General Program Description
The PTA program is an integrated curriculum plan that consists of 29 general education credits and 40 technical education credits. It is a full-time day program designed to be completed in 80 weeks. Upon successful completion of this curriculum, the student will be awarded an A.A.S. degree and be eligible to sit for the state licensure exam in the state where they are seeking employment.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences begin in the second semester, and the number of hours is expanded each semester. Students are required to affiliate 5 weeks during the summer term between the first and second years. During the third semester, the student attends a 14-week part-time affiliation; and during the fourth semester, the student finishes the education with a 7-week full-time affiliation. Clinical experiences are located within 75 miles of the college.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The faculty to student ratio is 1:29.
Enrollment
The enrollment is made up of students with diverse culture, gender, and age. The PTA program admits 28-32 students annually.
Admission
All applicants interested in the program must be accepted to the college. Essex County College has an open door policy wherein all high school graduates and/or applicants with a GED are considered for admission. Upon acceptance, a basic skills test will be administered for placement purposes. All students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, computation and elementary algebra in accordance with the college standards before they are eligible for college level coursework. Upon admission, students indicating or designating interest in the PTA program should complete an application to the program. All program applicants are required to take the TEAS V Biology, Math, English and Reading Comprehension test and have completed a minimum of 50 volunteer hours. Prerequisites include college level reading, English, math, and completion of Biology 121 (anatomy and physiology), English 101, and Psychology 101. Applicants applying directly from high school should schedule to meet with the program coordinator. Applicants having previously completed some college work need a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to apply. 75% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
73% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 89.79% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average); and 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed ( 3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
In 2013-2014, tuition is $148.50 per credit hour for Essex County residents and $256.50 per credit hour for out-of –county students. The PTA Program has some additional fees to cover technical, equipment and laboratory expenses. Financial assistance is available and should be applied for at the time application for admission to the college is made. Assistance is available to students who are able to substantiate a need for aid and meet that program’s guidelines.
Student life
Although Essex is a ‘commuting college’, there is a belief that providing higher education involves more than classroom teaching. There is a wide range of student activities available, including cultural programs, athletics, clubs, and student government.