Physical Therapist Assistant

Transcription

1 Comprehensive Academic Program Review Associate in Science Degree: St. Petersburg College July 2012

2 Department of Institutional Research and Effectiveness St. Petersburg College P.O. Box St. Petersburg, FL (727) FAX (727) Comprehensive Academic Program Review Produced by Program Rebecca Kramer, M.P.T. Program Administrator, Phil Nicotera, Ph.D. Provost, Health Education Center Department of Academic Effectiveness and Assessment Amy Eggers, M.A. Research Analyst, Academic Effectiveness and Assessment Magaly Tymms, B.S. Associate Director, Academic Effectiveness and Assessment James Coraggio, Ph.D. Executive Director, Amy Brush, M.S. Outreach Coordinator With contributions from: Robert Mohr Leigh Hopf The Board of Trustees of St. Petersburg College affirms its equal opportunity policy in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Educational Equity Act and all other relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or against any qualified individual with disabilities in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this Rule, the college will not tolerate such conduct. Data and information contained herein cannot be used without the express written authorization of St. Petersburg College. All inquiries about the use of this information should be directed to the Executive Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at St. Petersburg College. ii

3 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 1 SPC Mission Statement... 5 Introduction... 5 Institutional Effectiveness... 5 Educational Assessment... 6 Program Review Process... 8 Program Description... 9 Degree Offered...10 Accreditation...10 Major Learning Outcomes...10 Program Performance...11 Actual Course Enrollment...11 Unduplicated Headcount...12 Productivity...13 Program Graduates...14 Grade Distributions...15 Fulltime/Adjunct Faculty Ratio...18 Program Profitability...20 Relative Profitability Index (RPI-T)...20 Program Improvements...22 Capital Expenditures...22 Academic Outcomes...23 Stakeholder Perceptions...28 Student Survey of Instruction (SSI)...28 SSI Results...29 Summary...30 Advisory Committee...31 Recent Meeting Summary...32 Recent Alumni Survey Information...35 Occupation Profile...38 Occupation Description...38 US, State, and Area Wage Information...38 National, State, and County Trends...39 Major Employers...39 Total Placement...40 State Graduates Outcomes...41 iii

4 Program Administrator s Perspective: Issues, Trends, and Recent Successes...44 Program Action Plan...45 Academic Affairs Committee Review...47 References...48 Contact Information...48 Appendix A: Program Overview (2011)...49 Appendix B: Advisory Board Committee Minutes and Recommendations, Appendix C: Advisory Board Committee Minutes and Recommendations, Appendix D: Advisory Board Committee Minutes and Recommendations, Appendix E: Advisory Board Committee Minutes and Recommendations, iv

5 Executive Summary Introduction The program review process at St. Petersburg College (SPC) is a collaborative effort designed to continuously measure and improve the quality of educational services provided to the community. Program Description The physical therapist assistant is a skilled technical health care worker who carries out patient treatment programs under the direction of the physical therapist. The assistant works to relieve pain and/or increase function in patients via therapeutic application of heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, exercise, gait and functional activity. Physical therapist assistants work in a variety of settings which include: hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, schools, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, sports medicine clinics, and traveling therapy agencies. Persons interested in pursuing this program should be comfortable working with people of all age groups in close one-to-one relationships. They should enjoy physical activity and be patient and empathetic when working with others. Degree Offered An Associate in Science degree in is offered at SPC. Program Performance Actual Course Enrollment in the program increased during Spring and Fall from the previous year. Unduplicated Headcount decreased during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters in from the previous year. In , Student Semester Hour (SSH) Productivity decreased slightly in Fall (1.0), Spring (0.9), and Summer (0.5) from the previous year. Summer reached a three-year high (0.8) in The number of program graduates in the program increased (36) from the previous year, reaching a six-year high in The vast majority of students in the program continue to succeed in the courses. In Spring 2011, 100.0% of the students were successful as compared to 90.5% in Spring In Fall 2010, 94.8% of the students succeeded as compared to 97.2% in Fall Fulltime Faculty taught 100.0% of the ECHs in and Adjunct ECHs have remained at zero for all three academic years. The threesemester average (0.0%) for adjuncts is not consistent with the College s general 65/35 Fulltime/Adjunct Faculty Ratio guideline. Program Profitability The Relative Profitability Index (RPI-T) for the program has remained consistent over the last several years. 1

