1st semester
Students are present for lecture courses on Mondays and Tuesdays. Students must be present for lab courses all day on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There will be circumstances in which participation on a Saturday may be required.
2nd semester
Students are present for lecture courses on Mondays and Tuesdays; and are present for lab courses on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There will be circumstances in which participation on a Saturday may be required. All students will be assigned to a two-week, full-time (40 hours/week) clinical during this semester.
3rd semester
In addition to academic courses, PTA students are required to participate in clinical practicum and lab experiences off campus at health care facilities. During the 3rd semester, each student is assigned to 16 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) clinical placement. These internships are supervised by licensed clinical instructors in a variety of physical therapy settings. The clinical schedule typically involves a student to be present Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm; however, students must follow the schedule of their designated clinical instructor. Additional hours or participation on weekends during clinical assignments may be required. Clinical placement may be geographically distant from home or permanent address and will be assigned by the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) based on Program goals, objectives, and necessary learning experiences. Students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging for clinical education and off-campus experiences.
This course sequence is preferred by students who desire a more structured learning environment. On-campus classes are all enhanced and/or supported by the Blackboard course-management system. A portion of the on-campus program is delivered through distance education services.
