General Program Description
The South College PTA Program is a two-year (eight quarter) program leading to an Associate of Science degree. General education classes are taken during the first two quarters and are offered during the day and evening. PTA major curriculum courses are taken during quarters three through eight and are only offered during the day. Qualified applicants are accepted into the program after quarter three.
Clinical Experiences
The first clinical experience is two full-days per week in the clinical setting for the last eight weeks during quarter five. The second and third clinical experiences are offered during quarter seven and are four and five weeks long respectively and require five full-days per week. The final internship is offered during quarter eight and requires five full-days per week for six weeks.
Faculty
Excluding guest speakers, there are three full-time instructors that provide instruction for the PTA major curriculum courses. In these courses the faculty to student ratio is typically 1:10.
Enrollment
The number of qualified applicants that were accepted into the program in 2013 was 21.
Admission
There is rolling admission to the PTA program throughout the year. Students fall into rotation for the technical courses during the fall and spring quarters, which start in September/October and April respectively. Students applying for the PTA program must: Submit a completed South College PTA Program Application; meet the minimum score requirements on the college entrance examination, or present documentation of a score of 19 or higher on the ACT or a 900 combines score or higher on the SAT I exam; complete an interview that includes both oral and written components; provide verification of 25 or more hours of observation, volunteer, or employment in a facility providing physical therapy services; submit three letters of reference utilizing the program’s reference form; and earn a minimum grade in PTA 1010, PTA 1030 and PTA 1040. The interview and references are scored and used to help determine acceptance. The applicant must also be able to demonstrate several functional capacities as outlined in the school catalog. Students must be able to commit to full attendance and participation in a rigorous educational program, significant out of class preparation time, and clinical assignments off campus.
Outcomes
The following information was calculated by looking at a three year average. Percentage of enrolled students that graduated 2011-2013 = 98.7%. Percentage of graduates that passed the licensure exam 2010-2012 = 90.8% to date.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for the PTA program during the 2013-2014 academic year is $6,300 per quarter for full-time status and there is a $125 technology fee each quarter. There is also a $50 application fee and a $200 graduation fee. Tuition and fees are subject to change at the end of every term. The cost of books or other miscellaneous items is not included in tuition and fees. Financial aid is available to help students pay for college. This economic assistance may be in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, or loans.
Student life
South College is a private school with small campuses that do not offer dormitory facilities to its students. Students commute from up to two hours away. Each campus is located close to eating establishments and other forms of entertainment. There are several student organizations that represent a variety of interests and participation in these organizations is encouraged. College-sponsored student activities are offered every quarter.