General Program Description

The PTA program is a 2-year integrated curriculum and takes 2 years to complete regardless of the number of general education courses previously completed. Students must attend full-time (12 or more semester hours) each semester, except summer term. The program consists of 76 credit hours with the first year consisting of both general education course work as well as program specific courses. The final 3 semesters consist of program specific courses and the clinical education portion of the program. Most program courses include lecture and laboratory components. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to apply for the state licensure exam and follow the guidelines of the state’s Department of Professional Regulation to obtain a license in the state that they wish to be employed.

Clinical Experiences
During the first semester students participate in a Health Care Experience course in which they observe physical therapy services and complete assignments related to coursework. The last 3 weeks of the summer semester of the first year is the first ‘true’ clinical experience with students in the clinic 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. The final semester consists of three full-time clinical experiences, each consisting of 5 weeks.

Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The Program Coordinator has 30 years experience as a Physical Therapist and has been a faculty member at the PTA Program since 1996. The ACCE is a Physical Therapist Assistant and began in January 2007. She has expereince in the outpatient setting and home health.

Enrollment
The college has a total enrollment of 3,000 plus students. The physical therapist assistant program admits 14 students each August.

Admission
A PTA information packet is available on the PTA Program Website http://www.meridiancc.edu/workforce-education/programs-of-study/health-education/physical-therapist-assistant/index . Applicants must complete a Meridian Community College (MCC) application, submit a high school or GED transcript, official transcripts of all previously completed college course work, and an ACT score as well as documentation of a minimum of 16 hours of observation, two reference forms, an autobiographical essay and a personal data sheet. Applicants must obtain 18 or higher in the ACT composite, or 16 or higher ACT with 18 semester hours of program general education coursework with a “C” or better. Students meeting admission requirements will be invited for an interview. Admission to the program is competitive, and selection is based on the decision of the admissions committee after evaluation of the above criteria. All requirements and required application materials are due by May 1, preceding the fall admission desired.

Outcomes
No outcome information provided by the program. The program had a 100% pass ratio on first-write of licensure exam for 2013-2014 graduates and 100% pass rate for 2008-2014 for those that took the licensure exam.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for the current academic year is estimated at $100 per credit hour or $1050 per semester for 12 or more hours for in-state students, and $157 per credit hour or $1,690 per semester for 12 or more hours for out-of-state students; and $177 per credit hour or $1890 per semester for 12 or more hours for out-of-country students. Additional fees will apply. The college participates in a variety of financial aid programs in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment to eligible students. Any student can contact the Financial Aid Office for information regarding financial assistance.

Student life
The PTA program is housed in the Riley Health Education Building. The classroom and laboratory are both very well equipped with adequate space for instruction. Dormitory housing is available on campus as well as college apartments. MCC offers an active student life program with many activities throughout the year. Students can participate in activities such as clubs and organizations and can also attend numerous athletic events. The athletic program offers men’s baseball, women’s softball, men and women’s basketball, men and women’s tennis, men’s golf, and men and women’s soccer. The population of Meridian is approximately 45,000 with recreational opportunities available.