Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What courses should I take first to be eligible for the PTA program?

A: You need to complete BIOL 2010/2011, BIOL 2020/2021, and either MATH 1530 or MATH 1630 plus all required developmental courses.

Q:  I live out of the area.  May I complete my prerequisites and/or general education courses at another school?

A: Yes.  Make sure you are advised by the faculty about what courses will substitute and have official transcripts from all colleges attended sent to the WSCC Admissions Office.

Q: How do I get at least 20 hours of observation in a physical therapy clinic? 

A: You must contact physical therapy clinicals in the area, let them know of your desire to enter the PTA program, and ask if they allow  observation.  It is then the student’s responsibility to set up the hours and have hours documented for the application process.

Q:  How do I have observation hours documented?

 A: This form is located on the Physical Therapist Assistant web page. It should be completed and mailed to the Health Programs office by the facility.

Q: Do I have to complete the observation hours if I have been employed in a PT clinic as an aide or technician?

A: If you have had worked enough hours to make an equivalent of 3 full time months of employment in a physical therapy clinic, you do not have to have additional observation hours.  In this case, your documentation should be made on the “Employment Experience Form” which is located on the Physical Therapist Assistant web site.

Q: When do I apply for the PTA program?

A:  Applications are available in January and must be turned in no later than April 15 of the year you wish to be admitted to the PTA program.  Applications may be obtained from the Health Programs Office, TECH 104.

Q: What is the process for admission after I have turned in my application?

A: After April 15, all applications will be ranked according to selection criteria.  Approximately the first part of May you will receive a phone call from us as to whether you have qualified for an interview.  Interviews are usually held in May.  If you have completed all required courses by the end of spring semester and are accepted into the PTA program, you should be notified of acceptance by the end of June. 

Q:  If I do not get accepted the first time, can I apply again?

A:   Yes.  There is no limit on the number of times you can apply.

Q: If I have questions about the program or application process, can I talk with the faculty?

A: Yes. Contact the secretary for Health Programs for an appointment.  You are encouraged to meet with  faculty before you apply.

Q:    If I ultimately want to get a Masters degree in physical therapy and be a physical therapist, should I go through the physical therapist assistant program first?

A:    Typically, no. It will take you considerably longer to do this because the requirements for the two programs are very different. Also, it does not realistically improve your chances of being accepted into PT school if you go through a PTA program first.

Q: How much money does the average starting physical therapist assistant make?

A: In the upper east Tennessee area, a new graduate PTA would make approximately $35,000 to $40,000.  Walters State does not guarantee employment after graduation, but assistance is available through the Office of Placement.

                                                                                                                                                                   rev. 07/15/08