General Program Description

The University of Saint Francis PTA Program consists of 4 semesters of courses in general education and physical therapy technical courses. The program emphasizes academic knowledge while offering hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings. The program sequence begins every fall. Students with college experience may have the opportunity to attend on a part-time basis depending upon prior general education coursework. PTA students are in class and clinical approximately 20-27 hours per week until the last 10 weeks of the curriculum when students are scheduled for full-time clinical education experiences.

Clinical Experiences
All students are scheduled for four separate clinical experiences which include at least one experience in an out-patient practice setting and at least one experience in an acute care in-patient hospital setting. Part-time integrated clinical education experiences occur in Semesters II and III of the curriculum. Two full-time terminal clinical education experiences occur during the last 10 weeks of the curriculum (Semester IV). During full-time clinical experiences, students are scheduled to be in clinic 40 hours each week and are assigned to a clinical facility where PTA work occurs in an environment under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Faculty
There are four core faculty members with combined teaching experience in the PTA Program of over 50 years. All faculty are professionally active.

Enrollment
The physical therapist assistant program enrolls up to 24 students each fall into the 2-year program.

Admission
The University of Saint Francis accepts a limited number of students each year into this academically competitive curriculum. The candidate’s high school records should reflect a college preparatory curriculum including four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of social sciences, and three years of laboratory science including one year of physics. In addition to meeting University of Saint Francis admission criteria, candidates will be considered for admission to the program who meet the following criteria: • A minimum of one year of high school algebra, chemistry and biology or the equivalent with a grade of “C” or better. • Exposure to healthcare through observation, volunteer service or employment. • Knowledge concerning the profession of physical therapy. • Two of the following criteria for admission: – High school cumulative GPA of “B” or better (3.0/4.0). – SAT math/verbal composite score of 1000 or higher or ACT composite score of 21 or higher. Prior to April 1995, a minimum SAT composite score of 800 is required.* – 12 or more credit hours in applicable college subjects with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above. At least three credits must be from a physical or biological science course. – Associate or higher level degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. – 12 or more credit hours in applicable college subjects at the University of Saint Francis with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above, including three credit hours from a biological or physical science course. * The Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) for Health Occupations Aptitude Examination may be substituted for the SAT or ACT. Applications and all accompanying materials will be reviewed by the PTA Admissions Committee. Further explanation of the PTA Admissions Process can be found at www.sf.edu, under Academics, School of Health Sciences, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Admissions. For more information contact the USF Admissions Office at (800) 729-4732

Outcomes
Graduate Statistics (3 year average) Graduation rate*: 86% (2010 – 2012); Employment rate (those seeking employment): 100%; Licensure Pass Rate**: 100% (2010 – 2012); *Graduation Rate as defined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is completion of the program within 150% of the length of the program. The PTA Program is four semesters and the reported graduation rate is for all candidates who completed the program within six consecutive semesters. **Program Ultimate Pass rate as reported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for 2010 – 2012. Additional information about graduation rates may be requested from the Program Chair.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for the 2013 – 2014 academic year is $765 per credit hour. Tuition for full-time students taking 24 – 36 semester hours is $24,270 for the year. Full-time student semester and technology fees total $910 for 2013-2014 and are prorated for part time students. Books average $550 per semester. Additional fees for CPR training, TB screening, background check, drug testing, uniform shirt and ID badge total approximately $250. Student expenses associated with clinical education vary based on site locations and the student’s housing and transportation needs. The Financial Aid Office assists eligible students in obtaining grants, loans, and scholarships. For more information call (800) 729-4732.

Student life
University of Saint Francis is a Catholic, Franciscan-sponsored co-educational institution founded in 1890. The Department of Physical Therapist Assistant Studies, along with four other health science departments in the School of health Sciences, occupies a 65,000 square foot building, The Doermer Family Center for Health Science Education, which opened in 2000. This facility is designed specifically to meet the educational needs of future health care professionals and is the site for health related continuing education programs for the region. The Center’s features include state of the art patient simulation laboratories, a surgical technique laboratory, an imaging lab, a computer lab with printer and well-equipped classrooms and instructional labs. In meeting students’ needs for socialization and study, the college offers student common areas, study areas, a student government office, and student lounges. Quiet areas are designated for study. The University of Saint Francis seeks to meet the special needs of residential and commuting students. Information about curricular and co-curricular activities is readily available through the bulletin boards on each floor of classroom buildings and USF Axis TV on flat screens displayed in buildings throughout campus. Students are encouraged to participate in college activities that provide opportunities to enhance the support systems that are so valuable and contribute to college success. The University is part of the NAIA conference and has 16 intercollegiate sports teams. The University of Saint Francis has several residence halls on its beautiful 108-acre campus, including the beautiful and environmentally friendly Clare Hall which opened fall 2009. Bonzel Residence Hall was renovated in 2010.