General Program Description

The PTA program has a 1 plus 1 year course format. The first year consists of prerequisite classes and the second year of professional courses. The professional portion of the program is 57 quarter hours. Students may register for prerequisite courses at any time. The average number of hours spent in the classroom for the full-time program is 20 hours per week. Clinical time is in addition to the classroom hours. The faculty includes a full-time instructor, a full-time Director and a part-time ACCE. The graduation date for full-time students is mid-June. The licensure exam for PTAs is offered in Michigan 3 times a year. The majority of PTA graduates sit for the licensure examination in July of the year they graduate.

Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences begin immediately after the second quarter of the professional program as students are scheduled to spend 60 hours in a clinical setting. Students are also scheduled an additional 60 hours in a different setting intermittently during the third quarter. These general observation and beginning integration experiences assist the student in making the transition from theory in the classroom to practical application in the clinic. The fourth quarter is comprised of two 6-week, full-time clinical experiences. The settings may include acute care, long term care, rehabilitation, private practice, pediatrics, school settings, and specialty clinical areas.

Faculty
The faculty is composed of 2 full-time and 1 part-time faculty member; one is engaged in clinical practice. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:13. The PTA program has 1 adjunct faculty member and 2 lab assistants who are PTA’s.

Enrollment
Total enrollment on the Flint campus is approximately3968 students. Enrollment in the professional portion of the physical therapist assistant program is limited to 32 students each summer.

Admission
Enrollment in the prerequisite portion of the program offers equal opportunity with a “right-to-try” policy. Prerequisite requirements to be eligible for application to the professional portion are as follows: 54 quarter hours of designated prerequisites from Baker College or another accredited college which include: pre-Algebra, 2 anatomy/physiology courses, psychology, English composition 1 and 2, public speaking, medical terminology, introduction to physical therapist assisting, and clinical kinesiology. The PTA program is a limited enrollment program. Admission is based on GPA (60%), TEAS score (35%) and transferring in 5 credits or less (5 points). Minimum requirement for application is an overall GPA of 2.7 or better; a 2.7 GPA in of the required science and health-related courses, 20 hours of clinical observation, and three letters of recommendation. Admission to the professional track is offered only after successful completion of all prerequisites and is limited to 32 full-time students. All application materials must be received by Friday of the 5th week of spring quarter. Selection for the professional portion is based on four criteria: Weighted Prerequisite GPA, transfer of prerequisite courses, repeated prerequisite courses, withdrawals from prerequisite courses, and re-application.

Outcomes
93% of admittted students graduated from the program (3-year average). 95% of the graduates passed the PTA licensure examination (3-year average).

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Average cost of tuition and fees for the 2014-2105 academic year is $15,640 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Housing cost per quarter is approximately $1110-1775. A discount is given based on GPA. Book costs average $500 per quarter. A comprehensive program of work-study employment, state and federal aid, loans and grants, as well as assistance in locating and applying for scholarships specific to the PTA student is available through the Financial Aid Office and by calling 810/766-4030.

Student life
Baker College consists of 12 campuses, with PTA programs offered on the Flint, Allen Park, Auburn Hills and Muskegon campuses. Flint is located in mid-Michigan, with an abundance of cultural and recreational activities available in Flint and in nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor. Two residence halls are available on campus, and additional housing is available at a multi-campus high rise building in downtown Flint. Additional rental housing is available within walking and driving distance. A fitness center, bookstore,and snack shop are just some of the amenities available at the college. A variety of clubs offering social and professional activities are sponsored by the college. Baker College of Flint prides itself on providing an atmosphere for serious study as well as an active social life