General Program Description

The program has a two-year integrated format comprised of five consecutive semesters in length. There is a new cohort admitted each August with graduation occurring May of the second year of study. The program is designed with 24 hours of general education and 50 hours of professional courses. The general education courses include English, general psychology, humanities, physics, and anatomy and physiology. The faculty is committed to assisting students reach the goal of being licensed physical therapist assistants.

Clinical Experiences
The initial clinical experience is a full-time, 4 week session during the student’s third semester (summer). Two 6-week, full-time rotations occur during the fifth semester. 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. Presently, the sites are in North Carolina, with additional sites in Georgia. Students must provide their own transportation for each clinical rotation. Most clinical experiences are within a 1-hour drive time one way from the student’s home. Housing is seldom required but may be necessary for long distance clinical affiliations that are agreed upon by the student.

Faculty
The full time faculty is comprised of two physical therapists with a collective professional experience of greater than 60 years. There is also a part time faculty member who is a physical therapist assistant. Guest lectures comprised of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are occasionally utilized. The program director has a transitional DPT.

Enrollment
Southwestern Community College has an average semester enrollment of approximately 2,400 representing the counties of Jackson, Swain, and Macon. The physical therapist assistant program admits 16 students in each cohort.

Admission
Prior to acceptance to the program, the student must go through a three-phase competitive admission process. Minimum requirements for admission are: GPA of 2.5; 16 hours of clinical observation; successful completion of all developmental course work; completion of a college prep course or equivalent collegiate experience; and completion of the TEAS-AH exam (previously known as the HOBET). Additional admission points are achieved through completion of general education and related courses with greater than a “C” prior to applying; proof of certain certifications (e.g. CPR, CNA); and a history of successful time management of academic load and/or work. The application process is online and further program information may be obtained at the college website at www.southwesterncc.edu. Although the college supports the region, the PTA program draws students from a much wider range in and outside of North Carolina.

Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the five semester program graduate with an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree and are eligible to apply to the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (or an equivalent agency in any state that recognizes PTA licensure or certification) to sit for the licensure examination. Four year average (2010-2013) graduation rate is 69%; first time passage rate 95%; ultimate passage rate (with one retake) 100%; employment rate 100%. Specific cohort data may be viewed on the PTA program website at: www.southwesterncc.edu/program/physical-therapist-assistant.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for the academic year 2013-2014 are $74.50/credit hour with a maximum of $1,192/semester for in-state and $266.50/credit hour with a maximum of $4,264/semester for out-of-state students. The total cost of the program for the cohort which graduated in 2013 was $8,300. For information concerning financial aid; contact the Financial Aid Office (828-339-4613) or email at: [email protected].

Student life
Southwestern Community College is designed primarily to serve students within commuting distance and therefore does not have on-campus housing facilities. Southwestern Community College serves a diverse population, ranging from the recent high school graduates or graduate equivalent (GED) to the retiree. The college has a campus wide commitment to provide a supportive environment with well-developed student support services, learning assistant lab, and tutoring available. Extracurricular activities are promoted through the SLA (Student Life Association) and the PTA Club. Students are encouraged to participate both with on-campus activities and community service projects.