I attended Concorde from 2024-2025 in their PTA Program. Graduated and Passed the NPTAE…read more
I want to start by saying that the program had its ups and its downs. It is not a perfect program, however, Dr. Verba (Director of the PTA Program) works hard and does her best to make it a perfect program along w/ Dr. K (Director of Clinical Education) and Ms. MD (Professor). They do their best to help students get through the program by taking the time to sit down with students who are showing signs of struggle and anyone else who asks for help. So make sure to ask for help. It is imperative that before entering the program, you speak to Dr. Verba about any potential struggles or concern you may face during the 20 months. BE HONEST W/ YOURSELF. Dr. Verba and her team's goal is to help us students pass the NPTAE (National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam) and get a job after.
Now, time to talk about the program. There are a total of 8 terms consisting of 10 weeks each (unless this changes over time), w/ only a few days off in between each term. So for the next 20 months, this program will be THE PRIORITY. Personally, I had to put my life on the side with my priorities being the program, my girlfriend and my family. I spoke to my friends ahead of time, and let them know that my time will be limited but that does not mean I did not have time for them at all. It's all about time management and making sure I still prioritized my studies.
The first 2 terms will be general education classes. This can be different w/ each student. I came from CSUN and wanted to find a way to progress myself in the field of PT w/out breaking my bank. This was the next best step for me. My GE credits were transferred from CSUN and I was able to bypass some of the classes allowing me to work and go to school in the first 2 terms.
In terms 3-4, things started to really pick up and get harder. This is when I stopped going to work and was a full time student. Majority of my time was studying and really understanding the material. I try to come in with a positive smile and eagerness to learn. I always tried to be the first to volunteer when needed for demonstration of any special tests due to my learning style being hands on. I recommend figuring out your preference of learning style as it helps you really grasp the material. Of course the textbook will be your holy bible or holy text. Term 3-4 will be the terms that "Make you or break you." It is the hardest of the program. In my cohort, this is where we lost majority of our class. I highly recommend asking for help. Ms. MD once told me, "people who go to open lab or ask for help, sometimes aren't actually the ones who need the help." And that really speaks volumes as it shows the dedication of these students.
In terms 5-6, things start to fit together and make sense (at least for me). DO NOT LET UP ON STUDYING bc that will be your downfall and result in grades to fall. The memorization items, along with the conceptual items become to make sense. It made sense to me because we put what we learned into practice. This is also where you will be prepared for your clinical rotations. 1st round of clinicals is the last 6 weeks of term 6. So be prepared. Read the textbook and continue to study. Its as simple as that.
In terms 7-8, you continue w/ clinical rotations. The first 4 weeks of Term 7, you will have class and then sent out to clinical rotation the last 6 weeks. You will then have a slight break (might be different w/ each cohort depending on schedule) and beginning of term 8, the first 6 weeks will be the 3rd and final clinical rotation. During clinical rotation, it is important to NOT slack off on studying. Again, this program is to prepare you to pass the NPTAE at the end of the program so if you slack off on studying, you will fall behind when you return for the last 4 weeks of Term 8 as review for NPTAE begins and continues again after the term ends. Your future self will thank you that you put in the effort to study during your clinical rotation as studying for the NPTAE will be slightly easier. Reviewing old material from terms 3-6 is important.
Once you have finished the term, you will then prepare for the NPTAE with a class that is optional, but highly recommend going. Trust in Dr. Verba. When you have doubt, express it privately to Dr. Verba. She has been doing this for who knows how long now (sorry Dr. Verba if you read this. Not intentional on calling out your age Hahaha) BUT Dr. Verba is experienced in this, she has been creating questions to submit to the board. Dr. Verba knows what can be expected in the NPTAE.
If you are unsure about going to concorde for the PTA program, I understand. It is a commitment. Reach out to me if you have any specific questions about my experience. I am happy to share. Lastly, I want to thank the faculty. They work hard, and is underappreciated by the students. Thank You again.