Florida Career College Launches New Physical Therapist Assistant Program in Brandon

BRANDON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. News & World Report listed Physical Therapist Assistant as one of top 50 careers for 2010, citing the U.S. Department of Labor's projection that between 2008 and 2018 the 33 percent growth in this field would add 21,200 new jobs. To help meet the needs of this growing field, Florida Career College (FCC) will add a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program to its Brandon campus, with the inaugural class beginning on October 4.

“This is a great addition to our program and degree offerings, furthering Florida Career College's mission to prepare students to move directly from the classroom into the workforce.”

Informational sessions on the new program will be held at the campus, 2662 South Falkenburg Road in Riverview, on:

Thursday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 6-8 p.m.

FCC's Physical Therapist Assistant Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Students completing the 18-month program will earn an Associate of Science Degree.

"With the baby boomer generation aging, athletic injuries and medical issues faced by the general population that require physical therapy, there are tremendous career opportunities in this field," said Dr. Kory Thomas, DPT, Program Director for the PTA Program at FCC Brandon. "This is a great addition to our program and degree offerings, furthering Florida Career College's mission to prepare students to move directly from the classroom into the workforce."

Students in the PTA program will receive a full course of training, including hands-on laboratory practice, therapist-patient simulation, clinical experience at local health facilities and course review to prepare students for required national and state exams.

Florida requires that all Physical Therapist Assistants obtain a license by taking and passing both the National Physical Therapy Examination, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, and the Florida Laws and Rules examination.

Career opportunities are available in a variety of work settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools and sports facilities, as well as in home health care.

The Brandon campus is one of nine Florida Career College campuses throughout Florida. FCC Brandon also offers Allied Health, Business, Information Technology and Clinical Skin Care programs.

For more information about the new Physical Therapist Program or attending the informational sessions, call the campus locally at (813) 621-5775 or visit www.careercollege.edu.