General Program Description
The PTA program encompasses a total of 69 semester credit hours of courses over a two year period. While there are no formal prerequisite course requirements, the general education courses are front loaded in the program and must be completed successfully prior to beginning the technical education component of the curriculum. The technical education component of the program includes lecture and supervised laboratory courses in physical therapy science and procedures as well as clinical experiences designed to prepare skilled technical health workers to perform various treatment procedures designed and delegated by the physical therapist which include physical agents, rehabilitation techniques, therapeutic exercises, training the patient to use special equipment, and providing patient education for self-management and prevention of further problems.
Clinical Experiences
The Blinn College Physical Therapist Assistance Program requires three clinical practicums during the final year of the curriculum. Students train in a variety of clinical settings, which may include one outpatient, one acute care, and one rehabilitation experience. Furthermore, to meet one of the program’s missions of service to the rural communities, one of the three practicums must be at a rural site.
Faculty
There are three full-time and one part-time faculty members. All of the faculty members are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12.
Enrollment
The PTA program accepts approximately 25 students each fall into the professional curriculum.
Admission
The Blinn College PTA Program accepts applicants on a competitive basis with a deadline of March 1 for fall enrollment. Students must be 1) admitted to Blinn College, 2) submit transcripts and evidence of TASP completion or exemption, 3) complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work under the direction of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, and 4) take the TEAS V (formerly HOBET) exam. The program accepts previously completed general education courses completed with a grade of “C” or better, giving additional points towards admission for prior completion of the general courses required in the curriculum. We recommend students attend a PTA Program Information Session as well as seek advisement through Career Services for academic guidance and financial assistance. An information and application packet is also available upon request. Approximately 25-30% of qualified applicants are offered a place in the program. 100% of students offered a place in the program have enrolled in the program (3-year averages).
Outcomes
89.3% of admitted students graduate from the program. 100% of the graduates who have taken the licensure examination have passed the exam (3 year averages).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year are $267 per 1-3 credit hours for in-district students, $408 per 1-3 credit hours for out-of-district and approximately $633 per 1-3 credit hours for out-of-state students. Total costs of the program are estimated to be $8,400. Dorms and meal plans available on the main campus in Brenham TX, however the PTA Program is located on the Health Science Center Campus in Bryan TX. Limited private scholarships are available on a competitive basis for Physical Therapist Assistant students. Financial assistance is coordinated through the Financial Aid Office (979)209-7230.
Student life
Blinn College has a very active Student Government Association, Student Physical Therapist Assistant Association, and numerous other clubs, intramurals and other activities.