THE U.P. PTA DIFFERENCE

Finlandia is proud to offer the only PTA program in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our fully equipped PTA lab focuses on hands-on learning and allows students the opportunity work with modalities they would see in a clinic setting. Even with the distinction, Finlandia’s PTA program boasts a 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring our students are taught using proper techniques and form when working with patients.

The healthcare industry in the U.P. is growing. Home health agencies are proliferating due to the large elderly population. Acute-care hospitals are changing to “systems,” which provide physical therapy at all levels. Nursing homes are seeking (often through contracts) skilled rehabilitation services.

Physical therapy is a profession within the healthcare industry which promotes optimal human health and function. The licensed physical therapist assistant applies scientific principles to prevent, identify, alleviate, correct, or reduce acute or prolonged movement dysfunction.

ACCELERATED PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM OPTION

The accelerated PTA program gives exceptional students the choice to complete their degree in five semesters; two semesters of general education classes and three semesters of PTA technical training.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT CLINICAL HOURS

In addition to academic coursework, clinical education is a significant part of the physical therapist assistant’s education, helping the student apply the learned skills, professional behaviors and academic knowledge to the practice of physical therapy.

The Finlandia University PTA program has a strong clinical education component with an emphasis on rural healthcare experiences and flexible clinical locations. During clinical education, PTA students complete 14 weeks of full-time clinical experience at three different clinical affiliation sites, totaling 560 hours of on-site clinical experience before they graduate. Students are required to gain exposure to diverse physical therapy settings and patient populations as well as multiple pathological conditions.

2+2 DEGREE

Students interested in advancing their associates degree into a bachelor’s degree, like Catlin, have the opportunity to enroll in Finlandia’s 2+2 completion degrees. Tailored for students who have completed an associate degree in the physical therapist assistant program, the two-year BBA in either Healthcare Management or Sports Management builds a solid business background. This is a great option for student-athletes looking to compete in a sport while furthering their education.

“The learning environment is great because the small class sizes really help you not feel overwhelmed and the lab gives you the chance to work hands-on while the teachers give you one-on-one attention. Those are the big advantages of this program.”

Amber Rude, Current PTA Student

PTA PROGRAM WITH ROLLING ADMISSIONS

Other PTA programs place students on a waitlist. Currently, the physical therapist assistant  program does not have a waitlist. Once the January 1st application deadline has passed, we accept  students on a space available basis for the upcoming year. Students interested will then be placed on a one-year or two-year track provided all admission requirements have been met.

PTA vs. ATHLETIC TRAINING

Another great benefit of a physical therapist assistant degree is the range of patient interaction experienced in the workforce. Unlike athletic trainers who work closely with athletes, physical therapist assistants tend to work with athletes and individuals of all ages with varying injuries and illnesses. Athletic trainers must also pursue a higher degree than a physical therapist assistant, which means a PTA degree can be completed in a shorter amount of time.