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The mission of the Darton State College Physical Therapist Assistant Programs is to graduate
knowledgeable, competent, self-assured, adaptable, and service-oriented physical therapist assistants.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Darton State College is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Admission to the program is
a two-step process. Students may declare a PTA plan of study upon college enrollment while
completing prerequisite coursework for the purpose of advisement. However, this does not guarantee
admission to the program.
After successful completion of the four semester PTA program, this includes both didactic and
clinical components; an Associate of Science degree will be awarded. Graduates will be academically
eligible to apply for national licensure by examination through the Georgia State Board of Physical
Therapy. It is noted that permission to take the examination is granted by the Georgia State Board of
Physical Therapy. The board has the right to refuse to grant a license to any individual who has been
convicted of legal and/or moral violations specified by Georgia law.
After satisfactory performance on the examination, licensed physical therapist assistants will be
qualified for entry-level employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and other
health care settings.
The PTA program reserves the right to discontinue, at any time, the enrollment of a PTA student if, in
the judgment of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the PTA faculty, and the Dean of the Health
Sciences Division, the student does not appear to have the necessary qualifications for a career as a
PTA.
Additional PTA Program Requirements
1. The PTA program requires a full-time commitment from the student. Generally, classes will be
scheduled Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with some evening and/or
Friday/weekend time commitments as needed.
2. Since clinical education is a critical component of the program, all clinical practicums must be
passed. Some out of town travel will be necessary. Students are responsible for their own
transportation, food, and lodging during the practicums unless other arrangements are made by
the clinical site or student.
3. Students must provide evidence of the following prior to clinical experiences:
a. Completed health form, including evidence of the hepatitis B vaccine series, influenza,
PPD, varicella, MMR, and other immunizations as required by the program.
b. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification - American Heart Association BLS
Health Care Provider course. This must be maintained throughout the program.
c. Malpractice insurance (available through Darton State College).
d. Signed letter of confidentiality and honor code.
e. Signed consent form to release health information and immunization records as required
by individual clinical affliation sites.
f. Proof of health insurance is required.
g. Drug screen and/or background check.
4. The student is expected to assume responsibility for his/her own health in the event of illness,
accident, or exposure to communicable disease.
5. A minimum grade of "C" is required in each PTA didactic course to advance in the program.
6. Clinical practicums must be passed to graduate. In the event of unsatisfactory performance, one
practicum may be repeated one time only during the Spring Semester if deemed appropriate by
the clinical faculty.
7. Once enrolled in the program, failure to satisfactorily complete the coursework in the
scheduled sequence will result in the student being withdrawn from the program. The student
would have to reapply, be re-accepted, and repeat appropriate coursework.
8. Students must follow the policies and procedures of the PTA program.
9. Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association is strongly recommended to
enhance professional development.