General Program Description
The technical portion of the PTA program is designed to be completed in six full-time academic quarters. Students are encouraged to complete related instruction requirements prior to entering the program.
Clinical Experiences
The PTA program requires over 560 hours of clinical education. First-year students are introduced to a variety of clinical settings in conjunction with the coursework. Most of the clinical education is completed during the second year when students attend clinic 1 week during each of fall and winter quarters and then participate in two 6-week, full-time clinical experiences during spring quarter.
Faculty
The core faculty is comprised of two full-time and two part-time faculty members. Adjunct faculty with specific areas of clinical expertise are also involved in instruction. The faculty to student ratio is 1:17.
Enrollment
Total enrollment for Green River Community College is 7,700. The PTA program accepts 32 students for a fall start day program.
Admission
Applications are accepted beginning February 1. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited secondary school or have a General Equivalency Diploma. Prior to entering the program, applicants must complete anatomy and physiology, speech, English composition, and math. Applications are accepted from individuals who have completed prerequisite course work. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and a minimum of 20 hours of job shadow or volunteer experience in physical therapy. The selection process is based upon academic achievement and familiarity with physical thrapy. For the class entering in 2010, there were approximately 100 qualified applicants and 32 students entered the program.
Outcomes
93% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average). Most attrition is for personal rather than academic reasons. 92% of graduates who took the licensure examination passed. 100% of the graduates who passed the licensing exam were employed in the field within 6 months (3-year average).
Tuition, fees and financial aid
The 2010-11 quarterly tuition and fees (15 credits) is $1182.5for Washington state residents, $1315.95 for non-residents with a waiver, and $3039 for non-citizen and international students. Lab fees vary but are generally $25-30 per quarter. Many PTA program students are eligible for financial assistance through a comprehensive program of employment, grants and scholarships. Information about financial aid programs is available through the Financial Aid Office at 253/833-9111 extension 2440 and through the Work Force Education Office 253/833-9111 extension 2211.
Student life
Green River Community College is located in a suburban part of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. There are numerous universities in the area as well as varied cultural and recreational opportunities. There is limited on-campus housing, and most students live in the surrounding community, although some commute from farther away. Students will need transportation to attend clinical components of the curriculum.