Physical Therapy Technician

Federal aid. Federal student aid is available to those who qualify, including Federal Pell Grants and Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS loans. File the FAFSA with school code 041859; applications selected for verification need supporting documents before aid is processed. The school publishes a net price calculator.

Paying. A down payment is due when the enrollment agreement is signed, with the balance paid by payment plan before graduation. The school accepts cash, credit and debit cards, checks, cashier’s checks, U.S. money orders and financial aid. Licensing, criminal background check and exam fees are not part of the program cost. A $125 re-entry fee may apply to returning students, and students who run past their contract end date pay an hourly charge for the extra hours.

Cancellation and refunds. Cancelling in writing within three business days of signing returns all money paid except the non-refundable fee, and cancelling after that but before the first class returns everything except that fee. After classes begin, tuition is refunded pro rata by scheduled hours through 40 percent of the program; between 40.1 and 49.9 percent the school keeps 70 percent, and from 50 percent on there is no refund. The kit and books are refundable only if returned unused before the first day. Refunds are paid within 30 days.

Graduates can pursue entry-level physical therapy technician and aide roles in outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, chiropractic offices and fitness facilities, always under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.

The school provides placement assistance to every graduate at no extra charge, posting openings on a student bulletin board and inviting salon owners and employers to speak to senior students, but it does not guarantee employment. Graduates cannot practice a licensed occupation until they pass the state licensing examination.

The Panama City campus is a 4,000-square-foot stand-alone building, and the Niceville campus has 1,980 square feet in Palm Plaza. Both have air-conditioned, well-lit classrooms and are accessible, and beauty students have their own styling area. Students clock in on an electronic QR code time clock, and individual advising on academic, personal and career concerns is available from staff, with referral to outside professionals when needed.

Attendance and progress. Students must attend at least 66.67 percent of scheduled hours, keep a written grade average of at least 75 percent, pass a final written exam and complete the required practical services; failed or missed tests must be made up. The school does not separate excused from unexcused absences, but up to 10 percent of the clock hours in each payment period do not have to be made up. Students who reach the maximum time frame, 150 percent of the program, without finishing may continue on a cash-pay basis. Graduates receive a diploma once all hours, services and balances are complete.

Calendar. The school closes for Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and follows Gulf Coast State College for weather closures.