Florida National University Opens Enrollment For Bachelor in Physical Therapist Assistant Program

HIALEAH, Fla. - Sept. 26, 2019 - PRLog -- The program anticipates opening its doors to students beginning January 2020. This program is specifically for licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who are interested in pursuing a bachelor degree that will directly affect their career options and aspirations. Students are able to transfer their general education coursework towards the program, as well as, receive 31 credits towards the degree for their active PTA license.

Dr. Kelly Krenkel, PTA Department Head, explains that the program has three tracks: 1) Education, 2) Business/Health Service Administration, and 3) Clinical. The education track is for the PTA who wishes to become a PTA educator. The Business/Health Service Administration track provides the PTA with the necessary training to open a physical therapy business or to advance into higher levels of hospital or facility administration. Finally, the clinical track provides the PTA and avenue to gain additional knowledge, training, and experience in their preferred specialty area such as pediatrics, neuromuscular, and sports orthopedics to name a few. This track also aims to assist the PTA to achieve the APTA's Advanced Proficiency for PTAs.

"From conversations that I have had with PTAs across the country, many are interested in furthering their education without wanting to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. What I heard, was that they were interested in a degree that directly linked to their work as a PTA and could advance their career. Furthermore, for PTAs who are interested in sports medicine and orthopedics, their ability to gain supplemental credentials like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is difficult because the exam requires interested candidates to have a bachelor degree. Now, with our Bachelor in PTA, PTAs have the opportunity to further their career with an the applicable degree that opens doors not only to options like the CSCS exam, but also to leadership positions, and specialized areas of physical therapy that require additional training beyond that of an entry-level PTA."

Applicants will be required to demonstrate proof of an active PTA license, as well as, transcripts showing graduation from a CAPTE Accredited PTA Program with a GPA of at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA. In addition, provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess the applicant's performance as a physical therapist assistant including the applicant's potential for bachelor level studies.