Students who are considering a career as a physical therapist assistant are a special type of individual. Kind hearted, compassionate, and interested in the health and well-being of the general public, these professionals are the ones who are ready and willing to make a difference in a number of lives, daily.
If you are considering this career path but you are still stuck on the fence, then be sure to check out Florida National University’s (FNU) five reasons to enroll in the Physical
Therapist Assistant Program:
Prepare Directly for a Career in the Field
Several programs are designed to offer students careers in various avenues. For example, criminal justice programs can offer students careers in law, public safety, and investigative work, and more. However, those who enter the Physical Therapist Assistant Program have one goal in mind: to leave the program as a fully functioning physical therapist assistant, prepared to enter an entry-level career in the field.
Therefore, there is no better way to prepare for this career than with a specialized degree. This enables students the opportunity to learn exactly what is needed in order to pursue a career in this particular industry.
Meet Others and Network
Meeting students and professors in this program offers many students the opportunity to meet like-minded current (and future) in the field. Therefore, studying in this program presents a viable networking opportunity for students. Students attend clinical rotations, gaining experience at actual practices, under the supervision of professionals. This is a unique way to meet those in the field.
Gain Professional Experience
Because Florida National University (FNU) requires students to participate in clinical rotations, students exit this program with hundreds of hours of supervised experience. This prepares the student to understand what to expect in the professional world. They are able to get a taste of what the career truly entails while learning communication skills and practical skills needed while working with patients, doctors, and other PTAs.
Learn from Experienced, Trusted Professionals in the Field
FNU is careful to hire professors who have professional experience—in fact; many of FNU’s professors are still currently practicing in their field! This offers not only excellent networking possibilities, but it delivers students access to professionals who understand the field, and can offer insight that only those in the field know.
This functions almost like a special pass: access to an individual with “inside” information that students in other programs might only hope for! Not to mention, FNU professors are willing to share their experience in the field. FNU students get detailed information regarding what new professionals really need to know.
As one of our newest programs, professors involved with the PTA program are excited and exuberant about education in this field. Therefore, students will receive education from talented and ecstatic professors, with a fresh outlook and a great handle on the industry.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students who wish to complete the PTA program have scholarship opportunities for which they can apply. For those who are already in the medical field but wish to extend their education in this program, the Medical Professional Scholarship is a great choice. The following are details regarding this scholarship:
The Medical Professional Scholarship at Florida National University can be awarded every year to active employees of the Medical Profession residing in the State of Florida. Student must be an active employee in the Medical profession in the State of Florida. To be eligible the applicant must provide a letter from the employer’s Human Resources Department or the most recent pay stub and a work ID.
- Source of the Scholarship: University revenue.
- Sum Awarded: The scholarship covers 20% of the tuition cost for a master’s, baccalaureate, or associate degree program offered by FNU.
That’s not all—academic scholarships are also a possibility for students. Review all of FNU’s scholarships here.
About the Program
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program will provide the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as a competent, safe, and ethical PTA.
The students will learn and apply techniques that will improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities to patients in clinical settings. Graduates from this program are eligible to take the national licensure exam. This program is directed by Dr. Kelly Krenkel. Courses for this program include, but are not limited to:
- Therapeutic Communication for PTA (2 credits)
In this course, students will learn the importance of effective communication with patients, caregivers, Physicians, the Physical Therapist and other healthcare professionals.
- Orthopedic Conditions and Rehabilitation (3 credits)
In this course, students will review pertinent anatomical structures and be instructed on the etiology, signs, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic/imaging procedures, medical and PT treatment, prognosis and prevention of orthopedic human disease and disorders.
- Promotion of Health and Wellness (1 credit)
During this course, students will learn the importance of promoting health and wellness to their patients, family, friends, and community. Students will also investigate their own levels of health and wellness to develop and implement a personal plan.
- Trends in Physical Therapy (1 credit)
Through this course, the student will receive information about the trends impacting the Physical Therapy realm. Discussion will include the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant in the evolving health care system, preparation for the final 2 clinical practicums, emerging ethical, legal and legislative issues, licensure preparation, resume writing, job searching, interviewing skills and the importance of continued personal, social and career development by creating a 5 year career development plan.
Application and Additional Program Requirements and Information
Interested students may review the program’s application requirements on the program’s website at (insert link here). Additionally, student’s participation in this program is contingent on his or her ability to meet the following criteria:
- All students must have liability insurance in order to participate in the clinical rotations.
- All students must provide BLS, OSHA, HIV, and HIPPA seminar completion forms in order to participate in the clinical practicums.
- All students must undergo level 2 federal background checks in order to participate in the clinical practicums.
- Students must complete 630 hours of clinical practice.
- This program is not designed for transfer to a senior institution. Therefore, this program is designed to prepare students to enter the work force upon completion, and no further education is necessary to pursue a career in the field.
Get Started
If you think you have what it takes to join the hundreds of other students entering this field in South Florida, then it’s time to apply now! Get started toward your career today with FNU’s program.
