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Health Sciences Information and Admissions Office
Eastview Campus
Building 8000, Room 8356
3401 Webberville Road
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: 512.223-5700 or
toll-free 888.626-1697
E-mail:
healthsciences@austincc.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions:

Does the PTA program schedule "information sessions" for prospective students?

Is a waiting list maintained for the PTA Program?

How much time is recommended for study purposes? 

What is the class schedule like?

Is there any lab equipment that I will need to purchase?

Where might I be assigned to complete my clinical education?

Is there a required uniform for clinicals?

Will jobs be available when I graduate?

What is the salary for a PTA?

Is there a licensure exam required to practice when I graduate?

What is ACC's PTA Program's graduate statistics?

 

Answers:

Does the PTA program schedule "information sessions" for prospective students?

Yes, the PTA Program requires attendance at an information session. All information regarding this program is available through our website or at our Eastview Campus Office.

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Is a waiting list maintained for the PTA Program?

No, admission is based on the qualifications of the applicant pool in which you apply. Additional consideration is not given to the number of times an applicant has submitted an application.

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How much time is recommended for study purposes? 

Students in the PTA course of study should expect to spend at least 12-18 hours per week for study time in addition to class time.

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What is the class schedule like?

The general schedule is as follows:

Level I Level II
Fall: late morning, afternoon and evening classes Fall: morning and afternoon classes; clinical 240 hrs
Spring: all day Spring: clinical 240 hrs (2)

Class schedules may change without notice because of our reliance on adjunct faculty and clinicians with expertise in specific patient care areas.

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Is there any lab equipment that I will need to purchase?

Yes, you will need to purchase:

  • Blood pressure cuff
  • Tape measure
  • Stethoscope
  • Gait belt
  • Plastic goniometer
  • Clipboard

These supplies are approximately $85-$100 at local medical supply houses.

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Where might I be assigned to complete my clinical education?

All students participate in clinical placements as part of the requirements for the PTA Program. Clinics are in the Austin area as well as in the surrounding counties from Taylor and Georgetown to Gonzales and west to Kerrville. All students are expected to provide their own transportation to the clinics as assigned.

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Is there a required uniform for clinicals?

PTA students are required to wear khaki pants, solid colorblue polo shirts and close toed shoes when in clinics. Name tags will be obtained through the college.

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Will jobs be available when I graduate?

Although we cannot predict the job market with 100% accuracy, sources indicate growth in PTA jobs. The Texas Workforce Commission lists PTA's as one of the "Texas Top Twenty Fastest Growing Occupations". The projected job growth for PTA's over the current decade in the state of Texas is 42%.

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What is the salary for a PTA?

Generally, PTA's earn 75-80% of what a PT earns. Because Austin is a favorite place to live and raise a family, salaries are generally lower than in other parts of Texas. Starting salaries, for new graduates range from $30,000-$38,000 per year. Graduates willing to relocate may expect starting salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 per year range.

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Is there a licensure exam required to practice when I graduate?

Licensure is required in the State of Texas under the provisions of the Physical Therapy Practice Act 4512E and must be obtained through successful completion of a national exam before the candidate may practice Physical Therapy. The procedure for obtaining licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas will be distributed during the last semester of enrollment. Licensure requirements vary in other states and students should speak with the program faculty for assistance with this information.

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What is ACC's PTA Program's graduate statistics?

Graduate Pass Rate on National PTA Exam and Employment Rate

 
August 2008

August 2007

August 2006

August 2005

1st time takers

100%

87%

87%

93%

All takers, within 1 year of graduation

100%

93.7%

93.7%

100%

Employed within 6 months after obtaining license

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

 

 

Program Student Acceptance, Graduation, and Attrition Rates

 
June 2007

June 2006

June 2005

June 2004

Graduation year

August 2009

August 2008

August 2007

August 2006

Class size

23

22

18

22

Graduation rate

82%
95%

88%

77%

Number withdrawn for academic failure

3 failure

2 personal

1

2

1

 

 

 

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