General Program Description

The PTA program is a 2-year intensive curriculum that consists of 4 semesters, 1 intersession, and 1 summer session. PTA courses are traditional lecture format, many with a laboratory component during which time students master hands-on skills necessary for the entry-level physical therapist assistant. Students participate in 15 weeks of clinical practicum, which are integrated with didactic coursework over the 2 year curriculum in a variety of settings including acute and extended care, rehabilitation, private practice and school systems/pediatrics. Class size is 22-24 students per year with a 1:10 student-to-faculty ratio. The PTA Program is offered every 2 years at its Gardner (even year acceptance) and Devens (odd year acceptance) campuses. Students are encouraged to complete prerequisite coursework at any of its campuses.

Clinical Experiences
Students participate in 15 weeks of clinical practicum in a variety of settings which is integrated throughout the curriculum. Clinical Practicum I (3 weeks, 120 hours) occurs in the summer between semesters 2 and 3. Clinical Practicum II (6 weeks, 40 hours per week, 240 hours) and Clinical Practicum III (6 weeks, 40 hours per week, 240 hours) occur during semester 4. Every effort is made to place students within 1.25 hour’s driving distance from the college. Optimally, students are placed in one inpatient setting, one outpatient setting, and one specialty setting.

Faculty
There are two full-time and two part-time faculty members. All of the full-time faculty hold post-professional degrees, Three of the faculty have completed tDPT’s and all are engaged in clinical practice. The ACCE is a PTA.

Enrollment
Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) has an annual enrollment of close to 4,000 students (day and evening students). The physical therapist assistant program has an enrollment of 22-24 students each year. Students are accepted into the PTA program via a selective admissions process. Students may enroll at the college to take prerequisite and required general education courses during any semester that the courses are offered prior to acceptance into the program. Transfer students are accepted.

Admission
The annual deadline for applications is May15. Students are accepted to complete their courses on the Gardner campus on even numbered years and at Devens on odd numbered years. Students who apply after May 15 will be accepted if space is available. A completed application packet includes: 4.0 credits of lab science at the high school level if within 5 years of application or at college level with a minimum grade of C+; 3.0 credits college-level algebra or high school level if within 5 years of application or successful placement; non-science grade point average; and, a letter of introduction which includes background information, experience and their motivation for seeking a career as a PTA.. Students lacking the above qualifications may enroll in the Pre-Allied Health degree program to complete prerequisites. The program also requires a yearly physical to include up-to-date proof of immunizations (DPT, MMR, Mantoux test, and hepatitis vaccination), and students are required to carry liability insurance (approximately $15.00 per year). Students must attain a C+ or better in all PTA courses to remain in sequence in the PTA program. Students must be CPR-certified and current by the end of the second semester of their first year in the PTA program. Detailed program requirements will be provided upon acceptance into the PTA program. 75% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).

Outcomes
63% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
For the 2014-15 academic year, in-state tuition is $197 per credit and out of state tuition is $402 per credit. The charge for tuition and fees for a student taking 15 credits is $$2955 (in state) and $6030 (out of state). PTA students in addition are required to carry liability insurance and purchase name-tags $40. The cost of textbooks totals approximately $300 for each of semesters 1-3. Students are required to carry health insurance. The college’s health insurance plan can be obtained at a cost of $833/academic year. In 2007, over 52% of the student body received some form of financial help. Students requiring financial assistance are encouraged to apply for financial aid at any time; however, preference will be given to those who follow the application process and complete the steps by April 1 for the upcoming academic year. Students enrolling in January and applying for spring semester financial aid should complete the application process before December 1. Students who have demonstrated need are awarded financial aid on a first-come, funds-available basis.

Student life
Contact the college for information regarding student life.