General Program Description

The South College-Asheville Physical Therapist Assistant program is an eight (8) quarter program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, and competent professionals who have entry-level skills necessary to meet the demands for a career in the profession of physical therapy, as a physical therapist assistant. The program strives to instill in each student the necessity and value of life-long learning. Towards this endeavor, the program promotes activities that foster the development of critical thinking by emphasizing student reflection, self-assessment, and service across the curriculum.

Clinical Experiences
Students begin their clinical experiences during the fifth quarter of study with a two-week 40 hour clinical experience. In the seventh quarter, students participate in PT 260 A Clinical Internship I for five weeks and PT 260 B Clinical Internship I for an additional five weeks. The terminal quarter of the program consists of a six-week Clinical Internship II and 40 hours of additional classroom preparation.

Faculty
The Physical Therapist Assistant program faculty members consist of two full-time instructors, adjunct faculty members, and guest speakers with clinical expertise in a variety of areas.

Enrollment
Upon completion of core courses, students are admitted into the professional component of the program during spring and fall quarters.

Admission
Applicants are selected using specific criteria and admitted on a competitive basis. Visit South College – Asheville website at www.southcollegenc.edu to view information about the college and the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Outcomes
2009-2011 : 100% ultimate licensure exam pass rate; 100% employment rate

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Visit South College – Asheville website at www.southcollegenc.edu to view information about the college and the Physical Therapist Assistant program.