General Program Description

The PTA academic year consists of five semesters beginning in September and graduate in May of the second year. The PTA degree contains 18 general education courses, English, Public Speaking, Psychology (3 credits each); Anatomy and Physiology and Conceptual Physics (4 credits each); and Medical Terminology (1 credit). The PTA Core Courses total 57 credits and are offered 2 to 2 ½ days per week from 8 AM – 5:30 PM, excluding clinical hours. PTA students learn and apply physical therapy techniques and principles in a spacious and modern lab equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Technology is incorporated in all classes with student access to computers at many sites on the campus. Take a tour of the PTA facilities at http://www.pueblocc.edu/pta/welcome.htm

Clinical Experiences
Students participate in one 4-week and two 6-week clinicals. Clinical placement is usually in southern Colorado with students responsible for any expenses associated with travel, etc. The first clinical experience, 4 weeks, occurs during the summer between the first and second year in the PTA Program. The two final 6-week experiences are offered in the final Spring Semester.

Faculty
There are three full-time faculty in the PTA Program that is shared by one physical therapist and two physical therapist assistants. Additional faculty support is provided by part-time instructors and/or guest lecturers with current clinical expertise. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:10 with full capacity enrollment.

Enrollment
Pueblo Community College served 8,097 students during the 2008-2009 academic year. In doing this, 3780.2 student FTE’s were generated. The physical therapist assistant program, located on the Pueblo campus, accepts 20 students each Fall with a total enrollment capacity of 40 students.

Admission
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program has a selective admissions policy due to the limited number of clinical sites available to the program. A maximum of twenty (20) applicants will be chosen for each Fall Semester. Acceptance into the PTA program will be based on PTA general education courses, cumulative GPA, reading ability, interviewing of practicing PT’s and PTA’s, letters of recommendation and a personal interview. Application deadline is in May with interviews in June. An applicant may be conditionally accepted after the interview process and allowed to continue to work on the program requirements. Contact the PTA Program for an application and further information or visit the web site at http://www.pueblocc.edu/pta/welcome.htm

Outcomes
75% of admitted students graduated from the program (3 year average, 2006-2009). 100% of program graduates responding to surveys who sought employment are employed (3 year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for the 2009-2010 year per credit for in-state residents is $126.24 and $416.89 for non-residents. Textbooks average $300.00 per semester in the PTA Program. Additional program costs include mandatory background check ($59.00) and drug screen ($25.00) MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE FINAL ACCEPTANCE in the PTA Program, lab coat, nametag, yearly liability insurance fee ($15.00), immunizations (or proof of current immunizations) and any travel expenses. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. Contact the Financial Aid Department at PCC, 900 W Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003 or www.pueblocc.edu.

Student life
Numerous student activities are provided by the Associated Student Government and various student organizations, including the PTA Club. Student housing is not available on campus but assistance may be obtained through Student Services. Visit http://www.pueblocc.edu/students/welcome.htm for additional information.