Physical Therapist Assistant Program

In addition to the GRCC tuition and fees, the PTA student will have additional expenses including:

• Required PTA textbooks - $900
• Co-op fees for some Physical Therapist Assistant courses. Co-op fees are $30 - 35 per quarter or less.
• Student medical malpractice insurance - $17 per year
• Health insurance – proof of current health insurance through any company is required (for injury only). Available through the college for $159 per year injury only or $755 per year injury & illness.
• Transportation-Students are expected to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical facilities.
• CPR and First Aid certification - $60
• TB test - $15
• Updated immunizations or titration levels (measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox) if needed. Proof that immunization status is current is required.
• Hepatitis immunization* - $150
• Lab coat - $40 (Some affiliation sites require a lab coat.)
• HIV/AIDS Training - $45
• APTA student membership* - $80
• Some affiliation sites may require national criminal history background check (cost may be as high as $75) and drug screening (cost may be as high as $40).

* Recommended

Because of the nature of the program, student insurance is required.

• Student liability insurance: Available through the college for about $17 per year.
• Health insurance: Any policy is acceptable; also available through the college.

Access to reliable transportation is required. Bus service will not accommodate transportation needs as clinical sites range from south of Olympia to Everett.

Prior to beginning clinical work students must have:

• Documentation of required immunizations and TB test
• In addition, Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for health care workers.

Prior to beginning clinical work students must provide:

• Proof of required certifications including; CPR, Blood-Born Pathogens (AIDS) and HIPPA
• Students will be provided with information about obtaining these certifications after entering the program.

The PTA program complies with the “Child/Adult Abuse Information Act,” RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840. Authorization for a child and adult abuse background check is required of each applicant. Some convictions may disqualify students from clinical placements and therefore program completion. Some clinics require additional background checks and drug testing. Individuals whose background checks identify a record of convictions will be required to meet with a faculty member to discuss the findings prior to admission into the program.