General Program Description
The two year Hazard Community & Technical College/Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (HCTC/SKCTC) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Regional Program is designed to prepare individuals to become physical therapist assistants who are able to perform selected components of interventions and data collection under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The Associate in Applied Science Degree is awarded upon successful completion of the program. The program prepares graduates who are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination for the physical therapist assistant. The curriculum combines general education and physical therapy courses. Various facilities are utilized for clinical experiences. Enrollment in this program is limited; therefore, a selective admissions process utilizing a point index system is followed.
Clinical Experiences
The Hazard Community & Technical College/Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Physical Therapist Assistant Regional Program utilizes clinical sites throughout the region. The curriculum includes three clinical practicum courses which provide 620 hours of clinical experience throughout the program.
Faculty
There are three full-time core faculty members.
Enrollment
The Hazard Community & Technical College/Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Physical Therapist Assistant Regional Program accepts 24 students each year.
Admission
Enrollment in the PTA Regional Program is limited; therefore, a selective admissions process utilizing a point index system is followed. Twenty-four students are admitted each academic year in the fall semester. In order to be considered by the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Admissions Committee for admission into the PTA Regional Program, each applicant must have the following credentials on file in the college admissions office by April 1: Application for admission to a KCTCS institution; official transcripts of all post-secondary education, excluding KCTCS institutions; ACT National Exam or SAT score report; and attendance at a PTA Regional Program Pre-Admission Conference with the coordinator or the coordinator’s designee. Selection of students for the PTA Regional Program will be made by the Presidents of the colleges or the Presidents’ designee after considering the recommendations of a PTA Admissions Committee. Students admitted into the PTA Regional Program must have completed BIO 137, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, or its equivalent, with a “C” or higher, prior to entering the program. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Program Coordinator.
Outcomes
The completion rate for students admitted in 2012 and graduating in 2014 was 50%. 100% of the 2014 graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant. 100% of those 2014 graduates who passed the exam and sought employment are employed within the profession.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Current tuition rates are $147 per credit hour for in-state and $515 per credit hour for out-of-state (Fall 2014). The approximate total cost of the program for students graduating in 2014 was $12,502.60 for in-state students and $35,947.60 for out-of-state students. A variety of financial assistance programs are available. Questions concerning financial aid should be directed to the Financial Assistance Office.
Student life
Hazard Community & Technical College and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College are located in southeastern Kentucky. The colleges provide the opportunity to participate in and develop leadership skills through several campus organizations, activities, and intramural sporting events, which promote educational, recreational, social and personal growth. Hazard Community & Technical College has campuses in Hazard, Jackson, Hindman, and Hyden. Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College has campuses in Cumberland, Harlan, Middlesboro, Pineville, and Whitesburg.