Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Physical Therapist Assistant
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Associate in Science	
CIP Number	1351080601	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	74 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as physical therapist assistants.

The content includes but is not limited to the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (https://www.capteonline.org/), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305, (800) 999-2782.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 74 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Regulated Programs

A graduate of this program is prepared to apply to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for the National Physical Therapy Exam (https://www.fsbpt.org/) and the Florida Board of Physical Therapy for the Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure examination (https://floridasphysicaltherapy.gov/).

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

Health Science Core (Standards 1-11)
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood-borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Describe anatomical structure, function, and dysfunction of the human body related to the practice of physical therapy.
13.0	Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice as a physical therapist assistant.
14.0	Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient/client management and implement a comprehensive plan of care as established by a physical therapist.  
15.0	Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by a physical therapist to achieve patient/client goals and outcomes for the following: Cardiovascular conditions, Pulmonary conditions, Neurological conditions, Musculoskeletal conditions, Integumentary and lymphatic conditions, Metabolic conditions, Growth and human development,Pain and pain experiences.
16.0	Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measuring outcomes before, during, and after interventions.   
17.0	Participate in the healthcare environment as a member of a patient/client-centered interprofessional collaborative team.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Physical Therapist Assistant
CIP Number: 		1351080601 
Program Length: 	74 credit hours	

