General Program Description
The program consists of 17 credit hours of general education and 57 credit hours of technical phase courses. Students typically spend two years in the PTA program which begins in August of each year. The average number of credit hours taken per semester is 12. Graduation is in May each year. There are two full-time faculty and a pool of part-time faculty members who enhance the academic and clinical curricula. Graduates wishing to be employed in Florida and most other states must pass a national licensing examination that is prescribed by the state’s Board of Physical Therapy. For more information, contact the program directly at (863) 297-1010 ext. 5181.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical experience is provided in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient and private practice facilities, and nursing homes/sub-acute centers.
Faculty
There are three full-time and several part-time faculty members. Of the full-time faculty members, one is a trained neuro clinical specialist. Both faculty are engaged in clinical practice. The program faculty-to-student ratio is 1:22 in laboratory sessions.
Enrollment
Total enrollment at the college is more than 10,000 credit students. The physical therapist assistant program admits 22 students each fall.
Admission
Admission is on a first-come, first-qualified basis. Minimum requirements for consideration are: acceptance to Polk State College (formerly known as Polk Community College); receipt of official transcripts of high school and all previous college course work; overall college GPA of 2.0 or higher with a grade of “C” or better in each of the prerequisite courses; completion of 50 hours of observation; and receipt of completed PTA application. Prerequisite courses are: College Composition I, Anatomy and Physiology I, and General Psychology. The completed application includes general biographical information and verification of 50 hours of exposure in various PT settings.
Outcomes
83% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average: 2009-2011); 100% of program graduates are employed as PTAs (3-year average). The three-year (2008-2010) ultimate pass rate for the program in the licensure exams is 93.7%.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The cost per credit hour is approximately $82.78 for in-state students and $248.33 for out-of-state students. The average cost of tuition, fees and books for the technical phase of the PTA program (five semesters) is approximately $9,630.94 for in-state students. Financial assistance is provided to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend college. A comprehensive program of employment, grants, and scholarships is available through federal, state, and institutional funds. For further information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (863) 297-1004.
Student life
Polk State College is located in central Florida. The college consists of two major campuses and two satellite campuses. The PTA program is located on the Winter Haven campus. Polk State College does not offer on-campus housing, but rental housing is available within walking and driving distance. A wide variety of social, academic and professional organizations are available. Students may also participate in a variety of cultural and athletic programs offered each year.