Physical Therapist Assistant - Adult Only

Seminole State College-Gordon Cooper Technology Center

Physical Therapist Assistant Program 

Program Description

Seminole State College (SSC) and Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) have come together to create the SSC-GCTC Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program. The core curriculum is provided on the SSC campus with the technical portion of the program being held on the GCTC campus in Shawnee.

The SSC-GCTC PTA Program is a 1+1 program. The total program is 69 credit hours. Prior to entrance into the program, students must complete 21 hours of common core courses and 11 hours of support courses for a total of 32 hours of prerequisite work. Upon entrance into the program, students must complete 37 hours of technical training. The technical portion of the degree consists of classroom, lab, and clinical experiences.  All didactic coursework is completed on the GCTC campus in Shawnee, Monday thru Friday 8 am-5 pm. The approximately 2 years of training culminates in an Associate of Applied Science Degree granted by SSC. The student is then eligible to sit for a state licensure examination.

The PTA works in a variety of settings under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT) to develop mobility, relieve pain, prevent physical disability, and promote wellness. The PTA program is designed to prepare the student to perform at entry-level as a PTA. A PTA must be a graduate of a program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and must satisfy  the licensing requirements of the state where they wish to work.

Program Accreditation Status

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone 703-706-3245;  [email protected] is necessary to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Seminole State College-Gordon Cooper Technology Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 405-273-7493 ext. 2214 or email [email protected].

Mission Statement

The SSC- GCTC PTA Program mission is to provide quality learning environments preparing people for a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant and success in the workplace, in education and in life.  Successful graduates will be committed to community involvement, evidence-based practice, and continual professional development in their field.

Program Goals

Student and Graduate Goals

1. Students will acquire knowledge and develop skills which will enable them to pass the national licensure examination to become licensed physical therapist assistants.
2. Students will develop the skills necessary to perform as an entry-level clinician who will work under the direction of a physical therapist.
3. Students will seek lifelong learning opportunities to enhance their skills and positively impact the profession.
4. Students will display a commitment to service for both their communities and the profession.

Faculty Goals

1. Faculty members will display a commitment to service for both their communities and the profession.
2. Faculty members will maintain involvement in and promote evidence-based practice in their teaching and professional involvement.

Program Goals

1. The program, through faculty and students, will display commitment to both the community and the physical therapy profession.
2. The program resources will be evaluated on an annual basis by the PTA Oversight Committee to ensure that quality learning environments are provided for students.

PTA Program Outcomes

 Two- Year Averages for Outcome Data

Requirements for Admission

Students wishing to apply to the SSC-GCTC PTA Program must first meet all admission requirements to SSC.  The proper steps to take for admission to SSC can be found online at http://www.sscok.edu/Admissions.html.  Please note that the steps for application to the PTA Program are separate from the admission process for SSC.

All pre-requisite coursework must be completed prior to the first course of the technical portion of the degree plan to be eligible for application.  Pre-requisites include the following:

• English Composition I
• English Composition II, Intro to Oral Communication, or Fundamentals of Computer Usage
• U.S. History
• American Federal Government
• General Psychology
• Principles of Biology
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Medical Terminology

Upon acceptance into SSC, prospective students may apply to the PTA Program.  The online application period opens the first Friday of April and closes the first Friday of May.  Each application must include the following:

• Copies of transcripts for all collegiate level academic work including degrees conferred
• Proof of residence (if qualified to receive GCTC points for residence)
• Evidence of any completed GCTC Allied Health Programs (if applicable)
• ACT Scores or completion of a bachelor's degree or Higher (must be a 19 or higher)
• Completed essays (topics provided in the online application)
• Evidence of prior work in a health-related field, including a timeline (if applicable)
• Documentation of 40 total hours of observation completed in a minimum of 2 settings on provided form.  PLEASE FIND FORM IN PDF FORMAT BELOW.  Students are required to provide an addressed, stamped envelope to each therapist with the form.  The therapist should mail the form directly to the program.
• Proof of completion of an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR Course

• Official background check with no noted felonies
• Clean drug screen (including negative for THC products)
• Up to date vaccinations
• 2 Current TB Skin Test's taken 1 week apart.

The application process for entrance into the technical portion of the program is competitive.  There are 12 available seats for each cohort that begins in the fall semester.  Applicants are chosen based on scores tabulated with the ADMISSIONS RANKING FORMULA.

The 2024-2025 SSC-GCTC PTA Program Application period is OPEN!  Please clink the link below to access the application.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/GordonCooperTechnologyCenter1/SSCGCTCPTAProgramApplication

Program Core Faculty

[email protected]

phone:  (405) 273-7493 

fax:      (405) 273-6354

Lisa Knight, PT, MS, COMT is the full-time instructor for the program.  She has nineteen years of clinical experience in a variety of settings.  Mrs. Knight has worked in both the outpatient and acute care settings with experience with cardio-pulmonary, work injury, vestibular, orthopedic and pediatric patients.  She brings a wealth of knowledge to the program with a Certificate of Manual Therapy and certification as a Physical Capacity Profile Test Administrator. In addition, she has served as a Clinical Instructor for PTA students.

[email protected]

phone:  (405) 273-7493 

fax:      (405) 273-6354

Complaints/Concerns

The SSC-GCTC PTA Program will review any and all complaints against the program. This will include any complaints involving accreditation standards, policies and procedures, and overall operations of the program and those involved with this process. Students, clinical instructors, clinical sites and/ or members of the public will be given opportunity to voice any concerns or complaints as they arise, without fear of retaliation or retribution. All complaints must be made within six months of the incident to be considered. It is encouraged that all complaints/ concerns be made directly to the PTA PD unless the complaint involves the PD.  In this case the complaint should be made to the SSC Health Sciences Division Chair. While on the GCTC campus students may also contact the SSC-GCTC Student Advocate located in Business and Career Services regarding complaints/concerns.  All complaints will remain confidential and filed in a locked cabinet in the PD’s office upon resolution.  

Please note that students should follow the SSC Grievance Procedures found in the SSC-GCTC PTA Student Handbook on pages 31-33. 

SSC-GCTC Student Advocate

Ashley Fichtner, Director of Partner School Outreach              

[email protected] 

(405) 273-7493 ext. 2511