6 Program Improvements There were no Capital Expenditures (Fund 10 and 16) reported for the Physical Therapist Assistant program during the past three years. Academic Outcomes The Academic Program Assessment Report indicated that the desired results were met for each MLO across specific years. For instance, the criteria for success were met for MLO 1 in 2009 and 2010; for MLO 2, the criteria were met in all four categories in 2010; and for MLO 3, the criteria were exceeded for three of the six categories in The Academic Program Assessment Follow-up Report was completed in July The report indicated that all four action items were successfully completed, and the results published in the follow-up report. Stakeholder Perceptions All the individual average content area scores for the Student Survey of Instruction (SSI) were above the traditional threshold (an average of 5.0) used by the College for evaluating seven-point satisfaction scales. These results suggest general overall satisfaction with the courses within the Physical Therapist Assistant program; specifically, as they relate to faculty engagement, preparation and organization, and course instruction. However, there were no data available for Summer A advisory committee meeting was held on November 2, The meeting consisted of a program update, program pass rate scores, fixed date testing for the NPTE, Viability Report review, equipment needs, and announcements. Twenty-five Recent Alumni surveys were provided to the graduates of the program. Responses were received from eight A.S. graduates. Not all respondents answer every survey question; therefore, the percentages listed below represent the responses to each survey question in relation to the total number of responses received for each question. Notable results include: o 87.5% of recent graduate survey respondents, who were employed, were employed full-time. o 100.0% of recent graduate survey respondents had a current position related to their studies. o 50.0% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated their main goal in completing a degree or certificate at SPC was to Change career fields, 12.5% Continue my education, 12.5% Earn more money, 12.5% Obtain employment, while 12.5% indicated Meet certification/training needs. o 87.5% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that their SPC degree allowed them to Earn more money, 100.0% Obtain employment, 75.0% Change career fields, 37.5% Meet certification-training needs, and 25.0% Continue my education. [Note: The total may exceed 100% as this question allowed for multiple responses.] 2

7 o 100.0% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that SPC did Exceptionally well in helping them meet their goal. o 25.0% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that they earned between $20.00 and $24.00 per hour ($42,000 - $51,999 annually), while the remaining 75.0% earned $25.00 or more per hour ($52,000 or more annually). o 62.5% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that they are continuing their education. o 100.0% of recent graduate survey respondents would recommend SPC s Physical Therapy Assistant program to another. Two employer surveys were sent out to employers based on the permission provided by recent graduates in the recent alumni survey. One survey respondent provided an evaluation of the graduate s college preparation. Since a single response cannot accurately represent the entire program, employer survey results about college preparation will not be reported. Occupation Profile One occupation description for was located in the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the program. The 2010 median yearly income for physical therapist assistants was $49,700 in the United States, and $56,400 in Florida. Employment trend information for physical therapist assistants showed a significant average annual increase (31% - 46%) in employment for the profession over the next 6-8 years, for both the country and state. The major employers of SPC s program graduates are Mease Dunedin Hospital-Rehabilitation Services; LaVie Rehab; and Cora Rehabilitation. Total Placement in the program did not change in from the previous year, with PTA achieving a placement of 97%. State Graduates Outcomes State Graduates data indicated that two hundred and sixteen students completed a state program in , of those onehundred and eighty-five had some matching state data and were employed. Eighty-four percent (84%) of those state graduates were employed at least a full quarter. The rate for SPC graduates exceeded this employment rate with 85% of the graduates employed at least a full quarter. Program Administrator s Perspective: Issues, Trends, and Recent Successes The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program enrollment continues to increase, as the profession of physical therapy remains one of the top careers in the state of Florida, and the US for both salary and job growth. The US Department of labor projects that from 2010 to 2020, employment of physical therapist assistants will increase at a heartpounding 45 percent growth rate. The demand for physical therapy services is projected to spike in response to the health care needs of a growing elderly population. At the present time PTA graduates in the state of Florida, can expect an entry level salary of $43,000. 3

8 Due to this growth in salary and job availability, the program has been receiving vast amounts of applications for entry into the program. There were 150 qualified applicants for the 20 available seats for the August 2012 cohort. Many of these individuals are minimally prepared to enter a rigorous health program and as such the program s graduation rate has dipped into the 55 th percentile for 2012 and In an effort to reduce attrition and enhance perspective students understanding of these rigors, the PTA program implemented an interview component this year to be used as part of the selective admissions process that was initiated last year. Students already admitted into the program (on the wait list), were required to attend the interview for the purpose of providing a control group for future research, to determine if interviews are a valid way to select students who will be successful in the program. Students were assessed on their ability to work as a team, appearance, communication, and writing skills. One of the group activities, and the writing component, involved reflection on potential barriers that other students have encountered while in the program, and the strategies the incoming student will have in place to prevent these barriers from impacting their success, as they progress through the program. Although graduation rates have declined in the last couple of years, the program continues to maintain high first-time pass rate scores on the national PTA licensure exam. SPC PTA May 2011 graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate score; all 28 students passed the licensure exam the first time. During 2011, first-time pass rate summary performance for other PTA graduates in the state was 89.26%, and summary performance for all U.S. programs was 86.50%. Recommendations/Action Plan Program Recommendations and action plans are compiled by the Provost and Program Administrator, and are located at the end of the document. 4

