General Program Description
The PTA program at Kilgore College utilizes lecture, lab, clinical, field trips and guest lecturers to learn the various aspects of physical therapy. The program faculty consists of two full-time members. To date, the program has experienced almost a 95% passing rate on the PTA licensure exam and the majority of the graduates who desire to work are still doing so in the field. Classes are scheduled during the day with most being offered between 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. The number of days per week a student is in class varies with each semester.
Clinical Experiences
Each student completes a full-time, 5-week clinical experience during the first summer session and then two full-time, 6-week clinical experiences in the spring semester of the sophomore year prior to graduation. In addition, a specialized 2-week clinical experience is scheduled in the spring semester of the sophomore year. All clinical sites are located in the east Texas, Dallas, and northwestern Louisiana areas. An attempt is made to place each student in an acute-care hospital, outpatient facility, and rehabilitation or specialized rotation.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The faculty to student ratio is 1:16.
Enrollment
The total enrollment of Kilgore College for the Fall of 2008 was approximately 8,800. Student enrollment for the physical therapist assistant program is 32.
Admission
A student is admitted to Kilgore College by a certificate of graduation from high school, by individual approval for those 18 years of age or older, or by college transfer from another college. Admission to the physical therapist assistant program requires satisfactory completion of a specific screening process with all applicant information due by the end of March prior to the fall semester in which the applicant wishes to enter the program. Two reference forms and a minimum of 16 hours of observation in each of three different types of physical therapy departments are required. HOBET (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test) scores, interview scores and grade points are also used to determine admission. Although no specific prerequisite courses are required, applicants who have completed support courses in the curriculum, especially anatomy and physiology, will be in a more competitive position for acceptance. Each year the program receives approximately 75 qualified applicants. Only those sciences with a grade of C or better taken within the previous 7 years will be accepted. Students will also have to successfully pass a drug screen and criminal background check before being admitted to the program. Freshmen are admitted in August, and degrees are conferred in May. The program starts with the fall semester, followed by the spring semester and both summer sessions. The sophomores return for the fall and spring semesters and graduate in May. The demographics of the admitted students include approximately 32% male and 68% female; 25% minority, and ages between 19-53. Most students are from the northeast Texas area with an average grade point average (GPA) of 3.0-3.6. 60% of qualified applicants are admitted to the program (3-year average).
Outcomes
93% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average). Licensure Pass Rate: 100% (last three years – within a year of graduation); overall approx. 95% since the program started. Employment: 100% of graduates employed in the field of physical therapy (last three years).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Fall 2008, the average cost, based on a 15-hour semester, was $660 for in-district students and $1395 for out-of-district students. Room and board fees range from $1690 to $1990 per semester for each fall or spring term. Book costs ranged between $400-500 per semester. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at Kilgore College is available to assist eligible students who can substantiate financial need. Financial assistance is provided in the form of grants, work-study, and scholarships. In addition, various clinics, hospitals, and clubs have financially assisted students who are in the physical therapist assistant program.
Student life
Kilgore College has many professional and departmental clubs that provide students opportunities for involvement and leadership. In addition, performing arts groups are organized to promote excellence, pride, and spirit at Kilgore College. Chief among these groups are the world famous Rangerettes and Ranger Band, the chorale, madrigal singers, and the concert choir.