General Program Description
The program is two academic years and begins in the fall each year. The program integrates both general education and physical therapy courses. General education courses should be completed by the fall semester of the second year. Class selection is completed by July 1 with matriculation in late August. Students spend an average of 16-20 hours per week in class.
Clinical Experiences
There are two clinical courses integrated into the curriculum for a total of 16 weeks of clinical experience. Clinical rotations vary in length from 2-5 weeks in duration. The clinical facility sites are primarily within a 60 mile radius of the college (the West Tennessee and surrounding areas). The first clinical experience occurs during the summer term following the first year of the program. The second clinical experience is during the last semester and includes a two week home health affiliation.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members and one full-time lab assistant. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:24 in classroom, 1:12 in lab.
Enrollment
Jackson State Community College has a total enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. The physical therapist assistant program admits a maximum of 24 students each year. As enrollment is limited, the program cannot accept out-of-state residents if there are Tennessee residents eligible for admission.
Admission
Students are admitted for their freshman year but often have prior college experience. Applications for the program must be submitted by or on June 1 for the following fall’s class. Applicants must have completed all application processes and requirements for the college prior to applying to the PTA program. Prerequisite requirements for the program include a minimum ACT subsection score of 18 on Writing and 19 on Reading and Mathematics and/or have acceptable placement test scores if over 21 years of age. Students must complete all required developmental courses prior to the program application deadline, including high school biology and Algebra I and II, and must have a grade point average of 2.5 in high school and/or college. Documentation of 24 hours of volunteer or observation work in at least two physical therapy settings is required. As admission to the program is limited, preference is given to those applicants who exceed the minimum admission requirements. Applicant interviews are required. The program begins in the fall semester and runs for 2 academic years, including the summer term between the first and second year. Graduation occurs in the spring of the second year. Approximately 20% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
83% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average from 2012, 2013, 2014). 98% of graduates successfully completed the licensing exam (3-year average from 2012, 2013, 2014). 96% of program graduates who have successfully completed the licensing exam are employed in the field.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
In-state tuition (registration fee) is $147 per semester hour. With other college fees included this total is $186 per semester hour. Tuition for out-of-state residents is $461 per semester hour. Nonresident registration and other fees are the same as those for in-state residents. These figures are estimated costs for the 2014-2015 academic year. There are four types of financial aid available: federal, state, institutional, and other sources. For more specific information, can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Employer scholarships may be available.
Student life
Jackson State is primarily a commuter school with a 14 county service region. The college has no on-campus housing. Parking is available and all cars must be registered with security. There are a variety of interscholastic sports and student organizations available including a PTA Club. Jackson has a population of 60,000 and is located approximately 80 miles east of Memphis.