9 SPC Mission Statement The mission of St. Petersburg College is to provide accessible, learnercentered education for students pursuing selected baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, applied technology diplomas and continuing education within our service area and globally, while retaining leadership as a comprehensive, sustainable, multi-campus postsecondary institution and as a creative partner with students, communities, and other educational institutions to deliver rich learning experiences and to promote economic and workforce development. St. Petersburg College fulfills its mission led by an outstanding, diverse faculty and staff and enhanced by advanced technologies, distance learning, international education opportunities, innovative teaching techniques, comprehensive library and other information resources, continuous institutional selfevaluation, a climate for student success, and an enduring commitment to excellence. Introduction In a holistic approach, the effectiveness of any educational institution is the aggregate value of the education it provides to the community it serves. For over seventy-five years, St. Petersburg College (SPC) has provided a wide range of educational opportunities and services to a demographically diverse student body producing tens of thousands of alumni who have been on the forefront of building this county, state, and beyond. This is due, in large part, to the College s institutional effectiveness. Institutional Effectiveness Institutional Effectiveness is the integrated, systematic, explicit, and documented process of measuring performance against the SPC mission for the purposes of continuous improvement of academic programs, administrative services, and educational support services offered by the College. Operationally, the institutional effectiveness process ensures that the stated purposes of the College are accomplished. In other words did the institution successfully execute its mission, goals, and objectives? At SPC, the Offices of Planning, Budgeting, and Research work with all departments and units to establish measurable statements of intent that are used to analyze effectiveness and to guide continuous quality 5

10 improvement efforts. Each of St. Petersburg College's units is required to participate in the institutional effectiveness process. The bottom-line from SPC s institutional effectiveness process is improvement. Once SPC has identified what it is going to do then it acts through the process of teaching, researching, and managing to accomplish its desired outcomes. The level of success of SPC s actions is then evaluated. A straightforward assessment process requires a realistic consideration of the intended outcomes that the institution has set and a frank evaluation of the evidence that the institution is achieving that intent. There is no single right or best way to measure success, improvement, or quality. Nevertheless, objectives must be established, data related to those objectives must be collected and analyzed, and the results of those findings must be used to improve the institution in the future. The educational assessment is a critical component of St. Petersburg College s institutional effectiveness process. Educational Assessment Educational programs use a variety of assessment methods to improve their effectiveness. Assessment and evaluation measures are used at various levels throughout the institution to provide provosts, deans, program managers, and faculty vital information on how successful our efforts have been. While the focus of a particular educational assessment area may change, the assessment strategies remain consistent and integrated to the fullest extent possible. The focus for Associate in Arts degrees is targeted for students continuing on to four-year degree programs as opposed to the Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science, and Baccalaureate programs which are targeted towards students seeking employable skills. The General Education based assessments focus on the general learning outcomes from all degree programs, while Program Review looks at the viability of the specific programs. The individual reports unique by their individual nature are nevertheless written to address how the assessments and their associated action plans have improved learning in their program. The College has developed an 6

11 Educational Assessment Website ( to serve as repository for all SPC s educational outcomes reports and to systematically manage our assessment efforts. 7

12 Program Review Process The program review process at St. Petersburg College is a collaborative effort to continuously measure and improve the quality of educational services provided to the community. The procedures described below go far beyond the periodic review of existing programs required by the State Board of Community Colleges; and exceeds the necessary guidelines within the Southern Association of Community Colleges and Schools (SACS) review procedures. State guidelines require institutions to conduct program reviews every seven years as mandated in chapter (13) of the Florida Statutes, the State Board of Education (formerly the Florida Board of Education) must provide for the review of all academic programs. (13) CYCLIC REVIEW OF POSTSECONDARY ACADEMIC PROGRAMS.--The State Board of Education shall provide for the cyclic review of all academic programs in community colleges and state universities at least every 7 years. Program reviews shall document how individual academic programs are achieving stated student learning and program objectives within the context of the institution's mission. The results of the program reviews shall inform strategic planning, program development, and budgeting decisions at the institutional level. In addition, Rule 6A (5) states that each community college shall: (5) Develop a comprehensive, long-range program plan, including program and service priorities. Statements of expected outcomes shall be published, and facilities shall be used efficiently to achieve such outcomes. Periodic evaluations of programs and services shall use placement and follow-up data, shall determine whether expected outcomes are achieved, and shall be the basis for necessary improvements. In 2007, SPC reduced the recommended program review timeline to three years to coincide with the long-standing three-year academic program assessment cycle, producing a more coherent and integrated review 8

