General Program Description
The PTA program consists of five sequential academic semesters. Course work includes 23 general education credits, 35 PTA technical education credits, and 11 credits of Clinical Education courses. The curriculum is designed to build in complexity and challenges the student to apply previously learned concepts in successive courses. The program is a full-time program. PTA professional courses are taught during the day.
Clinical Experiences
Students are required to complete a 2-week clinical experience at the end of semester three, a 4-week clinical experience at the end of semester 4 and an 8-week clinical experience at the end of the final semester. All clinical experiences are full-time (40 hours per week.) A variety of clinical settings in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties with a limited number in the Northeast Georgia.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The faculty to student ratio is 1:8.
Enrollment
Total enrollment for the college is approximately 1200 full time students. The physical therapist assistant program accepts a maximum of 16 students per year into the program.
Admission
All applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 1. Score at least a 73 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS and: A. Minimum TCL GPA of 2.5 or; B. Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for students graduating within 12 months of application date 2. Score at least a 67 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS and complete the following courses: BIO 210, BIO 211, PSY 201, ENG 101 & MAT 120 with a combined course GPA = 2.75 3. Applicants with two or more failures in required general education courses ( BIO 210, BIO 211, ENG 101, ENG 102, PSY 201, & MAT 120) within the last five years must: A. Score at least a 73 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS B. Complete the following courses: BIO 210, BIO 211, PSY 201, ENG 101 & MAT 120 with a combined course GPA = 2.75 4. Applicants with two or more failures in Physical Therapy Assistant courses have one opportunity for admission. Applicant must: A. Score greater than 80 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS B. Complete all Non-Physical Therapy Assistant courses in the program of study ( BIO 210, BIO 211, ENG 101, ENG 102, PSY 201, & MAT 120) with a GPA = 2.75. Math courses must have been completed within the last five years. Biology courses must be completed within 18 months from the date of admission C. Wait a minimum of two academic years from time of second failure to apply.
Outcomes
No outcome information provided by the program.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for the 2009 academic year is $1560 per semester for SC residents and $3576 per semester for non-residents. Books and supplies cost approximately $250 per semester. Housing and transportation costs vary. Pell Grant programs, student loans, SC Lottery funding and work-study programs are available on campus.
Student life
Technical College of the Lowcountry is located in Beaufort, SC which is 75 miles south of Charleston and 45 miles north of Savannah, GA. Most students reside in lower coastal South Carolina or neighboring areas and are aware of the multiple recreational, cultural, and historical opportunities located in this area. The PTA program students have access to a variety of student services including Counseling Services and the Learning Resource Center. Many professional and departmental clubs, including the PTA Club, provide students with opportunities for involvement and leadership.