General Program Description
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a 5 semester program. General education courses are completed during the first two semesters. PTA core courses begin during the second semester, concurrently with some of the general education courses. The program is offered in a daytime format, with classes offered Monday through Thursday.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences are completed during the fourth and fifth semesters, with the first experience occuring during the middle of the fourth semester for two weeks and the final two full-time clinicals making up the bulk of the fifth semester. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of settings which may include hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing/rehabilitative facilities, pediatric or other settings.
Faculty
The program currently is founded on 4 full-time core faculty positions and a few adjunct faculty who educate in specialty topic areas. The Program Director and Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education are both physical therapists as well as the third faculty member. The fourth faculty member is a PTA. Of the core faculty, two Physical Therapists hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and one is certified as an MS specialist. The other full time Physical Therapist has a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy and holds a board certification in Orthopedics. In addition, the adjunct faculty specialize in various areas such as burn care, orthothics and prosthetics. All core and adjunct faculty engage in clinical practice. The average faculty to student ratio is 1:10
Enrollment
The total college enrollment is approximately 600 students. The PTA program’s target enrollment is 36 – 40 new students per year.
Admission
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for admission along with a minimum score on a college entrance exam. Provo College is an equal opportunity educator. The college admits students regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, disability, marital status, or ethnic background.
Outcomes
A graduate of Provo College Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a competent practitioner with core abilities in continued learning and personal growth, communication, technical competency, critical thinking/clinical problem solving, and professionalism. The program graduated its first class in 2002. Employment rate: 100% of graduates were employed as PTAs within six months of passing the licensure exam for the class of 2014 . Ultimate three year pass rate for 2010 – 2012 is 95%.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Provo college education costs are based on a tiered pricing system that accounts for tuition, fees and cost of books and other supplies. (Clinical education costs are not included). For students carrying a full time (12-16 credit hour) load, the cost is approximately $12,955.00 per semester for the 2013-14 academic year. Most students (those who qualify) finance their education through the financial aid program, which includes grants, loans, and campus employment.
Student life
Provo College is located in Provo, UT near the campuses of Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. Rental housing is available within walking and driving distance. Students are encouraged to be involved in the Utah Physical Therapy Association, with limited sponsorships for conference attendance available through the college. Provo is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains (Wasatch front) allowing year-round recreational activities, such as world class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Provo and nearby Salt Lake City offer a variety of cultural activities (theater, music, museums) and sporting events (basketball,football, baseball, hockey, and soccer).