General Program Description
The program is an integrated two-year program (five semesters). The program consists of 73 semester credit hours. Students spend 36 semester credit hours in PTA courses and 37 semester credit hours in general education courses. The students average 20 hours per week each semester in class or in a clinical setting.
Clinical Experiences
There are 3 full-time clinical experiences The first rotation begins in the summer following completion of the first year.Clinical Applications I offers 6 weeks of full-time clinical experiences with 8 weeks of seminar. The second clinical occur October through December for a total of 6 weeks full-time and the third rotation runs for 6 weeks from March through May of the second year. The program has contracts that give access to over 75 different clinical sites in hospitals, private offices, sports medicine facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools and home health agencies. A total of 630 to 720 hours of clinical education is completed with concurrent didactic education to enhance the practical and teaching experiences.
Faculty
There are one full-time and six adjunct faculty members. The faculty-to-student ratio varies with each class. Most lab classes offering ratios of 7:1, while lecture classes are 26:1 depending on the type of course and needs of the students. Qualified lab instructors work with the primary course instructors to keep the student ratios low.
Enrollment
Total institutional enrollment is approximately 12,500. The physical therapist assistant program has 26 students enrolled in each class. Enrollment for the PTA Program is determined in June for the upcoming fall semester.
Admission
Admission to the physical therapist assistant program at Owens Community College is selective and requires submission of a complete application file. A complete application file includes: an application to Owens Community College; high school transcripts or GED record; college transcripts; evidence of high school algebra and chemistry, biology or physics with a C grade or better,; completion of a 24 hours of observation; and ACT or SAT scores. Individuals who have not taken either the ACT or SAT tests should contact their high school counselor or the Owens Community College Advising Center at 567/661-7777 about registration materials. Applicants who have not met the academic admissions requirements for entrance into the two-year PTA program may take developmental and general education courses as specified by the PTA faculty. A pre-PTA student may take any of the required general education courses prior to acceptance into the PTA program. The program accepts a new class of students once a year in the fall semester. The deadline for submission of an application to the PTA program is mid-May of the year the student would like to start the program. Each year 26 students are selected. Typically, 25% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program.
Outcomes
77% of admitted students graduate from the program (4-year average). Pass rate on the national licensure exam is 98.4% (three year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The full-time tuition (13-18 credit hours) is $4,820 per year for in-state residents. The average cost of books per semester is $300. Information regarding tuition and fees may be obtained by calling the Admissions Office in Toledo at 567/661-7777. For assistance in determining eligibility, types of aid available, and how to apply, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 567/661-7343.
Student life
Owens College is a commuter school; however some close off -campus housing is available. . The college is located approximately five minutes from Toledo, Ohio. Further information regarding student life may be obtained by contacting the Owens Oserve at 567/661-7777.