General Program Description
The PTA program is designed in an integrated format with the first year consisting of liberal studies and major studies requirements. Students enter the technical phase in the spring term. The curriculum is designed to build in complexity and challenges the student to apply previously learned concepts in successive courses. Program courses are sequential, and students must achieve a grade of C+ or better in each “major” course and a C average or better overall. Upon graduation, students receive an AS degree with a total of 72 credit hours completed. The graduate is eligible to take the state-required National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs. The program offers courses to both full-time and part-time students.
Clinical Experiences
For specific information regarding the variety of clinical experiences and on site training hours and locations, contact the program. A total of 640 clinical contact hours are completed over the course of three full-time clinical placements. Placements are available throughout the country and are assigned based on educational needs with student input.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:17.
Enrollment
Mercyhurst North East enrollment for 2013/2014 was approximately 1000. The physical therapist assistant program accepts up to 35 students annually.
Admission
Admission requirements include specific selection criteria. Applicants must fulfill the general admission requirements of the university and be a high school graduate with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, and preferred minimum SAT scores of 900 (math and writing). Also required is a minimum GPA of 2.0 in high school algebra, chemistry and biology, or a GPA of 2.0 in any applicable college courses attempted and 20 hours of work or volunteer experience in a PT setting. Students may also be required to take a battery of tests that measure verbal and math scores.
Outcomes
86% of students entering the technical phase of the program graduate from the program (3-year average). 94% of the graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (3-year overall average 2011 to 2013). 89% of program graduates who sought employment are employed as Physical Therapist Assistants.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
For the 2014-2015 academic year, annual tuition and fees total $18,350 for a full-time student. Financial assistance is available. Contact the Financial Aid Office at (814) 725- 6269 for information regarding the types of financial aid available.
Student life
Mercyhurst Universityis a fully accredited, primarily undergraduate 4-year, Catholic liberal arts institution for men and women. It was founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1926, by the Sisters of Mercy. Mercyhurst University established Mercyhurst North East in 1991 as an expansion of the Mercyhurst University Career Institute and in fulfillment of the mission commitment to assist educationally and economically disadvantaged students to achieve their personal, academic and career goals. On-campus housing is available. The university offers a wide variety of social, academic, athletic and professional organizations. The PTA program is offered at the North East Campus located in North East, PA. North East is home to numerous wineries, vineyards and orchards. This historical, cultural and recreational community is located on Lake Erie, approximately 15 miles east of Erie, PA and 5 miles west of the New York state line. Visit the North East Chamber of Commerce at www.nechamber.org.