General Program Description

In the sophomore year, the students take 19 credit hours in the fall, 21 credit hours in the spring and eight clinical and seminar hours in the summer. Classes are from 8 am-3 pm during the first semester, from 8 am-3:30 pm the second semester, and 40 hours a week for each clinical experience. Students are required to complete at minimum a research paper, two in-service projects, and four case studies before graduation.

Clinical Experiences
Colby Community College has clinical experiences with more than 110 institutions. Colby allows choice but requires the clinical experience to include large and small facilities and all varieties of patient types. Clinical experiences occur in December, March, and the summer months. Students complete seventeen full-time weeks in the clinic.

Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The maximum faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12 laboratory and 1:24 lecture.

Enrollment
The Colby campus has 900 students. The physical therapist assistant program accepts a maximum of 24 new students each fall semester.

Admission
The PTA program at Colby Community College is a 1+1 program. The first year of prerequisite course work is open admission and requires English 1 and 2, speech, anatomy and physiology, psychology, developmental psychology, medical terminology, and physical education. A grade of “C” or better is required on all prerequisite course work. Sophomore admission requirements include: personal interviews, a minimum of 40 hours of observation in four different physical therapy settings, an essay, required course GPA, the completion of a departmental application form, and a $10 fee. Enrollment for the second year is limited to 24 new students. Applications for the sophomore year are mailed from the department in February each year. 67% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average 10-14).

Outcomes
91% of admitted students graduate from the program (3 year average – 10-14). 94% of graduates passed the Board Exam (3 year average- 10-14). 92% employment rate within six months of license exam (3 year average- 10-13).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
In 2014–2015 the estimated cost per credit hour is $105.00 for in-state students, $159.00 for out-of-state students, and Border state residents pay $125.00 per credit hour. Lab fees will be approximately $800.00 for both years. Book costs will average $900 for the sophomore year. Dormitory housing is available and will be around $6000 per year.

Student life
Colby is a small rural community that enjoys sports and cultural events. Basketball, volleyball, track, baseball, and softball are all enjoyed both inter- and intra- collegially. Music, drama, and lecture series are offered regularly for entertainment and knowledge. The local community supports and encourages the college in all activities.