Quick Facts

When embarking on a new program of study, questions will inevitably arise. That’s why we’ve created the Quick Facts. The Quick Facts is a reference tool that gives students information on being successful in the PTA program, the program’s pass rates, the number of students who apply and the graduation rate.

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The PTA program is an academically rigorous program. An average quarter involves 18–20 hours in the classroom. Students will require significant study time beyond the classroom to succeed in the program. Students are strongly encouraged to limit outside obligations and plan to work no more than 20 hours per week.

PTAs are generally energetic, active individuals who are interested in people. The minimum standards for students are detailed in the Essential Functions for the PTA Student (see application packet – page 5-7). Students must be able to meet these standards safely and efficiently (with reasonable accommodation if needed). The essential functions cover the areas of motor, sensory, behavioral, communication and critical thinking skills.

Students with disabilities are expected to perform all the essential functions of the program with or without reasonable accommodation. The PTA Program will work with the student and the campus disability office to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations. While every effort will be made to accommodate disability-related needs, it is important to note we are not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter the essential functions or technical standards of the program.

For the classes of 2001 – 2007 the passing rate for first time takers has been 100 percent. It should be noted that licensure was not required by Washington State until July 2008, so not all students sat for the examination. The pass rate for the class of 2008, the first class in which all students were required to take the examination, is not yet available.

Class # of Applicants # Admitted # Starting
2005 50 50 32
2006 50 50 31
2007 47 43 20
2008 55 45 31
Class # Admitted #Graduation on time # Graduating in 3 years Graduation rate¹
2005 29 19 4 75%
2006 30 23 1 80%
2007 32 22 2 80%
2008 31 25 Not yet available.  

¹
About 50% of attrition is due to personal issues (relocation, illness, family responsibility, etc)
and 50% for academics.

Green River’s Physical Therapist Assistant program offers you the opportunity to do the following:

  • Receive hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings
  • Develop an ongoing collaborative relationship with faculty and fellow students
  • Enhance your personal leadership and group interaction skills
  • Become skilled in an exciting and rewarding health care occupation
  • Receive an Associate in Applied Science degree for Physical Therapist Assistant that is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association
  • In addition to paying the usual tuition and fees charged at Green River, the student is also required to purchase liability insurance and personal health insurance. The student is expected to provide his/her own transportation to clinical off-site facilities.