General Program Description
The program has two educational offerings. The traditional full-time day program is composed of classroom and clinical experiences. One summer of study is part of the program. The program can be completed in 21 months. The hybrid weekend program incorporates distance education for lecture classes, on-campus classes held on weekends for lab classes, and full-time day clinical experiences.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences include three full-time clinical experiences in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, and outpatient services. Each clinical experience is for a period of six weeks, Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Alternative hours may be required by clinical facilities.
Faculty
The faculty consists of four full-time faculty and several adjunct faculty. All of the faculty continue to be engaged in clinical practice. The maximum faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12 in lab classes and 1:24 in lecture classes.
Enrollment
In 2010-2011 approximately 7,900 students were enrolled at the college in each semester. For the PTA Program 24 students are admitted each August into the day program. 20 students are admitted each May into the hybrid weekend program.
Admission
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED; 40 hours of work or volunteer experience in physical therapy; an application to the PTA program; college-level English, anatomy and physiology; and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The selection process is based on points earned for various selection criteria (grade in ENG101; grade in BIO160/BIO201; work/volunteer experience in physical therapy, AA degree or higher; medical credential with an AA degree or higher; completion of general education requirements; essay question).
Outcomes
74% of admitted students graduate from the traditional day program (3-year average, 2009-2011). 68% of admitted students graduate from the hybrid weekend program (3 year average, 2009-2011). 99% of the graduates passed the licensure examination (3 year average, 2007-2009); 100% of those graduates responding to surveys were employed within six months of graduation (3 year average, 2007-2009).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for 2013-2014 for residents of Maricopa County is $81 per credit hour. A $25 fee is charged in each lab course. Financial aid is available. Applications may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
Student life
GateWay Community College is located in the Phoenix, Arizona. A variety of cultural and sporting attractions are available.