13 process. Figure 1 represents the relationship between program assessment and program reviewing during the three-year assessment cycle. Figure 1: Three-Year Academic Program Assessment Cycle Program Description The physical therapist assistant is a skilled technical health care worker who carries out patient treatment programs under the direction of the physical therapist. The assistant works to relieve pain and/or increase function in patients via therapeutic application of heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, exercise, gait and functional activity. Physical therapist assistants work in a variety of settings which include: hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, schools, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, sports medicine clinics, and traveling therapy agencies. Persons interested in pursuing this program should be comfortable working with people of all age groups in close one-to-one relationships. They should enjoy physical activity and be patient and empathetic when working with others. 9

14 Degree Offered An Associate in Science degree in is offered at SPC. For a complete listing of all courses within the program, please see Appendix A. Accreditation The program is accredited by the Commission in Physical Therapy Education, a division of the American Physical Therapy Association. It was last accredited in 2007 and the next accreditation will take place in Major Learning Outcomes 1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences. 2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Data Collection/Interventions/Equipment and Devices/Therapeutic Modalities. 3. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Safety and Professional Roles; Teaching/Learning; Evidence-Based Practice. 10

15 Program Performance Actual Course Enrollment Actual Course Enrollment is calculated using the sum of actual student enrollment for the courses within the program (Academic Organization Code). This number is a duplicated headcount of students enrolled in the program's core courses, and does not reflect the actual number of students enrolled in the A.S. program or its associated certificates (if applicable). Actual Course Enrollment in the program increased during Spring and Fall from the previous year, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2: Actual Course Enrollment Source: PeopleSoft Student Administration System: Course Management Summary Report (S_CMSUMM) 11

16 Unduplicated Headcount Unduplicated Headcount is the total number of unduplicated students with a program plan within the area of study (e.g., A.S. or certificate) that are currently enrolled in a course under that Academic Org. during the term of interest. This excludes 1) students in a different program plan or 2) students in the right program plan who are not taking courses within that Academic Org. for the term of interest. Unduplicated Headcount decreased during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters in , from the previous year, as shown in Figure 3. Unduplicated Headcount 100 Number of Enrollments Fall Spring Summer Figure 3: Unduplicated Headcount Source: PeopleSoft Student Administration System 12

17 Productivity Student Semester Hour (SSH) Productivity is calculated by dividing actual SSH by the budgeted SSH. In , SSH productivity decreased slightly in Fall (1.0), Spring (0.9), and Summer (0.5) from the previous year. Summer reached a three-year high (0.8) in , as shown in Figure 4. SSH Productivity Productivity Fall Spring Summer Figure 4: SSH Productivity Source: PeopleSoft Student Administration System: Course Management Summary Report (S_CMSUMM) Note: SSH Productivity data are displayed using two decimal places due to the proximity of the values. 13

18 Program Graduates The number of AS graduates in the program increased (36) from the previous year, reaching a six-year high in , as shown in Figure Program Graduates Graduates Figure 5: Program Graduates Source: SPC Factbook, Table 31 14

19 Grade Distributions To provide a reference for program performance at the classroom level, grade distributions are provided. Table 1 includes the percentage of students receiving an A, B, C, D, or F in the program core courses. The information was compiled from the college wide grade distribution report generated at the end of the session. Some course data, such as dual credit courses generally do not end at the same time as the regular campus courses and may be omitted. In addition, the number of enrollments is a duplicated headcount where students are counted for each class registered, however, only A, B, C, D, and F grades are included in the calculations. Table 1 Program Core Course Grade Distributions Semester Grade Distributions A B C D F Spring % 27.8% 17.1% 0.6% 2.5% Spring % 33.8% 12.3% 0.0% 0.0% Spring % 43.1% 18.2% 4.4% 5.1% Fall % 34.1% 23.3% 1.6% 3.6% Fall % 33.6% 19.0% 2.8% 0.0% Source: Collegewide Grade Distribution Report (Generated at the end of the session) 15

20 Figure 6 provides a visual representation of the grade distributions for those students receiving a grade of A, B, or C. Figure 6: ABC Grade Distributions Source: Collegewide Grade Distribution Report (Generated at the end of the session) 16

