General Program Description
The professional courses, taught by the two full-time faculty, begin each summer term. Classes include both didactic and laboratory sessions. Classes are usually scheduled Monday-Friday between 8 am-5 pm, however, some classes may be scheduled during the evening. The PTA program cannot accept part-time students.
Clinical Experiences
Students participate in three clinical experiences from 2-7 weeks in length. A variety of clinical settings in South Carolina are offered, with a limited number in the Southeast (North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia). Students experience clinical affiliations in various settings including one acute care or acute rehab rotation.
Faculty
There are two full-time faculty members. The faculty to student ratio is 1:13.
Enrollment
Total enrollment for the college is 17,000 students. The PTA program consists of 25 full-time students.
Admission
The minimum college GPA required is 2.75. Prerequisites include: general education courses to include anatomy and physiology and computer skills. The PTA program is currently on a semester system and consists of three full-time semesters. First-year students complete the prerequisites. Students who qualify for the program begin classes during the summer. Students are admitted on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis after the required prerequisite courses are completed as well as 40 hours of volunteer work. Students are placed on a waiting list following the completion of these requirements. Transfer students are accepted with no state residency requirement. Students graduate from the program in May.
Outcomes
69% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average); 92% of the graduates passed the licensure exam (3-year average); and 98% of those program graduates passing the licensure exam and responding to surveys are employed (3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
In 2014, the average yearly cost for tuition, books, and supplies is approximately $11,000. Housing and transportation costs vary. Pell Grant programs, student loans, SC Lottery funding and work-study programs are available on campus.
Student life
Trident Technical College is an urban campus for commuter-only students. Apartment and house rentals are available. The Medical University of South Carolina’s physical therapy program, with its associated medical resources, is located in downtown Charleston.