The Daymar Institute has gained approval to begin offering the high-demand Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program to the Clarksville community, through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE). PTA classes are slated to begin in April 2010.
Katharine Purnell, Campus Director, announced that the application process is now in progress. “We encourage people interested in this specialized healthcare career to visit our campus at 1860 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., or call us at 931-552-7600 to set an appointment and submit their application,” said Purnell. Purnell also revealed that a Physical Therapist Assistant Program Information Session is planned for Thursday, February 11, with a 5:30 PM reception, followed by a 6:00 PM Information Session. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Enrollment in this program is limited and applicants will go through a selective admissions process to gain entry. There is no cost to apply for the PTA program.
“Applications will be taken during a short window of time in February and early March to have students enrolled and prepared to begin the 2-year course in April. After this class is seated, the next window of opportunity to obtain the PTA degree will not open until 2011,” Purnell explained.
Dr. Randall Wells, Vice President of Academics, cited the employment market as a driving force behind the decision to offer the PTA program. “The U.S. Department of Labor predicts this field to grow at a very fast pace, greater than 32%, through the year 2016. The median annual earnings in 2007 were $44,340, and the employment growth rate from 2006-2016 is expected to be about 25%.
Local business leaders have indicated that the industry is experiencing a shortage of PTAs in the Clarksville area. We plan on working cooperatively with them to fill their needs and the needs of their patients, while providing excellent career opportunities to our graduates,” Dr. Wells stated.
In addition to this new associate degree program, Daymar Institute recently launched Bachelor degree programs in Health Care Administration, Business Management, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice Administration. Call or visit the campus for further information. Classes start soon.
About the Daymar Institute
The Daymar Institute, formerly Draughons Junior College, is an Accredited Member, ACICS. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Various programs are approved for VA benefits.
