General Program Description
The program is a two-year (5 semester), full-time, day program including classroom, laboratory, and clinical education experiences. General education courses are completed in the first two semesters, PTA courses begin in the 2nd semester.
Clinical Experiences
All students complete three full-time clinical experiences starting the 4th semester of study. A variety of clinical learning opportunities are available including acute, inpatient rehab, pediatrics, geriatrics/long term care, home health, and outpatient.
Faculty
There are three full-time faculty members. The maximum faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15, with the average laboratory ratio of 1:11.
Enrollment
Total curriculum enrollment at the college is approximately 3,500 students. The physical therapist assistant program admits 22 students each Fall.
Admission
Admission to the program is competitive. Minimum requirements for enrollment are a high school diploma or GED, admission application to the PTA Program, and eligibility to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Selection is based on the top TEAS ranking, biology and math courses successfully completed, other degrees and completion of CPR certification, 40 hours observation experience in physical therapy, and physical exam/immunizations documentation. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Health Sciences Coordinator (252/451-8390) for detailed information, or download the PTA program information packet (.pdf) from the following webpage: http://www.nashcc.edu/pta.
Outcomes
3 year averages (classes of 2011-2013 ) – 21% of students who apply to the program are accepted, 77% of admitted students graduate from the program; 98% “first take” and overall licensure passing rate, and 100% employment rate for licensed graduates.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The 2014-15 tuition/fees cost is $83.00 per credit hour for NC residents, up to a maximum of $1,235.00 per semester. Out-of-state tuition/fees is $275.00 per credit hour, up to a maximum of $4,307.00 per semester. Related program costs average about $2,000.00 while enrolled in the program. For information concerning financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office ( 252/451-8200) or email [email protected].
Student life
The campus is located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, 1 hour east of Raleigh and the Research Triangle, 2-3 hours from NC beaches, and 3-4 hours from the beautiful mountains of NC.