General Program Description
This is a two-year integrated program with three full-time faculty members. The program is completed in eight straight quarters starting with the summer quarter. Full-time students spend an average of 25 hours per week in the classroom. Students are required to complete a research project with a poster board presentation. The program does have enhanced Web-base courses to assist with student success.
Clinical Experiences
The PTA program provides for a variety of clinical sites in hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, schools, private offices, home health, and nursing homes. A total of 700 hours of clinic time is completed, in at least three different facility types. Facilities are located throughout Ohio.
Enrollment
Total enrollment at North Central State College is 3,100. The physical therapist assistant program selects 28 students to start each summer quarter. There is a total of 56 students in the physical therapist assistant program.
Admission
Applicants are selected by an objective process and the top 28 students each year are admitted to the program. The minimal requirements for consideration into the selection process are as follows: completion of algebra and chemistry in high school or college with a letter grade of C- or better, completion of the ACT with a composite of 18 or higher, and a high school diploma or GED. Points are awarded in the selection process in the following categories: college grade point average of 2.1 or better, with a minimum of 12 quarter credit hours; completion of high school courses, with a grade of C or better in algebra II, advanced biology and chemistry, physics or other advanced science; completion of college courses with a grade of C or better in anatomy and physiology or physics; work experience in a physical therapy department or health facility and/or observation time in a physical therapy department for a minimum of 30 hours; reference from work and/or observations; and personal reference. All material must be submitted by January 31 of each year. Students selected to begin PTA Program by Summer 2008 must have taken MTH 103 with transfer credit with grade C- or higher OR receive Numeric Score (NU) of 61 or higher and Algebra Score (AL) of 31 or higher on COMPASS. Students entering the PTA Program in the summer of 2007 only, with scores lower than NU of 61 and AL of 31 on COMPASS will be permitted to take MTH 121 and will be placed on a Goal Attainment Plan. The PTA program consists of 26-quarter credit hours of basic education, 24 hours of general education and 60 hours of technical course work. The program runs for eight straight quarters. Graduates who wish to be employed in Ohio must successfully pass the state licensing examination, which is currently given by computer-based testing.
Outcomes
86 percent of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 98 percent of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average); and 98 percent of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The average full-time cost of tuition, fees, and books for the 2007-08 academic year will be approximately $5184.00/year for in-state students. Financial assistance is provided to qualified students through a comprehensive program of employment, grants, and scholarships. The programs are funded by federal, state, institutional, foundation, and employer funds. Further information can be obtained by calling the Financial Aid Department at 419/755-4899.
Student life
North Central State College is located in Mansfield, Ohio, on 600 wooded acres. The campus consists of 11 buildings, including a new off location building that is for advanced technology training. The college does not offer on-campus housing, but rental housing is available within walking distance. The college provides a wide variety of services to students, including a modern physical activities center that is well-equipped to offer intramural sports, tournaments, fitness activities, and free recreational time. There are computers available for use by students and a library that is connected to the Ohio State University and State Library systems. The local area provides numerous cultural activities, including an art center and local symphony. There are several state parks within close proximity that offer swimming, boating and hiking. In winter, there are two snow ski areas and numerous locations for cross-country skiing.