21 A classroom success rate was also calculated for the program. Classroom success is defined as the percent of students successfully completing the course with a grade of A, B, or C, divided by the total number of students in the course. The vast majority of students in the program continue to succeed in the courses as shown in Figure 7. In Spring 2011, 100.0% of the students were successful as compared to 90.5% in Spring In Fall 2010, 94.8% of the students succeeded as compared to 97.2 % in Fall Figure 7: Classroom Success Source: Collegewide Grade Distribution Report (Generated at the end of the session) 17

22 Fulltime/Adjunct Faculty Ratio Table 2 displays the number and percentage of Physical Therapist Assistant program equated credit hours (ECHs) taught by the individual faculty classifications. As shown, Fulltime Faculty taught 100.0% of the ECHs in , , and , and thus Adjunct Faculty did not teach any of the classes during those three years. Table 2 Equated Credit Hours by Faculty Classification Number of ECHs Fulltime Faculty % of Classes Taught Percent of Load Faculty Number of ECHs % of Classes Taught Number of ECHs Adjunct Faculty % of Classes Taught Fall % % % Spring % % % Summer % % % Total % % % Fall % % % Spring % % % Summer % % % Total % % % Fall % % % Spring % % % Summer % % % Total % % % Source: PeopleSoft Student Administration System: Faculty/Adjunct Ratio Report (S_FACRAT) 18

23 The Fulltime/Adjunct Faculty Ratio is calculated by dividing a program s adjunct s ECHs by the sum of the Adjunct s, Percent of Load s, and Fulltime Faculty s ECHs. Figure 8 displays the Fulltime/Adjunct Faculty Ratio information for the last three academic years. Adjunct ECHs have remained at zero for all three academic years, as shown in Table 2. The three-semester average for adjuncts (0.0%) is not consistent with the College s general 65/35 Fulltime/Adjunct Faculty Ratio guideline. Full-Time / Adjunct Faculty Ratio Percent Adjunct Fall Spring Summer Semester Figure 8: Full-time/Adjunct Faculty Ratio Source: PeopleSoft Student Administration System: Faculty/Adjunct Ratio Report (S_FACRAT) 19

24 Program Profitability Relative Profitability Index (RPI-T) Relative Profitability Index (RPI-T) is a measure of program profitability. It is calculated by dividing a program s income by the sum of its personnel expenses and current expenses. Only Fund 10 financials are used in the calculation of RPI-T; specifically, program revenues (GL ), personnel expenses (GL ), and current expenses (GL ). Program revenues (GL ) can include (1) student application fees and tuition, (2) out of state fees, and (3) gifts from alumni and charitable organizations. Personnel expenses (GL ) can include (1) personnel salary expenses for program management, and instructional staff, (2) personnel salary expenses for OPS and student assistants, and (3) personnel benefits. Personnel assigned to multiple programs may have partial personnel expenses assigned to an individual program. Current expenses (GL ) can include operating expenses for (1) travel, (2) goods and services, and (3) materials and supplies. Current expenses can also include scholarship and fee waivers. 20

25 The RPI-T for the program has remained consistent over the last several years. The mean RPI-T for the program was 0.2, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9: Fiscal Summary Source: PeopleSoft Financial Production System: Summary of Monthly Organization Budget & Actuals Status Report (ORGBUDA1) from End of Fiscal Year Note: Fiscal Summary data are displayed using two decimal places due to the proximity of the values. 21

26 Program Improvements Capital Expenditures There were no Capital Expenditures (Fund 10 and 16) reported for the program (Org: ) during the past three years, as shown in Table 3. Table 3 Program Capital Expenditures Capital Expenditures Year Capital Outlay Account Purchase Description Total 0 Source: PeopleSoft Financial Production System: Summary of Monthly Organization Budget & Actuals Status Report (ORGBUDA1) from End of Fiscal Year 22

27 Academic Outcomes As part of SPC quality improvement efforts, academic assessments are conducted on each AAS/AS program every three years to evaluate the quality of the program s educational outcomes. The Physical Therapist Assistant program was evaluated through an Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) in Each of the program s three Major Learning Outcomes (MLOs) was evaluated during the assessment. Each of the three MLOs is listed below: 1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences. 2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Data Collection/Interventions/Equipment and Devices/Therapeutic Modalities. 3. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Safety and Professional Roles; Teaching/Learning; Evidence-Based Practice. Means of Assessment The program used the results of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) Licensing Examination to evaluate program graduate knowledge. To make summative interpretation for program improvement, the End of Program Assessment was used to assess student achievement by major learning outcomes. The criteria for success stated that the Mean Scale Scores for SPC graduates (for first-time test takers only) are expected to be above that reported for all U.S. graduates. Data were collected during 2009, and 2010, and the data findings for each MLO are displayed in Tables 4 through 9. As depicted, the results varied by MLO and assessment year. SPC graduates exceeded the criteria for success for MLO 1 in 2009 and 2010; for MLO 2, graduates met or exceeded 23

