General Program Description

The PTA program consists of 32 semester hours of general education coursework and 50 semester hours of the physical therapist assistant major. Pre-requisites may be completed in any time frame. PHTA prefix courses are completed during 4 full time consecutive semesters. Upon completing degree requirements, graduates are eligible to sit for a state-administered national examination to obtain licensure as a physical therapist assistant. Students are admitted to the program once each year in the fall semester on a competitive enrollment basis.

Clinical Experiences
There are three full-time clinical education experiences of 4 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks duration. The first four week clinical education course is conducted after the second semester of the program. The remaining two clinical education courses are conducted during the last semster of the program. Students are placed in a variety of different clinical settings, but typically have exposure to acute care, outpatient, skilled nursing and/or short term in-patient rehabilitation.

Faculty
There are two full time faculty members in addition to adjunct instructors, clinical lab instructors and guest lecturers.

Enrollment
The program admits 20 students each fall.

Admission
Admission to the PTA program is competitive and based on several criteria. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential to be successful in the program. Selection criteria may be higher than minimum requirements. Applications are accepted only at application sessions scheduled during Spring Semester. Applicants must take the HOBET V and demonstrate an awareness of the job requirements of the physical therapist assistant by completing 24 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting (12 hours of outpatient and 12 hours of inpatient minimum). The highest ranking applicants will be invited to participate in a formal interview process. A written essay will also be administered on site after the interview. Final selection will be made from this group. Students are admitted in fall semester only. Students must have all applications and documentation submitted by the published deadlines posted on the website www.chattahoocheetech.edu.

Outcomes
Graduation Rate (most recent 3 year avg.) = 71 % Licensure Exam Pass Rate (most recent 3 years) = 100% Employment Rate: within 6 months of graduation (most recent 3 years) = 100%

Student life
The PTA program is located in the new Health Education Center on the North Metro Campus in Acworth, Georgia. The large PTA laboratory is a state-of-the-art multimedia classroom and is equipped with up-to-date physical therapy equipment. General education courses are offered on 8 campuses around the metro area and online. There are Health Science dedicated advisors and a counselor available. In addition, the college offers career planning and placement and disability services to students. CTC Student Life provides funding for campus organizations and clubs, including Rho Tau Alpha, the PTA Student Organization. This funding has allowed students to attend various educational and professional development activities such as state and national APTA meetings. Comprehensive information about Chattahoochee Technical College can be located via the college website: http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu