant
About the Program
Train in selected physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Our classroom instruction, hands-on practice in simulated laboratory activities and live experiences on real patients at clinical education facilities will prepare you to work in a variety of settings to assist individuals who have lost function so they can live more active lifestyles.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination in order to be designated as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
Special Admissions Requirements
A criminal background check, drug screen, physical, immunization record, proof of first-aid training and CPR certification through the American Heart Association is required before beginning the program. Please note that students who have prior convictions of a crime – excluding minor traffic violations – and/or have had disciplinary action against them may not be allowed to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination.
Please review carefully: Physical Therapist Assistant Admission Overview
Health Information Program
To receive an application for this program, you must first complete a Health Information Program (HIP).
Degrees Available
Special Requirements
Technology Requirements:
This program requires the use of a laptop computer.
Students may purchase one from the OCtech Bookstore or provide their own device. A laptop may be purchased using financial aid or scholarship funds. Students are also encouraged to purchase a support package, extended warranties and/or accidental coverage for their device.
If you have your own laptop, it must
• have a USB port
• be capable of adding a second browser, such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox
• be capable of downloading a free Office 365 license provided by OCtech
• be capable of playing and recording audio and video
Certifications Available
Successful PTA graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistance Examination.
Transfer Options
OCtech has approved articulation agreements with Columbia College and Coastal Carolina University.
Career Outlook
Explore physical therapist assistant careers at CareerOneStop.
FAQs & Additional Information
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the PTA Program at OCtech directly, please call Program Coordinator, Lynn Fralix, at 803-535-1305 or email fralixlw@octech.edu.
To review accreditation status, please visit the OCtech Program Accreditation/Approval page.
Student Outcomes
| Graduation Rate | NPTE Pass Rate | Employment Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 63.2% | 83% | 100% |
| 2016 | 82.4% | 100% | 100% |
| 2017 | 82.4% | 100% | 100% |
| 2018 | 70% | 100% | 100% |
| Two Year Averages | |||
| 2015-16 | 72.2% | 92.3% | 100% |
| 2016-17 | 82.4 | 100% | 100% |
| 2017-18 | 75.7% | 100% | 100% |
Program Coordinator
Lynn Fralix
fralixlw@octech.edu
803.535.1305