28 the criteria in all four categories in 2010; and for MLO 3, graduates exceeded the criteria in three of the six categories in Table 4 MLO 1 Assessment Results Assessment Results (N=29) - MLO 1 Category Number of Items SPC Mean Scale Score US Mean Scale Score SPC above (below) US Mean Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences Source: Academic Outcomes from Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) Table 5 MLO 1 Assessment Results Assessment Results (N=26) - MLO 1 Category Number of Items SPC Mean Scale Score US Mean Scale Score SPC above (below) US Mean Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences Source: Academic Outcomes from Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) 24

29 Table 6 MLO 2 Assessment Results Assessment Results (N=29) - MLO 2 Categories Number of Items SPC Mean Scale Score US Mean Scale Score SPC above (below) US Mean Data Collection/Interventions/Equipment and Devices/Therapeutic Modalities Data Collection Intervention Equipment and Devices; Therapeutic Modalities Source: Academic Outcomes from Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) Table 7 MLO 2 Assessment Results Assessment Results (N=26) - MLO 2 Categories Number of Items SPC Mean Scale Score US Mean Scale Score SPC above (below) US Mean Data Collection/Interventions/Equipment and Devices/Therapeutic Modalities Data Collection Intervention Equipment and Devices; Therapeutic Modalities Source: Academic Outcomes from Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) 25

30 Table 8 MLO 3 Assessment Results Assessment Findings (N=29) - MLO 3 Categories Number of Items SPC Mean Scale Score US Mean Scale Score SPC above (below) US Mean Safety and Professional Roles; Teaching/Learning; Evidence-Based Practice System Specifications Cardiac, Vascular, and Pulmonary Systems Musculoskeletal System Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems Integumentary System Other Systems Source: Academic Outcomes from Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) 26

31 Table 9 MLO 3 Assessment Results Assessment Findings (N=26) - MLO 3 Categories Number of Items SPC Mean Scale Score US Mean Scale Score SPC above (below) US Mean Safety and Professional Roles; Teaching/Learning; Evidence-Based Practice System Specifications Cardiac, Vascular, and Pulmonary Systems Musculoskeletal System Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems Integumentary System Other Systems Source: Academic Outcomes from Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) The follow-up report was completed in July The report indicated that all four action items were successfully completed, and the results published in the follow-up report. 27

32 Stakeholder Perceptions Student Survey of Instruction (SSI) Each semester, St. Petersburg College (SPC) administers the Student Survey of Instruction. Students are asked to provide feedback on the quality of their instruction using a 7-point scale where 7 indicates the highest rating and 1 indicates the lowest rating. The purpose of the SSI survey is to acquire information on student perception of the quality of courses, faculty, and instruction, and to provide feedback information for improvement. Beginning in Fall 2008, all SSI forms (except Clinical B) have been administered electronically using an online format. During , the SSI items were reviewed and revised by a committee composed of faculty and administrators. As a result of the revision process, the lecture, nonlecture, and ecampus forms were consolidated into one form, independent of modality, which has been administered online since Spring As part of the instrument validation process, the results from the SSI over the last few years were assessed for reliability and validity. The results of this assessment suggested three underlying factors. The three factors are faculty engagement, preparation and organization, and course instruction. The survey questions are grouped into these categories as defined below: Faculty Engagement focuses on how successful the instructor was in encouraging student performance, the instructor s level of enthusiasm for the subject and respect for students, how well the instructor applied the stated grading policies including providing students appropriate information to determine their grades, and the instructor s responsiveness to student questions outside of the classroom. Preparation and Organization - focuses on the instructor s overall preparation for the course, the instructor s ability to start and end class on time, the amount of time spent on course-related activities by 28

33 the instructor, and the even assignment and appropriateness of course material throughout the term. Course Instruction focuses on the instructor s clarity of instruction, how well the course objectives were defined by the instructor, and how well the instructor met student expectations. SSI Results The SSI survey is electronically distributed to all students enrolled in traditional classroom sections, lab courses and self-paced or directed individual study, and online courses at the College. The average scores for are all well above the traditional threshold (an average of 5.0) used by the College for evaluating sevenpoint satisfaction scales during each semester. The aggregated survey results by semester and content area are shown in Figure 10. The SSI survey administration is optional during Summer semester, thus only Fall and Spring results are presented in this report. SSI: Results SSI Satisfaction Level(Scale 1-7) Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring 2012 Faculty Engagement Preparation & Organization Course Instruction Content Area Figure 10: SSI Results Source: Student Survey of Instruction Administration Site 29

