Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)

Clinical Experiences

Each student is required to successfully complete 15 weeks of clinical education. Clinical sites are available primarily in east Tennessee but other locations may be arranged. The current availability of clinical sites provides a variety of clinical experiences. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the clinical sites, housing, meals, and other expenses incurred during clinical experiences. Clinical experiences include a full-time four week clinical during the third semester and full-time four and seven week clinicals during fourth semester.

Enrollment

Walters State Community College consists of four campuses with the main campus located in Morristown, Tennessee. Walters State Community College has a total enrollment of approximately 7,000 students among all four campus sites. The PTA program is conducted on the Morristown campus. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program admits a maximum of 22 students per class, one time each year (fall admission). The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a limited enrollment program and does not accept out-of-state residents if there are Tennessee residents eligible for admission.

Set Class Size

The PTA admission process is grounded in the belief that excellence in academics along with an interest in physical therapy provides a solid foundation to build the PTA curriculum upon. The admission process is clearly outlined on the PTA webpage, in the college handbook and shared during professional advising sessions with all students who are interested in a career as a PTA. Current components of the admission and ranking process evaluate academic preparation, GPA, test scores (ACT/HESI-A2), completion of general education requirements and clinical observation and/or employment experience. The Program Director works with Health Programs Division Administrators to fairly apply the ranking process to all students who apply to the program. There is no deviation from the ranking form when determining which students are offered a seat in the program. If a student applied to the program and was not accepted ever felt their application was not ranked fairly, they should request a meeting with the PTA Program Director and Dean of Health Programs. Any student who is not accepted into the program is encouraged to speak with the Program Director about methods to strengthen their future application.

Program admission criteria are greatly focused on academic achievements which has historically led to the program meeting its goals and outcomes. The admission process is equitable and just as all applicants are evaluated by the same criteria and the program upholds the college’s non-discrimination policy. Program faculty work with all students who are admitted to the program and treat them with respect, fairness, kindness and cultural humility. PTA faculty support efforts to promote excellence in education, work to create inclusive, diverse and equitable learning experiences for all students enrolled in the program while meeting CAPTE outcomes related to NPTE pass rate, retention rate and employment.

Current college-wide recruitment activities that PTA core faculty participate in, include sharing information about all healthcare programs offered at WS with the public. These speaking opportunities occur at local high schools, career expos, virtual information sessions and both on and off-campus health/career fairs. PTA faculty collaborate with all WS Health Programs Division faculty to share program information with all prospective students, the public who has an interest with healthcare careers and enrolled students who have indicated a WS healthcare program as their major. These activities fall in line with the WS Mission and Vision related to student success, stewardship and equity.

The PTA program at WS has a set class size of 22 students. This class size is determined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The PTA Program Director follows this guideline when admitting a new cohort of students each fall semester and does not admit more than 22 qualified students. Class size data is reported annually in the CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report which is monitored and tracked by CAPTE. Class size data is also reported and discussed during the annual ranking process and during the annual program evaluation held by the Dean of Health Programs. Twenty-two students is an effective class size which is reflected by the ability of the program to meet student needs related to college resources, offer students clinical placements with appropriate breadth, depth and variety, maintain stable PTA employment rates and employ an appropriate number of qualified program faculty. By following this set class size, the Program Director prevents over enrollment which would strain program resources, faculty workload, program budgets, clinical placements and could negatively impact employment rate.

Student Life

The PTA program is conducted on the Morristown Campus. The Morristown campus is located on 134 acres in the beautiful Smoky Mountain region. There are many recreational areas nearby including boating, swimming, hiking and golf. Walters State is a commuter school with a 10 county service region. The college does not have any on-campus housing; however, off-campus rentals are plentiful.

Walters State is a member of the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association and National Junior College Athletic Association Region VII and is competitive in men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, and golf. There are a variety of student organizations available including the PTA Club. Morristown has a population of approximately 30,000 and is located 50 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Housing and Transportation

The college does not provide housing facilities for students either on or off campus. Students must provide their own reliable transportation to and from clinical sites.

Admissions

Students must apply, meet admission requirements, and be accepted by Walters State Community College (WSCC).

Apply Now

Students are encouraged to:

• Indicate Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant as their desired major.
• Follow college advising policy.
• Complete all required learning support courses.
• Successfully complete BIOL 2010 and 2011, BIOL 2020 and 2021, and MATH 1530 or 1630 no later than the end of spring semester of the year the student elects to participate in the selection process for the fall semester PTA class.

Standardized Testing Requirement

Applicants to the PTA program can elect to submit an ACT composite score of 19 or higher or HESI A2 score of > 80% in reading, vocabulary and math to obtain additional ranking points. All test scores must be less than 5 years old. Results of ACT or HESI A2 must be received by the health programs department no later than April 15 of the year the student elects to participate in the selection process for the fall semester class. Applicants can reach out to an advisor in the health programs division to obtain more information about the HESI A2 exam or ACT scores and ranking points.

PTA Program Applicant Ranking Form
Clinical Observation Form
Employment Experience Form

Curriculum

The PTA program operates on a 0.5 + 2 academic model. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to admission to the technical program. The technical portion of the PTA program is four semesters. Students are encouraged to take general education courses prior to starting the technical PTA courses. Students enter fall semester and graduate spring semester of their second year. Further program information and current admission requirements are available on the program's website.

PTAT Integrated Curriculum Plan

Faculty

There are 3 full-time faculty members and adjunct faculty as needed. The faculty-to-student ratio is approximately 1:22 in the classroom and 1:11 in lab.

Health Programs Faculty

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition is set each June by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Tuition and fees for the current academic year may be viewed on the Cashiers Office website.

Students admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be assesed a non-refundable $25.00 per credit hour Allied Health Course Fee for the duration of the program.

Four types of financial aid are available; federal, state, institutional and other sources. Students need to send FAFSA information to the college for consideration for state and/or federal money (lottery scholarships, Pell grants, etc.). WSCC is an eligible institution for Hope (lottery) scholarships. For specific information please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Cost & Aid

Estimated Expenses

In addition to the considerable intellectual and emotional investment you will be making, you will also incur financial expenses.

The basic college expenses for tuition and fees are outlined in the College Catalog. PTA students also have the expense of traveling to the college and assigned clinical facilities. A few of these facilities may charge a nominal parking fee.

Other expenses required for the technical courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant program will amount to approximately $4,900. Costs include but are not limited to:

Other Expenses

Category	Expense
Required Texts	$1,212
Professional Liability Insurance	$40 Annually
Hepatitis B Series	$150
Seminars/Conferences	Varies
Uniforms (Shirt), Other as Required	$40
College Fees	$1,763
APTA Dues	$80 Annually
Health Insurance (See Clinical Portion of Handbook)	Cost Varies for Each Student
Physical	$200
National Physical Therapy Exam for the PTA	$485 and $90 Testing Center Fee
Background Checks	$35.00 Annually
Drug Screening	$54
TN Licensure Fees	$200
Practice Exam (PEAT)	$99
Costs Associated with Clinical (i.e. Gas, Flu Shot, etc.)	Varies
Licensure Review Course	$200
PhysioU App	$54 Annually