General Program Description

The traditional program is a full time 2-year, 4-semester model, with all classes held during the school year except Clinical Experience 1, which is held in June following completion of semester 2. Students matriculate when they are accepted into the program through having met all admission requirements. Depending on the semester, students spend an average of 10-13 hours per week in class, lecture and labs. The fourth semester is dedicated to learning in the field as sophomores complete 12 weeks of clinical as part of PTA Clinical Experience 2. Following completion of course work and Clinical Experiences 1 and 2, students graduate at the end of May and are eligible to register to take the national licensing exam through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Our 3-year part time program consists of a total of 6 semesters. This option gives students more time with fewer credits per semester and as a result, a better chance to be successful with their studies. Students entering directly from high school, students with flexible employment hours and parents of small children tend to find this option more appealing than our traditional 2 year full time track.

Clinical Experiences
Students are assigned to three separate clinical sites for Clinical Experience 1 and 2. The freshman clinical experience (PTA 112 ) is 4 weeks in length. The sophomore clinical experience (PTA 208) consists of 2 separate experiences, each 6 weeks in length. The settings vary widely and include home health care, school-based care, acute care, sports medicine, private practice, rehabilitation and nursing home, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient settings. Clinical sites are located in the college service areas which include several neighboring cities and towns. It has been necessary to place students in clinics as far away as New Hampshire and Maine, on a case-by-case basis. In addition to clinical experiences, students participate in two integrated clinical observations as part of Introduction to PT which is offered during the first semester of the program. As part of Therapeutic Exercise 2, students embark on a service learning project which consists of design and implement a cardiovascular health promotion program among local community agencies in need/ at risk.

Faculty
There are 2 full-time faculty members as well as a full time Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education. The program’s core faculty is supported by six adjunct faculty members. The PTA department faculty is engaged in clinical practice varying from out-patient, private practice, acute care to pediatrics settings.

Enrollment
North Shore Community College is a three campus college spread over two cities and a town, with a combined day/evening enrollment of approximately 7,500+ students. The top three majors consists of Liberal Arts, Health Sciences and Business. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program has a total of 60 spaces available for students. We are able to accept on average of 30 students into the freshman class and a wait list of 10 applicants is maintained as needed.

Admission
Completed applications to the PTA Program are accepted beginning in September for the following fall selective admission to the program. The deadline for applications occurs during the month of February prior to the fall admission date. Applicants are notified in April regarding the status of his or her application. Requirements include an overall high school average of C or better or GED scores and/or a college cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and a high school transcript with proof of graduation. It is recommended that applicants have successfully completed (grade C or better) a high school or college biology course. Proficiency in communications and math is mandatory, and may be demonstrated either by evidence of a passing grade in a college level course or through a proficiency test taken at the college. In addition to completion of an application and questionnaire, applicants are required to complete 4 hours of clinical observation of either a PT or PTA currently practicing in the field and attend a mandatory PTA informationl session with the Program Director. Applicants are also required to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) in the subject areas of Math,Reading, English and Science. Following acceptance into the program, students are required to undergo a CORI annually, submit evidence of immunization and acceptance of technical standards consistent with physical therapy practice.

Outcomes
On average over the past three years{ 2011, 2012, 2013}, approximately 90 percent of our graduates pass the licensing exam and 95 percent of those that passed the licensing exam are employed within 6 months.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
For the academic year 2014-2015, the Massachusetts in-state cost per credit (including tuition and fees) is $179 per credit. For information about non-resident tuition and fees, applicants should contact the Office of Student Financial Services at the College. Financial assistance is awarded in the form of a “package”, which may include “gift aid” (scholarships/grants) and “self-help” (employment/loans). Approximately 25-30% of applicants receive financial aid. The types of aid available include state and federal grants, state and institutional scholarships, employment (part-time/work-study), state and federal grants, state and institutional scholarships, employment (part-time/work-study), state and federal loans. Applicants must demonstrate financial need as a result of filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The North Shore Community College Foundation provides over 75 scholarships to students each year.

Student life
Although North Shore Community College serves 3 major cities and surrounding communities, the culture within the college is one of fostering student success for those who come from all walks of life and backgrounds. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is part of the Health Professions Division, which encompasses other health related professional programs such as: Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radiological Technology, Respiratory Care, Nurse Education, Practical Nursing and Veterinary Technology. Classes are held in the new state of the art, zero net energy Health Professions and Student Services Building. There are no dormitories at North Shore Community College however, student life is active, with rich opportunities for joining student council, and participating in a variety of cultural events as well as the PTA club. Each year in celebration of National PT month, the PTA club hosts a student driven massage and fitness day for faculty, staff and students.