Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Our physical therapist assistant program provides students with an efficient, flexible point of entry into the field of physical therapy. Our program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to function as physical therapist assistants in today's complex health care system. The PTA program at the University of Indianapolis is distinctive in many ways:

Outstanding Faculty Mentors
The PTA faculty are enthusiastic about teaching, passionate about the profession of physical therapy, and committed to promoting the role of the physical therapist assistant. Our faculty are experienced educators and clinicians who are active in clinical practice, research, and professional activities.

The faculty are pleased to congratulate the following PTA Class of 2008 award recipients:
Top Scholar Award: Corinna Andersen
Nora Francis Founder's Award: Lyndi Haverstock
Outstanding Contributor Award: Stephanie Machowiak

Solid Reputation
Our physical therapist assistant program received initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in 1995 and reaccreditation in 2002. Our PTA graduates are known for their strong technical skills and their ability to communicate effectively with patients and therapists. They are highly regarded in the job market; for our most recent class, nearly all were employed as physical therapist assistants within 3 months of graduation.

In addition, our first-time licensure examination pass rate has consistently exceeded the national average. The 2006 UIndy PTA program pass rate for first-time takers of the licensure exam was 100%, while the five-year average was 97.7% The national average for all first-time test takers was 75.7% in 2004.

Innovative Formats
Students have the choice of integrated or sequential formats for their PTA education. For the integrated format, students attend school full-time, taking general education and physical therapist education courses each semester. The integrated format is generally chosen by first-year students who want a traditional college experience. For the sequential format, students complete general education requirements before entering the PTA program and then take the PTA courses on a part-time basis. The sequential format is generally chosen by adult students who cannot attend school full-time or who have completed general education courses previously. The PTA courses for both formats are in the evening. Students from both formats enroll in the same courses, providing an interesting mix of students who bring different experiences to the classroom.

Financial Aid
Students pursuing undergraduate degrees should explore the resources available through the Financial Aid Office at the University of Indianapolis.

Full-time 2009-2010 tuition is $20,970 (total for semesters I & II); part-time tuition is $675 per credit.

Admissions
Be sure to submit the university undergraduate application and a PTA program application. Applicants to the PTA program must demonstrate basic English and math proficiency, 20 hours of volunteer or paid work with a PT, have a cumulative high school or college grade point average at or above 2.5, and earn at least a C or higher in any completed college-level general education courses. Applications are due by February 1.

The top candidates will be invited to campus for an admissions interview with the PTA faculty. Applicants with at least 12 college credits receive additional consideration in the PTA admissions process.

Remember to schedule to take the SAT or ACT if you have not already done so.