34 Summary All the individual average content area scores were above the traditional threshold (an average of 5.0) used by the College for evaluating seven-point satisfaction scales. These results suggest general overall satisfaction with the courses within the Physical Therapist Assistant program; specifically, as they relate to faculty engagement, preparation and organization, and course instruction. 30

35 Advisory Committee Community input and participation is an important component of the educational process at the College. The advisory committees are an example of community input. Advisory committees meet a minimum of twice annually with additional meetings as needed for good program coordination. Advisory committee members are appointed by the College President to serve a one-year term of office and must have a demonstrated competency in the program specialty area or an understanding of the program and of the community at large. An exception to the above may be a lay person directly involved in a related program field such as counseling, public relations, or administration of a business or industry. Specific Functions of Advisory Committees are: 1. Assessing how the program meets the current occupational needs of employers. 2. Reviewing and making recommendations on the program curriculum. 3. Providing input to help prepare students for work in their chosen field. 4. Assisting in recruiting, providing internships, and in placing qualified graduates in appropriate jobs. 5. Expanding and enhancing St. Petersburg College s reputation in the community by fostering positive community relationships. 6. Approving all program equipment purchases in excess of $

36 Recent Meeting Summary A (PTA) advisory committee meeting was held on November 2, The meeting consisted of a program update, program pass rate scores, fixed date testing for the NPTE, Viability Report review, equipment needs, and announcements. Program Update R. Kramer reported that on May 7, 2011 the PTA Program graduated 32 students. One student finished the PTA curriculum but still had a general education course to finish, and the other had a clinical course to finish (due to a pregnancy during her sophomore year). Both graduated in July This class initially began in the fall of 2009 with 47 students and had a 68% graduation rate. There are 24 sophomores. This class initially began with 44 in the fall of Currently, the graduation rate for this class is 55%. There are 37 freshmen. This class initially began with 40 students in August of There were 118 applicants for this class, 88 of whom met the admissions requirements. The program has 81 applicants for August 2012, 40 of whom have been admitted to the program. The Program has seen 3 patients this fall, a women s basketball player with grade 3 quad strain, a men s basketball player with an ACL tear and a women s volleyball player with a shoulder injury. Program Pass Rate Scores R. Kramer passed out copies of the program s latest (October 17th) report on national licensure exam pass rates. For the graduating class of May 2011, 28 of the 34 students have taken the licensure exam and all 28 have passed the first time to give the program a 100% first time pass rate percentage, well above the state average of 89.26% and the US average of 86.50%. R. Kramer discussed the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) benchmark of 80% over a three year period, if schools are lower than 80% an action plan will be required. For the period between 2009 and 2011, SPC is at 97.4% well above the CAPTE requirement of 80%. 32

37 Fixed Date Testing for the NPTE R. Kramer reported to the Committee that the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has now implemented fixed testing dates for PTAs. There are only 3 dates during 2012 that PTAs will be able to take their national licensure exam (April 26, July 17, and October 30). Florida Board of Physical Therapy (FPTA) president, Sheila Nicholson will ask the Florida Board, at its next meeting tomorrow night in Tampa, to support reinstituting temporary licensure. She will be bringing this forward at the next Florida legislative session in January for a statue change. Also of importance, and on the Florida Board meeting agenda, is for the Board to make a decision regarding the awarding of continuing education credit to APTA Credentialed CIs. Sheila Nicholson will present awarding one contact hour for every 160 hours of student supervision, up to a maximum of six hours per biennium. Action: R. Kramer will attend the FPTA meeting tomorrow night and report back to the Committee on their decisions regarding temporary licensure and continuing education credit for APTA credentialed CIs. Viability Report Review R. Kramer distributed the PTA Program s Viability Measures Report. Although the initiative to begin a full time physical therapy clinic was not approved last year this important initiative will be brought forward again in Committee comments on the success of the PTA Information Sessions included support for making the information sessions mandatory as an admission requirement. Ms. Barkman also suggested that students submit a signed copy of the PTA program s essential functions as part of the admissions requirement. Committee members voiced approval of the new PTA program action item to explore collaboration with other health center disciplines in creating case studies for utilization in Cerner (electronic medical documentation system purchased by HEC). 33

38 Equipment Needs M. Hanlon asked Committee members for their approval to order a bariatric mat table ($13,000) that will hold 1,000 pounds. This is needed due to the increase in weight of PTA students and the need for two students to be on a mat table at the same time to perform interventions. Announcements Teresa Dean announced that she had accepted a Board member position for CAPTE. The complete committee minutes along with the minutes from previous meetings are located in Appendices B, C, D, and E. 34

