General Program Description
The program has a 1+1 format. The PTA program starts in Summer II and continues through the Fall, Spring, and Summer I semesters. Students graduate in July.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences include 3 weeks at the end of the fall term, 6 weeks at the end of the springl semester, and 4-1/2 weeks at the end of the summer I semester. Clinics are within 100 miles of Memphis.
Faculty
Two full-time members make up the core faculty. Faculty to student ratio is approximately 1:20 in lecture classes and 1:10 in labs, respectively.
Enrollment
The college enrollment is approximately 13,000. The physical therapist assistant program has a total enrollment of 20 students per class.
Admission
To be eligible for admission to the PTA program, applicants must complete the following courses with a minimum grade of C: English Composition I, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physics, Medical Terminology and General Psychology I. Admission is based on college GPA, required course GPA, work or volunteer experience in 2 PT clinics, and the admission/re-admission essay. 48% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
80% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 96% of the graduates who took the licensure exam passed (3-year average); and 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
For the academic year 2010-11, the total in-state tuition for full-time students is $1,558.50 per semester, and the total out-of-state tuition is $5,986.50 per semester. Grants, loans, and scholarships are available. Students must apply through the Financial Aid Office.
Student life
The Student Activities Office provides many services to the student body. Activities coordinated through this office include on-campus concerts and lectures, intramural competitions, and other extracurricular activities. Southwest is an urban institution and provides no residential housing for students.