PTA Schools in South Carolina (SC)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Greenville Technical College is a comprehensive course designed to prepare students for careers in the high-demand field of physical therapy. The program is structured as a 1 + 1 format, with Phase I consisting of 30 credit hours of general education courses and Phase II comprising 46 credit hours of technical/professional PTA courses. Graduates are prepared to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, school systems, home health care, private practice and academia.

The job outlook for PTAs is expected to grow by 19% from 2022-2032. The median annual wage for PTAs was $64,080 as of May 2023 according to national employment statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Unique aspects about this program include its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), high graduation rate average (91%), first-time licensing exam pass rate average (80.3%) and graduate employment rate (98.5%).

Additionally, Greenville Tech offers a Career Pathways Scholarship that could potentially cover tuition fees and books if you’re enrolled in qualifying programs like their PTA program.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) offers an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program prepares students to implement physical therapy treatment procedures under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, helping patients recover from debilitating illness, surgery or accidents. Admission into this limited-access program requires meeting weighted admission requirements by May 15 and undergoing a criminal background check among other prerequisites.

Courses include Exercise Massage, Electrical stimulation, Traction, Ultrasound and Clerical record-keeping duties. Graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for licensure in South Carolina. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, outpatient offices etc.

The HGTC PTA Program has specific goals such as supporting diversity and inclusion; preparing competent graduates who can successfully qualify for state licensure; producing graduates who provide high-quality patient-centered care etc.

Unique aspects about HGTC’s PTA Program is its commitment to lifelong learning with faculty exemplifying Core Values of the Physical Therapy profession. Moreover it provides evidence-based didactic and clinical education that caters to diverse cultures/backgrounds thereby strengthening the physical therapy workforce.

Midlands Technical College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students for a career as a skilled healthcare worker. The curriculum is configured sequentially, allowing flexibility in completing general education courses and prerequisites before moving into the technical portion of the degree. Students gain educational clinical experience in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, schools, private offices, and long-term care facilities.

Admission to the program requires applicants to meet specific criteria including a minimum GPA of 2.900 on prerequisite courses, completion of at least 20 hours of recent physical therapy observation experiences and successfully interviewing with the Admissions Committee.

Once accepted into the PTA Program’s technical portion, students must complete additional requirements including criminal background checks and drug screening results; certification in First-Aid and American Heart Association CPR (BLS/AED) for Healthcare Providers; proof that all vaccination requirements/records are up-to-date; meeting Essential Functions and Technical Standards requirements among others.

The college has dedicated classroom and laboratory space within Lexington Hall where students can attain competency prior to required clinical rotations through affiliations with local physical therapy practices and other healthcare facilities.

Each Fall semester welcomes a select cohort of 20 students chosen through this competitive process. Prospective students should note that only courses prefixed with “PTH” are part of the PTA Program while those without this prefix are considered prerequisite coursework.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant Program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the healthcare field. The program provides an engaging curriculum that fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment, emphasizing professionalism, ethics, and evidence-based services.

Students begin with the Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant Certificate before progressing to the Associate Degree program. During their studies, they gain hands-on experience through clinical affiliations across South Carolina’s diverse medical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, nursing centers and home healthcare among others.

The PTA program boasts of small class sizes allowing for personalized attention from faculty members who are highly involved in the learning process. Graduates have enjoyed 100% employment rates and above national averages for licensure pass rates at 100% on first attempts.

Additionally, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College stands out due to its commitment to serving culturally diverse populations within rural communities. Its mission is not only about graduating competent professionals but also advancing healthcare in these areas.

Financial aid options are available making it possible for more students to pursue this path without heavy financial burdens.

South University – Columbia offers an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The curriculum is comprehensive and includes five academic quarters of lecture, laboratory, and clinical coursework. Students complete 660 hours of clinical education across various settings like hospitals, nursing homes, sub-acute facilities and outpatient centers.

The program integrates a course on Current Rehabilitation Issues between clinical experiences to allow students to correct any deficiencies identified during their clinic performance. Graduates from this program have achieved a 100% employment rate for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Admission into the professional phase requires completion of prerequisite coursework with at least a ‘C’ grade or better in all prerequisites. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take national certification exams; however passing these exams or obtaining licensure is not guaranteed by South University.

Unique aspects include technical standards that reflect expectations for common physical therapy functions ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their future careers. However, it should be noted that despite having a high graduation rate (100%), the first-time pass rate for licensure exam was relatively low (28.58%) for the same academic year.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) offers an Associate in Applied Science degree program for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). This full-time program comprises 69 credit hours over five consecutive semesters, including general education, science, and PTA courses. PTAs work under licensed physical therapists in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient centers, home health agencies, sports/fitness facilities and long-term care institutions.

A highlight of TCL’s PTA program is its cutting-edge ‘Anatomage Table’ technology that enhances teaching and learning experiences. Graduates from this program have consistently performed well above national averages on the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE), a requirement for licensing in most states including South Carolina.

Career prospects are strong with a median annual wage of $63,330 reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022. The total tuition cost before financial aid is approximately $14,766 based on Fall 2022 rates.

The application period for Fall 2025 runs until May 19th, 2025. Applicants must first complete the college admission process before meeting with a Health Sciences Advisor to apply specifically to the PTA program.

Trident Technical College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program. The curriculum includes both classroom studies and clinic time, where students work with physical therapists in various settings such as hospitals. Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs to obtain licensure.

The PTA assists the physical therapist in providing therapy and managing conditions like back and neck injuries, arthritis, strokes, multiple sclerosis, among others. They need strong interpersonal skills, a desire to help people in need and be able to handle physical exertion due to assisting patients with treatments.

Physical therapist assistants can find employment in numerous settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices, rehabilitation facilities, patient homes etc., with starting salaries varying based on location and practice setting; national average ranges between $32k-$75k annually.

Admission into Trident’s PTA program is based on a first-qualified-first-admitted basis. Applicants must meet general college admission requirements along with specific PTA program admission prerequisites that include completion of certain courses (like Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II), achieving minimum cumulative GPA among other criteria.

Once accepted into the program which begins every summer semester with 25 students per cohort – they follow a three-semester full-time curriculum taught at Thornley Campus and affiliate clinical facilities. If any student fails to achieve required GPA or pass all competencies/critical safety areas – they will be withdrawn from the program.

PTA Careers in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a diverse range of environments where physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can find fulfilling employment.

• In urban areas like Charleston, PTAs can collaborate with rehabilitation centers and hospitals, such as the Medical University of South Carolina, known for its comprehensive patient care.
• In Greenville, clinics and outpatient facilities provide opportunities to work with a variety of patient populations, from athletes to seniors.
• Coastal regions, including Myrtle Beach, also present unique opportunities, particularly in sports medicine and wellness centers that cater to tourists and local residents alike.

Furthermore, rural communities in the Lowcountry and Upstate regions often require PTAs in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings, allowing for impactful community engagement and personalized care.

Deciding on a PTA School in South Carolina

There are a couple of of things to consider when selecting physical therapist assistant programs. Here’s a list of a few of the most crucial factors to take into account as you research for your physical therapist assistant school:

• PTA School size
• Pass-rate of the licensure exam
• Classroom and labroom resources
• Program expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• University admittance criteria

While you take these physical therapy assistant school things into consideration, it may be beneficial to talk with current students and recent graduates of the PTA schools of curiosity. Also, talking to companies whom have actually hired these students may give you more insight to each schools strengths & weaknesses.

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