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Accredited PT and PTA Programs

  

ECPI University

A1, D2, F1, PR
Last updated by program01/16/13
AddressPhysical Therapist Assistant Program
ECPI University
1001 Omni Boulevard, Suite 200
Newport News, VA 23606-4388
Phone(757) 873-2423
Websitehttp://www.ecpi.edu
Program Emailrlearn@ecpi.edu
Program DirectorRobert S Learn, MPT
Market/Program Director
Institutional Information
AccreditorSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges
Carnegie ClassificationAssociate's--Private For-profit
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Accreditation
Date of initial accreditation04/08
Current accrediation statusAccreditation
Next visitFall 2012
Five-year historyAccreditation
Degree conferredAssociate of Applied Science
General Program Description
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program consists of an 18-month integrated curriculum. Students are admitted two times each year in Fall and Winter. The curriculum consists of 73 semester credit hours, with 23 credit hours in general education and 50 credit hours of PTA technical courses. The program is offered full-time during the day with two classes taught in each 5-week module. Coursework is a combination of classroom lecture, lab and clinical experiences. Medical Careers Institute, School of Health Science of ECPI University accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program is also located in Richmond Virginia: 2809 Emerywood Parkway Suite 400 Richmond, VA 23294 804-521-5999 x72205
Clinical Experiences
There are a total of three full-time clinical rotations, with two 5-week and one 10-week rotation. Experiences consist of many diverse areas of physical therapy including acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and extended care facilities. Clinical rotations are spent off-site with clinical instructors for eight hours per day, five days per week.
Faculty
Newport News Campus: There are three full-time faculty members and one part-time adjunct faculty member. There is a maximum instructor/student ratio of 1:16. Richmond West Campus: There are three full-time faculty members. There is a maximum instructor/student ratio of 1:16.
Enrollment
The student body is comprised of a diverse group of high school graduates, GED recipients, college graduates and adults who are seeking a career change. The PTA program admits up to 16 students twice each year.
Admission
Prerequisite courses are not required for admission to the PTA program. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. A 2.5 GPA from high school/college or a GED battery average score of 500 is required. Applicants must also successfully complete the admissions assessments. Additional consideration will be given for prior college coursework, professional references, and Physical Therapy volunteer/technician hours. Qualified applicants who rank highest on the admissions criteria will be interviewed by the PTA Program Director and/or Director of Clinical Education. A Review Committee makes the final decision for acceptance into the PTA program.
Outcomes
Newport News Campus: Graduation rate for 2009 - 2011 is 63.9%. 2012 Graduation rate is 72.2%. Retention rate of students who enter the technical phase of the Physical Therapist Assistant program 2009 – 2011 is 88%. National Physical Therapist Assistant exam pass rate 2009 – 2011 is: • First attempt = 92% • Overall = 96% PTA graduates who sought employment that were employed within 6 months of passing the licensure exam is 100% Richmond West Campus: New Program. First class accepted 1/24/11. 2012 Graduation rate is 87.5%. Retention rate of students who entered the technical phase of the program 2011 – present is 91%
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Federal financial aid programs are available for qualified applicants. The College also offers a variety of financial aid programs.
Student life
Newport News Campus is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Virginia Beach or Williamsburg. The college offers free parking and is located close to shops and restaurants. Students have the opportunity to be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Richmond West Campus is conveniently located in central Virginia. The college offers free parking and is located close to a variety of restaurants. Students have the opportunity to be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Attention Program Directors: Corrections to program data should be entered on the CAPTE Accreditation Portal. Any questions should be directed to the Accreditation Department at Accreditation@apta.org or 1-800-999-2782 x3245.