FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are the On-Campus and Online PTA Programs accredited?
Yes. Both PTA programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
What are the benefits of attending the PTA Program at San Juan College?
Value. San Juan College offers a state-of-the-art lab with four dedicated full-time faculty. SJC has one of the first on-line PTA programs in the nation accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). San Juan College is located in Farmington, NM in the Four Corners Area, where NM adjoins CO, AZ, and UT. Tuition at SJC is $30 per credit hour for residents and $40 per credit hour for non-residents.
Is the Online PTA Program completely online?
No. The Online Program requires students to be at San Juan College approximately seven-fourteen days per PTA lab course toward the end of the semester. For the first year, online students are required to be at SJC approximately one week in April for PTAP 125, one week in July for PTAP 150, and two weeks in November for PTAP 140 and PTAP 160. For the second year, online students are required to be at SJC approximately one and one-half weeks in April for PTAP 210, one week in July for PTAP 250, and a few days in December for PTAP 280. In total, online students are required to be at SJC for approximately six weeks over a two year period.
What about lodging near San Juan College?
San Juan College does not have on-campus housing. Therefore, online students should consider area lodging. More information about hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts can be obtained through the Directory at the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. For directions to San Juan College, click on Maps and Directions.
When does the PTA Program start?
Both PTA programs start in January of each year. Students must complete an application before August 1. All of the prerequisite courses must be completed before January to be considered for the PTA program. Each program is selective and accepts 15 students every year. Selection is based on GPA of the Pre-requisite Courses (65%), Health Occupations Assessment Exam (HOAE) (a general aptitude test) (20%), and Letters of Recommendations (15%).
Are the prerequisite courses available on-line?
All of the prerequisite courses are available online through San Juan College.
How do I apply?
Print the PTA Program application from the website. Follow the checklist provided on the first page of the application. Request TWO transcripts from every college or university attended. Send one transcript to the SJC Admissions Office. Send another transcript to the PTA Program. All of the application materials must be received by the PTA Program before August 1. We strongly encourage you to call us at (505) 566-3425 in July to verify that your application is on-track for completion.
Can the programs be completed at my own pace?
No. The courses for both PTA programs must be taken in the scheduled sequence. The only exception is that the online PTA students may complete full-time clinical rotations in one, two, or three semesters starting with the fall semester of the second year. If full-time rotations are completed over more than one semester, student will receive an incomplete grade until all three full-time clinical rotations have been successfully completed. Once all three full-time clinical rotations have been successfully completed, the Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education (ACCE) will post the grade for PTAP 280. We strongly recommend that students consider completing all three full-time rotations in one semester.
What about the clinical externships?
There are 2 part-time and 3 full-time clinical externships. Full-time clinical rotations may be completed near the student's place of residence and may be completed in one, two or three semesters. A legal contract must be established between the physical therapy facility and San Juan College. If a student is currently employed as a PT tech within a faciltiy, they cannot complete any clinical rotations within that facility.
Can I be exempt from any PTA courses if I have a previous degree in athletic training or related field?
No. The coursework in the PTA program at San Juan College is specifically designed for physical therapy. For example, if you have taken Kinesiology for your previous degree, you must still take Clinical Kinesiology in our program. PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology focuses on kinesiology as it is used in Physical Therapy.
Am I considered a resident of New Mexico?
Students are classified as in-state or out-of-state based on the information provided on the initial admission application. To be considered a resident, you must reside in the state for 12 consecutive months previous to your enrollment. If questions are raised while completing the admission application, additonal documentation is required and includes such things as NM drivers license, car registration, voter registration, payment of NM income tax, bank accounts, etc.
What other fees do I need to know about related to the PTA Program?
Both programs charge a $600.00 program fee that is paid over several semesters. This fee is used to pay for part of your first national licensing exam. This fee provides you with the ability to save for your exam. In addition books and supplies will cost approximately $1,700.00.
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