General Program Description
The KCC PTA program is a 1+1 format; thus only technical-year (second year) admissions are currently identified as PTA majors. The first year is composed of general education requirements. Second-year, full-time students are admitted into technical classes each Fall semester after completion of the general education requirements. In addition, several part-time students with military training are admitted to supplement their education and training. The program accepts transfer students and international students. Students spend approximately 40 hours per week in class instruction. A few courses applicable to the physical therapist assistant major are also offered for open enrollment on a space-available basis. Some open enrollment courses serve health career majors in Nursing and Respiratory Therapy programs. Program Mission Statement The Physical Therapist Assistant program is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of physical therapy practice, education, professionalism, and life long learning in students as they progress toward becoming competent and compassionate Physical Therapist Assistants.
Clinical Experiences
In the technical (2nd) year of the program, students complete one 3-week block of clinical practice in the Fall semester, one 4-week block of clinical practice in the Spring semester, followed by 2 (two) 5 week sessions at two different sites in the last semester of the program (Summer semester). Each week consists of a 40-hour work week that matches the work schedule od the clinical instructor. Students may request locations from available sites throughout Hawai’i and the Continental United States as well as the Pacific Basin or Asia. Appropriate language skills are required for foreign placement. All travel and housing costs are the student’s responsibility. Out-of-state admissions require clinical internship sites in their state of residence or elsewhere other than Hawai’i. Students are required to wear the program’s professional attire for all clinical rotations.
Faculty
Faculty members include: two full-time, and several lecturers. The full-time/core faculty members are the Program director and the ACCE. Lecturers are engaged in clinical practice. Over the past 3 years, faculty contributed to textbook reviews. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:10-14 dependent upon enrollment.
Enrollment
A component of the University of Hawaii system, Kapi’olani Community College has a total enrollment of 9,200 students per semester. This diversity includes men, women, out-of-state and International students.
Admission
Please visit the program website at http://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/academics/programs-of-study/physical-therapist-assistant-program/ for current program information. All applicants must attend a PTA Program information session (see schedule on the website). PTA students are accepted for Fall entry after completing all of the prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher. Applications are accepted annually during April 1 through May 25. Selection for competitive admission may include an interview or essay process to narrow the applicant pool to the best qualified 16 students. The admission criteria scale is the first consideration and for the class beginning in Fall 2012, the GPA ranged from 3.4- 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. The applicant pool numbered 32 in 2012. Applicants must complete a minimum of 20 hours of physical therapy clinical observation prior to selection. Observation must be documented on the form available from the program director through the course, PTA 101. Students selected are notified by June 30 of the admission year for enrollment in the Fall semester (August). A full-time student can complete the prerequisites in one academic year. Non-resident admissions are expected to recruit clinical internship sites in their state of residence or elsewhere other than Hawaii. 90% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
Graduation rate: Three--year average (classes 2011--2013) = 75.9% Employment rate post graduation: Three year average (classes 2011--2013) = 91.4% PTA Exam pass rate for licensure: Three year average (classes 2011--2013) = 84.72%% Note: As of December 1, 2014, Hawai’i requires licensure for PTAs employed in Hawaii as PTAs.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for 2014-2015 are $114.00/credit for residents and $316.00/credit for non-residents plus fees of $30.00 per semester. The PTA program has additional professional fees of $300 per semester for 3 semesters while a PTA program major. Textbooks, supplies, uniforms, and additional expenses are estimated at $2000 per academic year. For updated information regarding tuition and fees, please contact the Health Careers Counselor at (808) 734-9270.
Student life
For information about student activities and non-academic activities, visit the link: http://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/?s=student+life&x=0&y=0