General Program Description

The mission of the NIACC PTA Program is to enhance the quality of life for people of North Iowa and beyond by providing a program, which graduates entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants, who work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. The program is two academic years in length including one summer session and includes courses in liberal arts, science, technical courses and clinical education. The program also includes a structured format that assists the student in development of individual professional behaviors. Many of the PTA technical courses include both a lecture and laboratory component, which allows students the opportunity to practice skills they are taught.

Clinical Experiences
There are three clinical experiences integrated into the program, for a total of 17 weeks of full time clinical instruction. Clinical experiences allow the student an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the PTA technical courses. Clinical experiences include assigments in a variety of settings and give the student an opportunity to work with a diverse patient population; settings may include acute care, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or outpatient settings. The sequence and the amount of the clinical education time will better prepare the student to achieve entry-level status in terms of their ability to practice, as well as provide the student with additional experience to draw on when taking the PTA licensure examination.

Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members who provide the instruction in all technical courses, and they each have experience working with a varied and diverse patient population. Individual faculty hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a Masters degree in Counseling and Psychology. Faculty members are licensed by the Iowa State Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy Examiners and have merited an Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Instructional License.

Enrollment
Total enrollment at the college is approximately 5,200 students.

Admission
The college is a public institution and is committed to the policy that all person have access to its programs, facilities, and employment without discrimination. Application packets and information are available in the Student Developmental Office in the Administration Building or can be accessed on line at www.niacc.edu. Applications may be submitted at any time. All applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be accepted in order of the date on their application. The applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must meet two of the three following criteria: 1) Graduated in the upper half of the high school class; 2) Graduated from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and 3) Achieved an ACT composite score of 20 or higher. Applicants who do not meet the above requirements or those with a poor academic history may meet entrance requirements by successfully completing approved college courses. This should be discussed with the Health Division Counselor. The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to entrance into the program: 1) Four semesters of high school or college preparatory math or two semesters of college equivalent math; 2) Two semesters of high school or college preparatory biology or one semester of college biology; and 3) Two semesters of high school or college preparatory chemistry or physics or one semester of college chemistry or physics. The applicant must complete 12 hours of documented observation in a PT clinic. After acceptance, a physical examination documenting current immunization and abilities to perform program requirements is needed and students are required to obtain CPR certification and TB testing. Criminal background checks and adult & dependent abuse checks are also required and results will be used by contracted clinical agencies to determine clinic eligibility. Cost for requirements is the responsibility of the student.

Outcomes
Graduation rate from 2008-2010 was 72%. The graduates of the program are eligible to take a national licensure examination. The licensure overall pass rate from 2011-2013 was 97%. Six months after graduation, the college sends out a survey to all PTA graduates. Employment rate data for 2011-2013 shows 100% of the graduates who completed the survey and were available for training related employment, were employed.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
In-state tuition is currently $127.75 per semester hour. Total tuition and college fees for in-state students is approximately $13,633.00 Additonal fees also apply. The college provides financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment (work-study) to meet educational expenses. The Financial Aid Office can be contacted at 888-GO-NIACC or 515/422-4168.

Student life
NIACC is located off Highway 122, east of downtown Mason City, Iowa. Mason City is a community of about 28,000 which serves as an active business center for northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. The Mason City airport and a bus line serve the community. The 500-acre campus located about 3 miles east of the downtown area provides facilities for instructional, administrative, recreational, and community activities. Adequate parking is available without charge for students and staff. Dorms and apartments are situated right next to the campus.