2013 Information Meeting Schedule

 

February 5
March 5
April 2
May 7
June 4
July 2

August 6
September 3
October 1
November 5
December 3

 

ALL MEETINGS ARE HELD IN HOSPITAL ROCK BUILDING ROOM 133 AT 5:00 P.M.

Frequently Asked Questions

College of the Sequoias is happy to announce the start of its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. This is an associate of science degree program. Upon completion of the program, a student should be eligible to take the state licensing exam.

Q:   Can I complete the program in less than two years? Are these courses transferable for a physical therapy degree?

A:   No, the program cannot be completed in less than two years since the technical courses are taught sequentially and require two full years to complete. The courses are NOT usually transferable as credit towards a degree as a physical therapist. This NOT a pre-physical therapist curriculum.

Q: While I am in the program, will any malpractice insurance fees be required?

A: A nominal fee is assessed during the semester that a student is participating in direct clinical affiliations.

Q: What can I do to gain more knowledge about the PTA program?

A: To gain more knowledge about College of the Sequoias please visit the Allied Health Web site at www.cos.edu/academics/nursing/PTAProgram or attend one of the informational meetings held at 5p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month in Hospital Rock 133. No appointment is necessary.

Q: How can I find out if the courses I have taken outside College of the Sequoias will transfer or meet pre-requisite requirements?

A: You should make an appointment with an academic counselor. They can be reached at 559-730-3741 or 559-730-3715.

Q: How are applicants chosen for admissions?

A: After completing the full application that can be down loaded on the Allied Health Web site, student admission will be determined solely based on GPA. Space will be at a premium, meaning more applicants are expected than there will be spaces in the program.

The packet should include:

PTA application - see http://www.cos.edu/Academics/Nursing/PTAProgram/Pages/default.aspx
Sealed official transcripts from all colleges attended, including College of the Sequoias
Self-addressed stamped envelope (if the applicant wishes to receive confirmation of application status)

Q: Are there any limitations to making an application for state licensure that I need to be aware of or does graduating from an accredited program suffice?

A: Those states requiring licensure to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant require the completing of a fingerprint card that is submitted to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations for classification and criminal record check. Any discrepancies between information received from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau and the applicant's information may result in the denial of the application. The licensing Board reviews whether the violation of code, crime, or act is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee. Other factors that are considered are: nature and severity of the acts or crime; the time that has elapsed since the commission of the acts/crimes; and the extent to which the applicant has compiled with any terms or conditions of probation imposed.

Q: Are there any additional requirements once I've been admitted into the program?

A:

A current health-care provider cardio pulmonary resuscitation card from the American Heart Association ( AHA only, we do not accept CPR   cards from other providers)
Current California driver's license
Health clearance (immunizations and physical exam)
Current California automobile insurance and use of an automobile
Background check and drug screen

 

Q: Where would I be able to get a job after completing the program?
A: It is one of the fastest growing Allied Health professions. PTAs provide services in:

Out-patient clinics or offices
Hospitals
In-patient rehabilitation facilities
Skilled-nursing, extend-care settings
Education or research centers
Schools
Hospices
Industrial, office and other occupational environments
Fitness centers and sports-training facilities

Q: If I have an associate of arts or bachelor of arts degree, does that matter?

A: Having completed your general education requirements will be helpful. However, admittance is only based on the combined GPA total of the four pre-requisite courses.

 

Q: How much does tuition cost?
A: These costs are approximate and are subject to change:

Enrollment fees                                   $46 per unit
Books and supplies                              $1,200
Physical exam and immunizations       $250
Uniforms                                               $200
Application for license exam               $750

 

Q: How much do PTAs make?
A: The median income for a PTA is $42,000 a year, depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, location, and practice setting. The hourly wage for a PTA is $18-30 per hour.

Q: How many units is the program?

A: The PTA program curriculum is 43 units. There are other general education requirements for graduation.

Q: What is a physical therapist assistant?

A: Physical therapist assistants (PTA) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help people who have health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and many other settings. PTAs must complete a two-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified or registered in most states. Care provided by a PTA may include activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Q: What type of program is College of the Sequoias offering?

A: The PTA program at College of the Sequoias is an associate of science degree program. Students who complete the program will then be eligible to take the state license exam in those states requiring it. The fees required for the examination in California exceed $600.

Q: What classes do I have to take before applying to the program?

A: A minimum over all GPA of a 2.5 for all college courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for the pre-requisite courses that include:

BIO 30- Human Anatomy or equivalent
BIO 31- Human Physiology

Q: Can I work while in the PTA program?
A: The program course work is considered a full-time student load. Most of the classes and labs will be held in the late afternoon and evenings. If you've completed all your general education requirements there would be more flexibility for part-time work. If you have to complete general education units concurrently with core course work, it would be difficult to have time to work. In the second semester, you will be required to do 20 hours a week of clinical experience for six weeks and in the fourth semester you have to perform 40 hours a week of clinical affiliation for 15 weeks. Your time will be quite full.

Q: How many students will be admitted into the program?

A: We will admit 26 students each Fall semester.​