General Program Description

The PMI Mesa campus PTA program is located at 957 S. Dobson Rd. in Mesa, Arizona 85202. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Pima Medical Institute, Mesa campus earned accreditation in the fall of 2010 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: www.capteonline.org. The Mission of the PTA Program at Pima Medical Institute is to prepare competent, ethical, entry level Physical Therapist Assistants. The PTA Program at Pima Medical Institute believes an education in the profession of physical therapy brings with it certain responsibilities as well as many rewards. The philosophy and practice of the institution and program is to educate our graduates and foster a desire for life-long learning and dedication to the physical therapy profession. It is the responsibility of the faculty to offer a solid educational experience. The students must accept responsibility for their learning. The faculty, students, and graduates must represent their chosen field with strong ethics and respect for human rights. In addition, they must be willing to grow with their profession to provide continued excellence in patient/client care. This involves a personal commitment to self-directed learning, an awareness of changes occurring in the health care environment, and communication with the health care team and professional organization. The PTA program is presented over a period of 75 weeks. This period is divided into five (5) 15-week semesters consisting of 946 clock hours spent in the classroom and laboratories. Clinical Practicum experiences consist of 640 clock hours spent in clinical facilities at 40 hours per week. There is a one week recess between semesters. Students must maintain a minimum grade average of 77% and pass course skill competency tests and lab practical testing as outlined in policy and procedures discussed in program orientation.

Clinical Experiences
The clinical education component of the PTA program consists of three, 40 hr. /week clinical practicums/externships for a total of 16 weeks of hands-on learning experiences. The clinical practicums occur in semester three (2 weeks), semester four (7weeks), and semester five (7weeks). Clinical practicums provide the student with the opportunity to perfect skills and apply knowledge and theories gained in the classroom to real-life situations through direct patient care. Students are expected to apply concepts learned throughout the program to perform the clinical problem solving that is required of physical therapist assistant students.

Faculty
Program Director: Mrs. Robyn Wilhelm, PT, DPT Director of Clinical Education: Mrs. Lara Allen, PTA PTA Program Faculty: Mrs. Rebecca Carpenter, PT, NMD; Mrs. Angela Thomatis, PTA; Mrs. Becky Gauerke, PT, MPT

Enrollment
The PTA program accepts a maximum of 28- 32 students per class. There are 1-2 class starts per year. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the PMI Mesa campus to schedule a meeting with a Medical Career Specialist to receive additional information about the PMI Mesa campus PTA program and the program admissions process. 480.644.0267

Admission
Each candidate receives points in the following categories: Wonderlic Test, Math Test, academic background, and interview. A baseline score of 36.50 out of 50 points must be earned to be accepted into the program. The PTA program accepts a maximum of 28- 32 students per class. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the PMI Mesa campus to schedule a meeting with a Medical Career Specialist to receive additional information about the PMI Mesa campus PTA program and the program admissions process. 480.644.0267

Outcomes
PMI Mesa campus PTA program outcomes are available upon request. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the PMI Mesa campus to schedule a meeting with a Medical Career Specialist to receive additional information about the PMI Mesa campus PTA program and the program admissions process. 480.644.0267

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Finances are often high on a list of student concerns. Listed below are some of the anticipated expenses in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. All prices are estimated and fees are subject to change without notice. Tuition Reg. Fee Textbooks Uniform & Lab Supplies Total $ 25,440 $150 $1,746 $165 $27,501 Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Student life
The PTA program has a Student Physical Therapist Assistant Association, which participates in volunteer activities and community service and outreach.