General Program Description

This two year program consists of PTA specific courses as well as general education and clinical experience integrated over 6 semesters. Generally 20 hours of instruction takes place weekly. The faculty consists of 2 full-time physical therapists and a half-time PTA. Where appropriate, community resources are utilized.

Clinical Experiences
In order to provide exposure to a variety of patients and learning activities, the PTA student will have an opportunity to affiliate in a number of different sites. Clinical experience settings in Siouxland will include acute hospital, rehabilitation, nursing homes, school system, private practice, work hardening, and back care clinics as well as rural practices, and may be a combination of the above. Clinical sites have been developed in the tri-state area where students will have exposure to Nebraska and South Dakota as well as Iowa. Students will be required to select one clinical experience in a rural setting.

Faculty
There are two full-time and two part-time faculty members. Of the full-time facult, 50% hold post-professional doctoral degrees, and all are engaged in clinical practice. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15.

Enrollment
Total enrollment at the college is 6,399. The physical therapist assistant program admits 24 students each fall.

Admission
Prospective students must complete the application process for West Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC). Students are selected for the PTA program on the basis of the CPT (Computerized Placement Test) in reading, sentence skills and algebra at a specific cut score. Students are required to have 20 observation hours. Admission is based on a rolling enrollment.

Outcomes
90% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
The average cost of tuition and fees for the academic year is $130.00 per credit hour for in-state students and $133.00 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Fees are $15.50 per credit hour. There may be additional lab fees in particular courses. Any student who has been accepted for admission to the college will be considered for financial aid when the student has a financial aid need analysis form on file in the Financial Aid Office. All financial assistance is based on the financial aid need of the student and the student’s satisfactory academic progress.

Student life
There are a variety of programs available at WITCC. A gymnasium and wellness/fitness center are available for student use. The Automotive Technology and Auto Body Repair programs accept student vehicles for repair, consistent with training. The Student Activities Office plans and coordinates a variety of special activities including picnics, dances, ski trips, professional sports trips, basketball, football, baseball, and special events. There are intramural league sports in softball, basketball, horseshoes, and volleyball. Representatives to the Student Senate are elected from the various programs of instruction. Students are encouraged to participate in one of several organizations; many are associated with particular programs such as Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Hobby interest clubs are also available. Each group must have a faculty advisor, and be chartered by the Student Senate. The Learning Achievement Center offers academic assistance, peer tutoring, TRIO program and library services.