General Program Description
The Bishop State PTA program utilizes a 1+ 1 format which means that the required general education courses, volunteer hours/evaluations and college admission requirements must be completed prior to making application to the PTA program. Students are admitted to the program once each year in August (Fall semester). The general education credits consist of 30 semester hours, however Bishop State requires that students take Principles of Biology (BIO 103) prior to the Human Anatomy and Physiology courses; therefore requiring an additional 4 credit hours. The general education courses at listed on the Bishop web site under the PTA program information. The deadline for application to the PTA program is June 1 each year. Applications are available on line on the Bishop State web site/Health Related Programs/PTA.The program curriculum consists of 39 credit hours which includes laboratory, classwork and clinical courses These courses begin the sophomore year fall semester and conclude at the end of summer semester. Students are expected to spend an average of 35 hours in class/ lab each week. Graduation occurs at the conclusion of Summer semester (late July or early August).
Clinical Experiences
Concurrent theoretical and clinical experiences enhance the relation of theory to practice. Students have a clinical experience at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Summer semester is primarily clinical education. Clinical experience is provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, private practices, and nursing homes. Being able to participate in the clinical experiences requires that the student successfully complete the didactic/laboratory courses preceding the clinical.
Faculty
There are three full-time faculty members. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:10.
Enrollment
Total enrollment is 2600. The physical therapist assistant program seeks to admit approximately 30 qualified students each fall semester.
Admission
Admission is by a selection committee. Applicants must submit official transcript(s) of all previous college work, including 30 semester hours of designated prerequisites from Bishop State, another accredited junior/community college or university that includes college-level math (intermedicate college algegra or pre-calculus ), anatomy/physiology I and II with a lab, physical science (hybrid physics and chemistry class with lab), general and human growth and development psychology, fundamentals of oral communication, English Composition I and either art or music appreciation with a grade point average of 2.75 or better in these courses. Applicants must have a minimum of 50 hours (25 each in two clinical setting types) of either observation, volunteer, or work experience in physical therapy The forms are available on the web site and instructions for the process of verification and evaluations listed on the form. General biographical information and completion of a health assessment form are required. Applicants must take the TEAS V for allied health as part of the admissions process. Additional admission information is located on the Bishop Web site. Overall GPA/ Math/Science GPA and points are utilized in the selection process. The point scale on the web site identifies the number of points awarded in each area. 90% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
Seventy-one (71.4)% of admitted students from 2010-2012 graduated from the program (3-year average); during the same reporting period, 96.33% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average, all time takers); and 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed in the setting of their choice (3-year average). Graduation rate for 2013 77.8 %, licensure pass rate 92.3% all time takers.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The average estimated cost of tuition and fees for the technical component of the program for the 2014-15 academic year is $5,510.00 Tuition for out- of- state students is 2.0 times the rate for in-state students. Financial assistance is provided to students who qualify. A comprehensive program of employment, grants, and scholarships is available through federal, state, and institutional funds. For further information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 251/405-7015. Bishop State does not participate in the student loan program. Additional fees required of students in the program include: Student APTA membership, basic first aid and CPR, purchase of goniometer, safety belt and other supplies, background and drug screens, uniforms and liability insurance, PEAT exam and required texts which are approximately $ 1700.00 in addition to tuition and fees.
Student life
Bishop State is located in Mobile, Alabama. The college consists of four campuses. The PTA Program is located on the Baker-Gaines Central Campus. Bishop State Community College does not offer on- campus housing, but rental housing is abundant in the city. A wide variety of social, academic, and professional organizations are available, including a very active PTA Club. Student are involved in the state association and encouraged to participate in the national organization.