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the Health Science Core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
12.0	Describe anatomical structure, function, and dysfunction of the human body related to the practice of physical therapy. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Label the following topographic terms: 
•	medial
•	lateral
•	proximal
•	distal
•	superior
•	inferior
•	anterior
•	posterior
•	midline
•	right and left
•	bilateral	
12.02	Identify and describe the anatomical structures and functions as related to physical therapy interventions and patient/client outcomes, their possible adverse effects, complications, and how interventions may influence other body systems for the following: 
•	Cardiovascular system 
•	Endocrine and metabolic systems
•	Gastrointestinal system
•	Genital and Reproductive systems
•	Hematologic system
•	Hepatic and Biliary systems
•	Immune system
•	Integumentary system
•	Lymphatic system 
•	Musculoskeletal system 
•	Neurological system
•	Pulmonary system
•	Renal and Urologic systems	
12.03	Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply foundational knowledge of medical/surgical conditions by identifying pathological conditions, their impact on patient/client function, and the selection of interventions that support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation across the lifespan within the Physical Therapy plan of care.	
13.0	Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice as a physical therapist assistant. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Act in a manner that is consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, ensuring adherence to professional conduct in all interactions.	
13.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the laws and regulations governing the profession of physical therapy in Florida Statute and other laws and regulations including but not limited to ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, and Patients’ Bill of Rights.  	
13.03	Practice under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist (PT), maintaining a collaborative relationship in the delivery of care.	
13.04	Demonstrate behaviors that align with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Core Values for the Physical Therapist Assistant, including accountability, altruism, compassion, and integrity.	
13.05	Recognize and uphold the dignity and independence of patients/clients, respecting their autonomy in decision-making.	
13.06	Recognize and appropriately respond to verbal and non-verbal patient/client expressions of discomfort, spoken or unspoken (body language).	
13.07	Demonstrate sensitivity to the patient/client’s emotional responses. 	
13.08	Recognize own bias to the patient/client's illness or disability and understand how that may affect treatment outcome.	
13.09	Recognize patient/client's and caregiver's emotional, psychological, and social reactions to illness and disability.	
13.10	Demonstrate sensitivity to individual, cultural, religious and socio-economic differences in patients/clients, caregivers, and colleagues, fostering an inclusive environment.	
13.11	Identify the physical therapist assistant’s role/scope as it relates to patient/client care, departmental function, direction and supervision, and unlicensed personnel.	
13.12	Determine and recognize tasks and duties that are beyond the scope of practice for the physical therapist assistant and communicate appropriately with the supervising physical therapist.	
13.13	Communicate information effectively to the patient/client, caregiver, healthcare delivery personnel, and other relevant stakeholders. 	
13.14	Utilize equipment and resources safely, efficiently, and effectively in the delivery of healthcare.	
13.15	Manage time effectively in all aspects of healthcare.	
13.16	Adhere to all relevant legal practice standards, including all federal, state, and institutional regulations related to patient/client care, documentation, and fiscal management.	
13.17	Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse or neglect of vulnerable populations.	
13.18	Report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of fraud and abuse related to payment for physical therapy and other healthcare services.	
13.19	Implement, in response to an ethical situation, a plan of action that demonstrates sound moral reasoning congruent with core professional ethics and values.  	
13.20	Apply current knowledge, theory, and clinical judgment including evidence-based practice, while considering the patient/client perspective and the environment, based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist.	
13.21	Identify basic concepts in professional literature including, but not limited to, validity, reliability, and level of statistical significance.	
13.22	Identify and integrate appropriate evidence-based resources into clinical decision-making to optimize patient/client care and support the achievement of goals outlined in the plan of care established by the physical therapist.	
13.23	Participate in professional and community organizations that provide opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy, leadership, and professional growth.	
13.24	Identify career development and lifelong learning opportunities, including the role of the physical therapist assistant in the clinical education of physical therapist assistant students.  	
14.0	Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient/client management and implement a comprehensive plan of care as established by a physical therapist. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Contribute to the discontinuation of the episode of care and follow-up planning as directed by the supervising physical therapist.	
14.02	Review patient/client medical records and the plan of care to identify pertinent information related to the patient/client’s diagnosis.	
14.03	Collaborate with patients/clients, caregivers, and other healthcare personnel to obtain current information and report relevant findings to the supervising physical therapist.	
14.04	Identify indications, precautions, and contradictions for each treatment/procedure and apply appropriate interventions within the scope of the plan of care.	
14.05	Report any changes in patient/client status or progress to the supervising physical therapist and other appropriate healthcare personnel in a timely manner. 	
14.06	Communicate an understanding of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist to achieve short- and long-term goals and intended outcomes.	
14.07	Determine a baseline physiological state.	
14.08	Recognize changes in a baseline physiological state, determine the significance of change(s), and report them to the supervising physical therapist.	
14.09	Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient/client’s impairments to body functions and structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.	
14.10	Monitor, adjust, and discontinue interventions based on the patient/client response and clinical data collection in collaboration with the supervising physical therapist.	
14.11	Recognize situations that require further clarification, supervision, or action by the supervising physical therapist. 	
14.12	Determine when an intervention is inappropriate based on the review of current information and patient/client presentation.	
14.13	Select interventions as determined by the supervising physical therapist, that are based on clinical data, to achieve goals and intended outcomes.	
14.14	Modify, adjust, and discontinue interventions based on the patient/client response and clinical data in collaboration with the supervising physical therapist.	
15.0	Demonstrate competence in implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by a physical therapist to achieve patient/client goals and outcomes for the following: The student will be able to:
