General Program Description

The PTA Program at SouthArk combines a strong general education core with theoretical and applied learning experiences required for physical therapist assistant education. The PTA Program is a 1 + 1 format. Students must successfully complete 32 semester hours of pre-requisite course prior to application to the PTA Program. The technical phase of the PTA Program consists of three consecutive semesters of full-time, day-time studies including both classroom studies and clinical internships. In-program studies begin in the summer semester and conclude the following spring semester.

Clinical Experiences
Three different clinical education experiences are planned for students in the PTA Program, resulting in 600 hours (15 weeks) within clinical settings. Physical therapy clinical education sites are primarily located in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. However, clinical education sites are also available in Texas, Mississippi,Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

Faculty
The PTA Program at SouthArk has 2 full time faculty members, and one adjunct faculty

Enrollment
South Arkansas Community College has an approximate enrollment of 1,700 students. Enrollment in the PTA Program is limited to a maximum of 20 students each year.

Admission
Applications are available from the PTA Program offices on the first day of the Spring semester. Applicants must have completed pre-requisite coursework OR be enrolled in the final pre-requisite coursework during the Spring semester. Pre-requisite courses include: 3 semester hours of College Algebra; 6 semester hours of Composition (Composition I & Composition II); 3 semester hours of Computer and Info Processing; 3 semester hours of General Psychology; 8 semester hours of Anatomy & Physiology (must have lab components); 4 semester hours of Kinesiology (must have a lab component); 3 semester hours of Medical Terminology; and 2 semester hours of Introduction for Physical Therapist Assistants. Applicants must achieve a grade of “B” or better in each of the science courses AND a “C” or better in each of the other pre-requisite courses, with a combined GPA of 2.75 or greater to be qualified to apply to the PTA Program. Student selection for admission to the PTA Program occurs at the conclusion of the Spring semesters. Selection is based upon GPA, TEAS V, recommendations, records of observation, and the applicant’s personal statement.

Outcomes
83% of the students admitted to the PTA Program graduate (3-year average); in the past three years 100% of the graduates successfully pass the national licensure examination.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Estimated costs for the technical component of the Physical Therapist Assistant training are $ 6036.00 for local residents, and $ 9,564.00 for non-residents (2014-2015 fee schedule). These estimates include tuition, fees, and textbooks. The expenses associated with transportation and housing for clinical education are not included in the above.