General Program Description
The PTA program consists of four sequential academic semesters and one summer of clinical course work. Course work includes 32 general education credits, 31 PTA technical education credits, and 5 credits of Clinical Education courses. The program has three full-time faculty members. The typical laboratory class student-PTA faculty ratio is 1:12. The gender distribution of the PTA program has been about 75% female and 25% male with an age range between 18 and 52 years.
Clinical Experiences
During the fall semester of the sophomore year, students spend one day per week in a clinical setting. Additionally, there are two 7-week clinical education courses in the summer, concluding the sophomore year. Clinical settings must include one in-patient (acute or sub-acute), one outpatient and one that varies according to student need and preference. Clinical education centers provide a variety of experiences. Location of centers are generally in west central Pennsylvania, but include eastern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio.
Enrollment
Total enrollment at the college is 1200 full-time students. The physical therapist assistant program enrollment is limited to 32 students per year.
Admission
The application review and acceptance occurs throughout the year. No preference is given to state residents. In order to be considered for admission into the PTA program, students must complete an application form, and submit high school transcripts or GED, and SAT scores or ACT scores. Applicants who have graduated high school greater than 5 years from the application date do not have to submit board scores, but must submit evidence of successful college course work. Also required are successful completion of secondary or postsecondary level algebra, chemistry or physics, and biology, verification of sixteen hours of clinic observation and a written essay. For further details please contact the admissions office.
Outcomes
68% of admitted students graduate from the program (3 year average 2011-2013). 80.21% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3 year average 2011-2013) and 98% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed (3 year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The estimated annual tuition for the 2014/2015 academic year for a full-time PTA student is $21,730. Annual fees are approximately $1,150. Students may board at the college. For costs please contact the College. Approximately 80% of PTA students qualify for financial aid in the form of state and federal grants. Ninety percent qualify for student loans. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 814/886-6363.
Student life
Mount Aloysius is located in Cresson, Pennsylvania, in the Southern Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania. The college’s setting is rural, although two middle-sized cities, Altoona and Johnstown, are within a short distance. The area has warm summers, brisk autumns, and snowy winters. Facilities for such outdoor activities as boating, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, skiing, fishing, and golf abound in Central Pennsylvania. Mount Aloysius College Student Affairs Department promotes many student activities such as intramural sport competitions, social events, career search and health information seminars, club activities, and community service activities. The campus has a newly opened Athletic and Convocation Center, a remodeled student center, two new dormatories, new athletic fields, and is wireless.