39 Recent Alumni Survey Information Twenty-five Alumni Surveys were provided to the graduates of the program. Responses were received from eight A.S. graduates. Thirty-two percent of the graduates contacted responded to the survey (8 of 25). After receiving permission from the respondents to contact their employers, two employer surveys were sent out. Not all respondents answer every survey question; therefore, the percentages listed below represent the responses to each survey question in relation to the total number of responses received for each question. Notable results include: 87.5% of recent graduate survey respondents, who were employed, were employed full-time % of recent graduate survey respondents had a current position related to their studies. 50.0% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated their main goal in completing a degree or certificate at SPC was to Change career fields, 12.5% Continue my education, 12.5% Earn more money, 12.5% Obtain employment, while the remaining 12.5% indicated Meet certification/training needs. 87.5% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that their SPC degree allowed them to Earn more money, 100.0% Obtain employment, 75.0% Change career fields, 37.5% Meet certification-training needs, and 25.0% Continue my education. [Note: The total may exceed 100% as this question allows multiple responses.] 100.0% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that SPC did Exceptionally well in helping them meet their goal. 25.0% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated that they earned between $20.00 and $24.99 per hour ($42,000 - $51,999 annually), while the remaining 75.0% earned $25.00 or more per hour ($52,000 or more annually). 62.5% of recent graduate survey respondents indicated they are continuing their education % of recent graduate survey respondents would recommend SPC s program to another. 35

40 An evaluation of graduates general education outcomes is displayed in Table 10. Graduates indicated high levels of satisfaction with their college preparation in the area of general education outcomes. Twenty-three outcomes received mean scores of 4.0 or higher, while the remaining two outcomes received mean scores of 3.9. Table 10 College Preparation Ratings for Recent Program Graduates General Education Outcomes (Five point rating scale with five being the highest) Item Ratings N MEAN SD Communicating clearly and effectively with others through: Speaking Listening Reading Writing Your use of mathematical and computational skills: Comfortable with mathematical calculations Using computational skills appropriately Accurately interpreting mathematical data Using the following forms of technology: Word Processing Spreadsheets Databases Internet Research Thinking logically and critically to solve problems: Gathering and assessing relevant information Inquiring about and interpreting information Organizing and evaluating information Analyzing and explaining information to others Using information to solve problems

41 Table 10, continued College Preparation Ratings for Recent Program Graduates General Education Outcomes (Five point rating scale with five being the highest) Item Ratings N MEAN SD Working effectively with others in a variety of settings: Participating as a team player (e.g., group projects) Working well with individuals from diverse backgrounds Using ethical courses of action Demonstrating leadership skills Appreciate the importance of lifelong learning: Showing an interest in career development Being open to new ideas and challenges Willingness to take on new responsibilities Pursuing additional educational opportunities Employer Survey Information Two employer surveys were sent out to employers based on the permission provided by recent graduates in the recent alumni survey. One survey respondent provided an evaluation of the graduate s college preparation. Since a single response cannot accurately represent the entire program, employer survey results about college preparation will not be reported. 37

42 Occupation Profile One occupation description was located in the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the program. The occupation description title was. Occupation Description The occupation description for s used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is shown below: Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training. US, State, and Area Wage Information The distribution of 2010 wage information for physical therapist assistants is displayed in Table 11. The median yearly income for physical therapist assistants was $49,700 in the United States, and $56,400 in Florida. The wage information is divided by percentiles for hourly and yearly wages, as well as by location. Table 11 Wage Information for s Location United States Florida Pay Period % 25% Median 75% 90% Hourly $14.94 $19.35 $23.89 $28.39 $33.09 Yearly $31,100 $40,200 $49,700 $59,100 $68,800 Hourly $18.02 $23.19 $27.11 $31.03 $34.58 Yearly $37,500 $48,200 $56,400 $64,500 $71,900 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey; Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation 38

43 National, State, and County Trends Employment trend information for physical therapist assistants is included in Table 12 and provided by country and state. A significant average annual increase (31% to 46%) in employment for the profession over the next 6-8 years for the country and state is shown. Table 12 State and National Trends United States Employment Percent Change Job Openings 1 Physical therapists assistants 67,400 98, % 4,120 Florida Employment Percent Change Job Openings 1 Physical therapist assistants 3,550 4, % Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections; Florida Employment Projections Major Employers Graduates of SPC s program are employed in various areas related to their field. The primary local employers of these graduates are Mease Dunedin Hospital-Rehabilitation Services; LaVie Rehab; and Cora Rehabilitation, as depicted in Table 13. Table 13 Major Employers Employers of Graduates Mease Dunedin Hospital-Rehabilitation Services LaVie Rehab Cora Rehabilitation Source: Alumni Survey and Program Administrator input 39