General Program Description
The PTA program is divided into two phases; a pre-technical phase and a technical phase. The pre-technical phase consists of a total of 23 credit hours. These hours include general education courses required for an Associate in Science degree, and other selected preparatory courses for the technical phase. The technical phase of the program consists of 51 credit hours of technical PTA courses directly related to the practice of the physical therapy profession. Courses include kinesiology, patient care skills, therapeutic modalities, orthopedics, neurology, therapeutic exercise, et al. Courses have a lecture and laboratory component. The technical phase is four consecutive full-time semesters. Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible to apply to take a state administered national examination in order to qualify to practice as PTAs.
Clinical Experiences
The first full-time clinical internship is 4 weeks in duration, and is integrated into the technical phase of the program. Two 6-week full-time clinical internships make up the final term of the technical phase. Students are assigned to a variety of agencies in the Northeast Florida area that provide physical therapy services. These include hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, sports medicine and orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, et al.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members and three adjunct instructors. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15.
Enrollment
The college enrolls approximately 60,000 full-time and part-time students annually. The PTA program accepts 30 students each May into the technical phase of the program.
Admission
Admission to the technical phase of the program is limited, and based upon academic performance and other criteria. A detailed information/application packet outlining requirements, procedures, deadlines, and other pertinent information is available. Minimum requirements that must be met for consideration for admission to the technical phase of the program are as follows: Applicants must be accepted for admission to Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) or be currently enrolled at SCJ; Applicants must submit a completed application for the technical phase of the program to the PTA department; Applicants must have completed College Algebra, English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Growth and Development, and a Humanities course with a minimum grade of “C” and minimum combined grade point average of 2.5; Applicants must complete the HESI Admissions Assessment Exam; Applicants must submit documented evidence of 10 20 hours of exposure to the profession; Applicants must submit evidence of current first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. Approximately 50% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
92.5% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average). 92.6%of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average). 92.5% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for the technical phase of the program for the 2014-2015 academic year was $5,246.88 (51 credit hours x $102.88for in-state students, and $20,362.77 (51 x $399.27) for out-of-state students. Other expenses including application fee, testing fee, criminal background check, First Aid and CPR courses, physical examination, professional liability insurance, textbooks, lab fees, uniforms, name tag, and graduation fee total an estimated $2000. Travel, and if necessary, living expenses incurred during clinical internships are not included. Financial assistance is coordinated through the Enrollment Services Office. Students who apply and qualify for financial assistance may be awarded the following types of aid: grants, loans, work-study, veteran’s assistance and scholarships.
Student life
Florida State College at Jacksonville has eight campus and center locations throughout the Duval/Nassau county area in Northeast Florida. The PTA program is housed on FSCJ’s North campus in a modern facility with state-of-the art equipment. Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a wide variety of services and opportunities to enrolled students. Jacksonville is a large, rapidly growing metropolitan area offering many cultural and recreational activities.