•	Cardiovascular conditions
•	Pulmonary conditions
•	Neurological conditions
•	Musculoskeletal conditions
•	Integumentary and lymphatic conditions
•	Metabolic conditions
•	Growth and human development
•	Pain and pain experiences	
15.01	Administer activities of daily living and functional training to patients/clients.	
15.02	Perform postural training techniques.	
15.03	Perform acceptable portions of manual therapy treatments, including grades I & II peripheral joint mobilizations, within the physical therapist assistant scope of practice.	
15.04	Perform balance and coordination activities.	
15.05	Perform developmental activities.	
15.06	Appropriately implement therapeutic exercise programs. 	
15.07	Apply external bandages, dressings, and support devices.	
15.08	Perform wound management within the physical therapist assistant scope of practice.	
15.09	Measure and properly fit assistive devices.	
15.10	Perform gait training in household and community environments with appropriate assistive device(s).	
15.11	Perform appropriate wheelchair assessment and locomotion training in household and community environments.	
15.12	Describe the therapeutic benefits of exercise.	
15.13	Identify orthotic and prosthetic devices and state the importance of proper fit and assessment of skin integrity.	
15.14	Describe upper and lower extremity prosthetics in terms of types of amputations. 	
15.15	Identify common problems in orthotic and prosthetic management and apply decision-making skills in dealing effectively with them.	
15.16	Instruct patient/client or caregiver in orthotic and prosthetic management and assist patient/client in problem-solving techniques.  	
15.17	Perform airway clearance techniques and instruct patient/client in proper coughing and breathing exercises.	
15.18	Effectively educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the patient/client, caregiver, or healthcare personnel. 	
15.19	Demonstrate appropriate use of medical terminology and layman’s terms.	
15.20	Define and describe the importance of the following terms: 
•	disinfect 
•	sterilize
•	germicide
•	antiseptic
•	septic	
15.21	Demonstrate appropriate isolation, sterile techniques, and disinfection of equipment. 	
15.22	State the therapeutic temperature range for modalities in which temperature is a guideline for application.	
15.23	Identify physiological effects of heat vs. cold applications.	
15.24	Demonstrate appropriate therapeutic use of biophysical agents including biofeedback, electrotherapeutic agents, compression therapies, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, superficial and deep thermal agents, traction, and light therapies.	
15.25	Describe the therapeutic actions and side effects of commonly used pharmacological agents in rehabilitation.	
16.0	Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care by administering appropriate tests and measuring outcomes before, during, and after interventions. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Recognize and describe normal and abnormal motor behavior.	
16.02	Detect and describe normal and abnormal joint movement.	
16.03	Perform appropriate measurement and assessment techniques within the knowledge and limits of practice to assist the supervising physical therapist in monitoring and modifying the plan of care.	
16.04	Recognize gait deviations and compensatory strategies.	
16.05	Demonstrate competence in performing components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care such as standard vital signs, perceived exertion scales, anthropometrical characteristics, and mental functions.	
16.06	Perform goniometric measurement.	
16.07	Identify which environmental factors are potential architectural barriers.	
16.08	Determine which architectural barriers will impact a patient/client’s functional level including the use of ambulatory/mobility equipment. 	
16.09	Document all aspects of treatment using the correct format, content, and terminology.	
16.10	Appropriately recognize and monitor responses to positional changes and activities (e.g., orthostatic hypotension and exercise).	
16.11	Identify the patient/client’s and caregiver’s ability to care for the assistive equipment, prosthetics and orthotics; recognize changes in skin condition and safety factors while using devices and equipment.	
16.12	Determine the safety, status, and progression of patients/clients while engaged in gait, locomotion, balance, wheelchair management, and mobility.	
16.13	Detect absent or altered sensation; normal and abnormal integumentary changes; activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations, or that can produce associated skin trauma; and recognize viable versus nonviable tissue.	
16.14	Measure muscle strength by manual muscle testing; observe the presence or absence of muscle mass; and recognize normal and abnormal muscle length and changes in muscle tone.	
16.15	Administer standardized questionnaires, graphs, behavioral scales, or visual analog scales for pain; recognize activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations.	
16.16	Determine normal and abnormal alignment of trunk and extremities at rest and during activities.	
16.17	Detect signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and activities that aggravate or relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other symptoms; describe thoracoabdominal movements and breathing patterns with activity, and cough and sputum characteristics.	
16.18	Respond efficiently and effectively to patient/client and environmental emergencies that commonly occur in the clinical setting.	
17.0	Participate in the healthcare environment as a member of a patient/client-centered interprofessional collaborative team. The student will be able to: 	
17.01	Prepare patient/client and treatment areas to ensure equipment is in proper working order.	
17.02	Clean and check operation of wheelchairs, assistive devices, treatment tables, electrical equipment, etc.	
17.03	Demonstrate how to properly operate patient/client equipment.	
17.04	Instruct in safety considerations for equipment, indications, precautions, and contraindications of a specific physical therapy intervention.	
17.05	Implement appropriate patient/client safety precautions related to the plan of care.	
17.06	Describe disciplines within the healthcare system and identify the roles of each discipline related to patient/client interventions. 	
17.07	Describe the categories of healthcare agencies.	
17.08	Recognize current issues, problems, and trends affecting the delivery of healthcare.	
17.09	Participate in performance improvement activities (quality assurance).	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Laboratory work is structured so that students begin with basic patient/client care skills, progress to basic physical therapy skills and then to more advanced physical therapy application and techniques.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to s. 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The Health Science Core (Core) must be taken by all students planning to complete any Health Occupations program (secondary and postsecondary).  Once successfully completed, the Core does not need to be repeated at any instructional level.

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the healthcare industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues, and health, safety, and environmental issues.

The cooperative method of instruction is not appropriate for this program.

The Health Science Core (Core) should be taken first in the program.  Following the successful completion of the Core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(5 and 6), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded. The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.