General Program Description
The PTA program is an integrated 2 year program, consisting of 23 credit hours of general education and 45 hours of physical therapist assistant courses. Technical coursework includes didactic and laboratory instruction in patient care skills, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise and modalities, and a study of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary pathologies.
Clinical Experiences
Students integrate their academic and practical knowledge by attending four diverse clinical experiences. Students complete two part-time integrated clinical experiences in the first year of the program. Two full-time 7-week clinical experiences are completed in the fourth semester. The program has contracts with over 60 clinical sites, primarily in New York State and northeastern US, representing a variety of rehabilitation settings.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members and a full time instructional support associate to assist with labs. Both full-time faculty members are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:24 in lecture and 1:12 in labs. The program utilizes a variety of guest speakers to enhance course content.
Enrollment
Students number over 3,500 at SUNY Canton. The physical therapist assistant program enrolls up to 24 freshmen students each fall.
Admission
Admission is selective, based on academic credentials. To be considered for admission to the PTA curriculum, a student must possess the following: High School applicants: 80 cumulative high school average; a minimum grade of 75 on NYS Regents exams in biology, chemistry, and geometry/Math A plus one year of additional college prep math; Non-New York State high school applicants: Must have an SAT score of 1000 or higher (out of 1600) or an ACT composite score of 21, in addition to meeting out-of-state leveling requirements for all pre-requisite courses. Transfer or SUNY Canton applicants: 2.5 cumulative GPA; meet high school requirements or have taken equivalent of Introductory Biology, Introductory Chemistry, and Intermediate Algebra with a minimum grade of C. Successful completion of one semester of Anatomy and Physiology can replace one of the science requirements. A student who is just below the grade requirement for one of the pre-requisite courses may be considered for admission if they have an SAT score of 1000 or higher (out of 1600) or an ACT composite score of 21, as long as all other areas have been met. Successful completion of higher level college science and math courses will be given bonus points on the selective admissions rating rubric Repeating a pre-requisite course will result in point deductions on the selective admissions rating rubric. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300 words or less detailing their reasons for applying to the physical therapist assistant program. Review of qualified applicants will begin in early February with ongoing reviews monthly until the enrollment cap of 24 students is reached. The PTA Program Director has the right to make all final admissions decisions at his/her discretion taking into consideration all aspects of the student’s application and academic record. 81% of qualified applicants are offered admission to the program.
Outcomes
Three year averages (2011, 2012, 2013): Graduation rate (graduate within 3 year period) 64.8%; Exam pass rate (all takers) 88.3%; employment rate (those actively seeking employment within 6 months of passing licensing exam) 96%.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for the 2013-14 academic year is $5,870 for full-time in-state residents and $10,040 for out-of-state residents. Fees vary according to student need: a full meal plan is $4,300 per academic year; housing is available in singles, doubles, and suites with charges ranging from $5,500 – $9,400; accident and sickness insurance is available for $1,350/academic year and required campus fees total $1,381. SUNY Canton offers a comprehensive program of financial assistance to help students and their families meet the costs of a quality 2-year education. Federal, state and college foundation monies are available in the form of grants, loans, and part-time employment. The Office of Financial Aid exists to provide personal assistance to students and parents from the time of initial inquiry until the completion of a student’s program of study.
Student life
SUNY Canton is a co-educational, residential college located along the banks of the Grasse River, offering certificate, two and four-year degrees. SUNY Canton is a member of the Associated Colleges of the St Lawrence Valley, a four-college consortium that also includes Clarkson University, the SUNY College of Arts and Sciences at Potsdam and St Lawrence University. The Associated Colleges, with nearly 12,500 students in two villages 11 miles apart, expands opportunities through such activities as cross-registration for courses, coordination of social events, and a comprehensive library. The PTA program is housed in a wonderful, newly renovated spacious facility with modern equipment. Academic support services include math, science and writing labs, accommodative services for students with unique needs and counseling. Health services, multicultural affairs, career planning, placement and transfer and department of public safety offices all support the educational programs. Men’s hockey, baseball, golf basketball, cross country and lacrosse and women’s soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey, cross country and softball intercollegiate programs as well as many intramural/recreational programs are offered. The college’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center (Roos House) offers an ice arena, field house and fitness center and pool for competitive sporting events and recreation and fitness. In addition, more than 6 miles of developed cross-country ski trails are on SUNY Canton property. The college sponsors some 50 clubs serving academic, professional and cultural interests. Students may participate in student government, publish their own newspaper and yearbook or operate their own radio station.