General Program Description
The PTA program consists of 27 credit hours of general education course work and 45 credit hours of PTA courses. The general education requirements include anatomy and physiology, physics, psychology, English, communications, and a humanities elective. Upon acceptance into the PTA program, students take courses associated with the practice and procedures of the physical therapy profession. Courses include gross & functional anatomy, patient care skills, clinical orthopedics, therapeutic modalities, clinical neurology, and therapeutic exercises. Courses include three clinical education experiences in various physical therapy settings. Upon completion of the didactic and clinical components, students are eligible to apply for the national licensure exam in the state in which they plan to work. Students are expected to follow the guidelines established by the state’s Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to obtain licensure as a PTA.
Clinical Experiences
PTA students participate in three full-time clinical experiences of 5 weeks, 5 weeks, and 7 weeks duration. Students are required to complete clinical affiliations in a variety of clinical settings which include hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and home health agencies.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty and three part-time faculty. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12.
Enrollment
The college enrolls approximately 10,000 students annually. A total of 24 students are admitted each fall to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Admission
An information packet is available on the GTCC website (www.gtcc.edu). Applicants are selected using specific criteria and are admitted on a competitive basis. Minimum requirements for consideration include the completion of 27 hours of general education prerequisite courses and completion of the TEAS exam. General education prerequisite courses include English, Anatomy and Physiology, Communications, Physics, Psychology, and a Humanities/Fine Arts elective. Anatomy and Physiology courses must be completed within the last ten years with a grade of “C” or higher. Deadline for submission of application materials is the beginning of June prior to the expected fall start date. Contact the Enrollment Services Office for more detailed information at (336) 334-4822.
Outcomes
From 2011 to 2013, the average graduation rate from the PTA program was 77%. During the same period of time, 100% of the PTA graduates passed the national licensure exam and 100% of those PTA graduates responding to surveys were employed.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year are $72.00 per credit hour for in-state students and $264.00 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Additional student fees include books, parking, student activities and publications, lab fees, malpractice insurance, health/accident insurance, name tags, room and board for clinical assignments, and transportation to and from school and clinical affiliations. Information about available grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office at (336) 334-4822, option 3.
Student life
The PTA program is housed in Hassell Health Technologies Center on the Jamestown campus. The quality of student life outside the classroom is very important at GTCC. Great effort is made to offer leadership, recreational, social and cultural opportunities to enhance a student’s education. Co-curricular activities are stressed, and students are encouraged to plan and implement their own activities and programs through the Student Life Office. Services include a discounted YMCA membership, counseling and tutoring services, children’s center, cosmetology services, culinary dining, dental hygiene services, disability access services and international student services. The state has many natural resources including mountains, lakes, parks, beaches, and special attractions that contribute to an attractive lifestyle.