General Program Description
The Spokane Falls Community College PTA program is committed to providing excellence in educational and clinical experiences to enable students to develop skills necessary for successful employment within the spectrum of care and varied scope of physical therapy practice. The program strives to graduate caring and compassionate individuals who will provide physical therapy services ethically within the standards of practice under the guidance and supervision of physical therapists, and who will be able to respond appropriately within the ever-changing environment of health care. The program is designed to be completed in seven full-time academic quarters. PTA technical courses must be taken in sequence and are only offered to students accepted into the PTA program. Students are encouraged to complete general education requirements and related course work prior to entering the PTA program. The PTA program combines didactic course work (lecture format) with extensive laboratory course work in the PTA laboratory facility, and approximately 570 hours of clinical education in various physical therapy clinics affiliated with the program located throughout eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Students can expect to attend nearly full days in the laboratory courses and the clinic courses during most quarters of the program. While the program is rigorous, students receive excellent educational support from the two full-time faculty members, three part-time faculty members and a complement of adjunct faculty members with expertise in specialty areas.
Clinical Experiences
The PTA program requires approximately 570 hours of clinical education which are included in the curriculum as specific clinical education courses. Most clinical education is completed in the second year of the program and is arranged between the clinical education coordinator, the student, and the clinic facility. Clinic facilities that are affiliated with the program are located in the Spokane area as well as throughout eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
Faculty
There are three full-time and five part-time faculty members.
Enrollment
The physical therapist assistant program accepts 16 or 24 students into each class.
Admission
The PTA program admits a class of 16 or 24 students beginning each fall quarter. Admission into the program requires a special application process in addition to the college application. The admission process is competitive and includes requirements in academic preparedness and work or volunteer experience in physical therapy settings. The completion of all requirements does not ensure admission into the program. To receive a complete program guide that includes admission prerequisites and details regarding the application process and deadlines, call the PTA hotline number: 509/533-4146 or go to our website: http://spokanefalls.edu/PTA.
Outcomes
Over the past three years 81.2% of admitted students graduated from the PTA program. 98% of graduates who took the licensure exam passed (averaged over the past three years). Of the graduates who sought employment, 100% are employed as PTA’s.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Average annual tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year is $3650 for residents and $4400 for nonresidents with a waiver. In addition, there are institutional fees of $335, and program related expenses of $1463 annually . In order to be considered for federal, state or institutional student financial aid, individuals must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must reapply each year, and applications may be filed on January 1 of each year for the following academic year. Applicants seeking further information should contact the Financial Aid Office at 509/533-3550. There are limited scholarships available through the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation. Students who are interested should contact the Foundation Office at 509/434-5123.
Student life
The PTA program facility was updated in 2009 and provides students with state-of-the-art therapy equipment that is reflective of current physical therapy practice. The spacious facility is conducive to both learning and teaching, and supports the educational program. Additional instructional support is provided by the Spokane Falls Community College Testing Center computer laboratory. All other college student services are available to PTA students including the library, Student Union Building, counseling and advising, and disability support services.