General Program Description
The PTA program is presented over a period of 75 weeks. This period is divided into five (5) 15-week semesters. There is a one-week recess between semesters and a two-week winter break each year. The program runs throughout the summer which allows students to complete the entire program in 19 months. All general education courses, PTA technical courses, and clinical practicum can be completed within this 19-month period. Classes and laboratories meet for 4 hours a day, Monday through Thursday.
Clinical Experiences
Students complete three Clinical Practicum experiences: a 2-week clinical at the end of the third semester, a 7-week clinical during the fourth semester, and a 7-week clinical during the fifth semester. All Clinical Practicum experiences are full-time, 40 hours per week. Students are placed in a variety of settings; at least one clinical rotation must be in an outpatient setting and at least one clinical rotation must be in an inpatient setting. Clinical sites are located throughout Colorado. Out-of-state placements may be arranged for students who qualify.
Faculty
There are 3 full-time and 4 part-time faculty members in the PTA Program. Four faculty members hold Doctor of Physical Therapy Degrees, one holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Degree, one faculty member holds an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree as a PTA, and one faculty member holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree as a PTA. In addition, all except one instructor has at least one additional degree including a Masters in Education, a BS in Exercise Science, a BS in Rehabilitation Science, a BS in Kinesiology, a BS in Health Sciences, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from University of Sydney, Australia. Collectively, the PTA faculty has clinical experience in orthopedics, acute care, rehab, skilled nursing, home care, aquatic therapy, geriatrics, and neurological disorders.
Enrollment
Pima Medical Institute, Denver Campus, is a private institution with a total enrollment of 800 students. The student body is diverse in life experience, age and culture.
Admission
If a candidate completes all steps in the admission process and earns the points required for the PTA program, he or she will be eligible for a position in the next PTA class. The applicants who meet the necessary points are placed in a pool for decision on acceptance into the program. The applicants are notified of their acceptance or denial into the program approximately 3 months prior to the start date. If there are not enough applicants who are accepted into the program, a second round of interviews are conducted. The notification to applicants regarding decisions from this round of interviews occur approximately 1-2 months prior to the start date. If applicants meet the necessary score, are placed on the wait list by the Program Director, and are not granted a seat in the current cohort, they are provided an acceptance into the next starting cohort. The program will start a new group of students on the following dates: March 30, 2015 and November 9, 2015. The Program’s Prospective Student Handout is available upon request.
Outcomes
The 3-year average pass rate for the PTA National Licensure Exam is currently 95.12% for 2011-2013. The state of Colorado requires certification for PTAs as of June 1, 2012. Board exam review and application procedures for certification/licensure are taught within the curriculum. The 3-year average employment placement rate is 78.67% for 2011-2013 PTA Pima graduates.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees per credit for 2014 are approximately $450 for both in-state residents and nonresidents. After Pima Medical Institute has accepted a student for enrollment, the Financial Aid Office will determine eligibility and assist the student in the completion of the application process. Opportunities for federal financial assistance at Pima Medical Institute include the following programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Campus Based Funding, Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant), Academic Competitiveness Grant.
Student life
Pima Medical Institute is located in the heart of Denver, Colorado, near the intersection of I-25 and I-36. The PTA classroom and laboratory have breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Numerous outdoor recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing and skiing surround the Denver Metro area. Museums, festivals, fine dining, cultural events and nightlife can be found throughout this friendly, mile high city.