SSC to Host PTA Program Meet and Greet Oct. 20

Seminole State College will host an in-person meet and greet for students interested in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program on Monday, Oct. 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center campus in Shawnee.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to connect with faculty and current students, explore the field of physical therapy, learn about job opportunities, and receive information about the program’s curriculum and financial aid options.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone considering a career as a physical therapist assistant,” SSC PTA Director Shakira Stafford said. “Whether you’re making a career change or just starting your educational journey, this event will provide the guidance you need to make an informed decision.”

Shakira Stafford speaks to a roomful of people.
PTA Director Shakira Stafford speaks during Seminole State College’s Physical Therapist Assistant pinning ceremony for the Class of 2025 in July 2025. SSC will host a PTA program meet and greet on Oct. 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee.

Graduates of the SSC PTA program have achieved a 100 percent job placement rate for the last six years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a physical therapist assistant in Oklahoma is $55,461.

The PTA program follows a structured sequence, with students completing prerequisite coursework before admission into the technical portion, which includes physical therapy coursework and on-site clinical education. The technical portion can be completed in 11 months. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the licensure examination to become a physical therapist assistant. The program is housed at Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee.