General Program Description

This day program begins in September and runs for two 16-week semesters (fall and spring). There is a summer semester (six weeks) between the first and second years. Degrees are conferred in May.

Clinical Experiences
After the first year’s courses, students have a 6-week, full-time clinical experience during the summer months (May-August). Senior students complete one academic semester on campus (end of August-December), and then complete two 6-week full-time clinical experiences during their last spring semester (January-April). Each student will receive clinical experiences in a variety of health care settings. Clinical experiences occur in health care settings in New Hampshire, and other New England states. Students are responsible for their own personal health insurance, proof of current immunizations, CPR, and any criminal/sexual predator background checks or drug tests required by the clinical site. Students must have transportation to clinical sites.

Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. Both are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:20

Enrollment
Total enrollment includes students with diverse culture, gender and age. The average student age at this college is 27 years. The physical therapist assistant program enrollment maximum is 40 students, which includes a maximum of 20 students in the first year class and 20 students in the senior class In each first year class, 5 of the 20 seats are reserved for students from other programs who wish to complete double majors and 2 of the 20 seats are reserved for students who have just graduated from high school. If there is not a full complement of “double majors” or ” recent high school graduates”, those seats will be offered to another applicant.

Admission
Applicants will be accepted into the PTA program based on a points system. Completed applications will include: 1. Completion of all college application requirements (see college catalog or www.rivervalley.edu) 2.One of the following: • High school Chemistry • Previous college level Chemistry • RVCC course: Basic A&P (A&P Essentials) passed with at least C • RVCC course: Introduction to Chemical Principles passed with at least C • RVCC course: Anatomy and Physiology I (passed) • Transferring in Anatomy and Physiology I passed with at least a C 3.One of the following: • Accuplacer: Sentence Skills at least 78 and Reading skills at least 70 • RVCC course: Introduction to College Comp (minimum C grade) • RVCC course: English Composition I (passed) • Transferring in English Composition I or equivalent (minimum grade C) 4.One of the following: • Accuplacer: Elementary Algebra score at least 78 or • RVCC course: Algebra I (or equivalent from elsewhere) passed with at least a C grade • RVCC college level math • Transferring in college level math 5.Demonstrate general knowledge of the physical therapy field via brief answers to these 3 questions (please provide a separate piece of paper with your answers) • Explain what the field of Physical Therapy is about. • How did you become interested in Physical Therapy? • Please describe methods you used to gain general knowledge of the Physical Therapy field. (Strongly encouraged methods useful to learn more about the profession include: volunteer or employment as an aide in a PT clinic, or spend several hours observing in a PT clinic or interview a PT or PTA. Participation in health occupation courses is also useful.) 6.Read over Essential Skills information in the application packet and sign off that, indeed, these tasks can be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Turn in this signed page. 7. Read over Criminal Record information and sign off on the page. Turn in this signed page 8. Proof of current CPR. Either American Heart Association (level C) or American Red Cross (For Professional Rescuers – FPR) is acceptable. It is the student’s responsibility to locate, pay for and successfully complete CPR certification and/or re-certification until graduation from the PTA program 9. Read over the Criminal Background page, sign and declare if there is history of conviction of a felony or misdemeanor at any time in the past, treatment for drug or alcohol addiction/abuse, current abuse of prescription/nonprescription, illegal drugs or alcohol, and/or history of hospitalized for any mental illness at any time in the past. 10. Two reference forms completed by a recent employer, supervisor or teacher who has known you for a period of time, and who you believe can adequately evaluate your potential success on this career path. 11. Interview with PTA program faculty. Contact Laurie Clute at [email protected] or by calling (603) 542-7744 extension 5419. Students must pass all courses in the program with a minimum grade of C.

Outcomes
79% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average 2010-2012). Of those not finishing the program, the majority of students either transfer to other programs at the college or withdraw for personal reasons. 82.9% of graduates passed the licensing exam (3-year ultimate average 2010-2012). 100% of graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average 2010-2012).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
The cost of tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year is based on $200/credit for NH residents, $300/credit for New England Regional, and $450/credit for out-of-state residents. General fees include a comprehensive student services fee of $5 per credit, orientation fee $30, graduation fee $125, an academic instruction fee (calculated by subtracting the number of lecture/class hours from the number of credit hours and multiplying the sum by $60.00 for each course with a lab/clinic/practicum/co-op/internship hours), $25 malpractice insurance fee, and miscellaneous fees that total approximately $300. Off-campus apartment rentals average $600 per week. Books, supplies and tools average $350-900 per year. Summer clinical work has an extra cost. Eighty percent of all students receive some type of financial aid. For specific information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Student life
River Valley Community College, is located on Route 120, 2 miles north of the small city of Claremont, NH. Claremont is located on the western side of the state, along the Connecticut River and neighboring Vermont. Interstate 91 (exit 8) is within easy access (10-minute drive), and Interstate 89 is within a 30-minute drive. The setting provides the enjoyment of a rural existence with a variety of outdoor activities, and yet is within easy reach of cultural, business and shopping centers. Dormitories are not provided, but there is a plentiful supply of off-campus rentals at a wide range of pricing. Students’ vehicles are permitted in all campus parking areas.