Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Are you ready for a new start? Do you like helping others? Do you want a career that is in demand? If you answer yes to these questions, you can get that new start with a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Hodges University. In two years or less, you can earn your Associate in Science degree and be ready to take your licensure exam.
What can you expect in this program?
“It is a rigorous program, but it’s designed that way to help our students take what they learn in class and apply it in the real world,” said Dr. Cindy Vaccarino, Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Hodges University. “My fellow professors and I are passionate about this so we bring everything we’ve learned in our careers and share it with our students.”
Recent graduates of the program can attest to the dedication of their professors.
“My instructors are absolutely incredible. They eat, breathe, and live for their students. There is not anything they would not do- they’re family,” said Valentine Antal.
“Everyone is awesome. Our professors have become my new idols!” said Sarah Plocharczyk.
“My cohort became like a little family. Being able to form these relationships that I will have for the rest of my life has been my favorite part about the entire program,” said Charles Klein.
“The constant knowledge I was getting really made me love this program,” said Samantha Hickory. “This program helped show me how flexible and adaptable I truly am.”
One graduate, Corey Gallant, has even returned to assist with instruction for the program.
“We have fantastic instructors. They answer every question and will stay late to help you out. They’re truly exceptional professors and really care about each student in the program,” he said.
Students spend their time first in the state-of-the-art Health Sciences building on campus. They have a dedicated classroom, and two, modern labs where they apply what they learn. As they get closer to graduation, they will then take their skills to area hospitals, physical therapy centers and other organizations.
“This program requires dedication and hard work, but our students know that it is all worth it when they graduate and earn their license,” said Dr. Vaccarino.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to help people out in the world,” said recent graduate Yusymielys Rodriguez. “The program taught me that I can do more than what I thought I could do. I learned to believe in myself.”
Hodges University PTA Program
• CAPTE Accredited (required for licensure)
• 2020 first time pass on national licensure exam: 100%**
• Average employment after graduation since 2016: 90%**
• Job demand growing 29% in Florida*
• Average annual salary in Florida: $62,830*
Hodges University
239-482-0019 | Hodges.edu
*According to CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org)
**PTA graduate data submitted in Hodges Summary Action report to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education on 2/23/21
