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Admission Information - Physical Therapist Assistant Program

• General Admission Information
• Minimum Requirements
• Steps to Apply
• Selection Process
• Frequently Asked Questions (lots of good information!)

General Admission Information

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program is a two calendar year course of study leading to an Associate in Science degree, and eligibility to take the PTA licensing examination offered by the State of California. The PTA Degree requirements include general education, supporting courses, and Physical Therapist Assistant theory and clinical education courses.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Ohlone College is limited to 32 students per class, each academic year. Clinical affiliations are an essential part of the program. Students are expected to be able to travel to locations off-campus and possibly even out of the state.

Ohlone College PTA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22134; accreditation@apta.org; (703) 684-2782 or (703) 706-3245.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum requirements to make application to the PTA program are the following:

1. Ohlone College English 101A demonstrated by one of the following:

   • Assessment Test Score demonstrating eligibility for English 101A
   • Completion of English 151B (Ohlone College) with grade of "C" or above
   • Completion of an equivalent course.

2. Clear English Reading Comprehension, demonstrated by one of the following:

   • Accuplacer Test Placement of No Reading Course Required
   • Completion of English 163 (Ohlone College) with a grade of "C" or better; this course may not be taken at another college.
   • Does not apply to applicants with earned baccalaureate degrees for accredited U.S. institutions.

3. Anatomy and Physiology background, demonstrated by ONE following:

   • Completion of Biology 103A Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent course, with a grade of "C" or better
     AND
     Completion or in-progress grade of Biology 103B or equivalent course, with a grade of "C" or better. (In-progress grades accepted.) Completion of course must be within the past 5 years.
     
     OR
     
     
   • Completion of Biology 104 Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology or equivalent course, with a grade of "C" or better taken within the past 5 years. The Biology 104 option requires that the student enroll in an additional anatomy course of 5 units with a laboratory prior to their application for admission into the PTA program.

4. College GPA of 2.50, or better. Transcripts from all accredited colleges attended must be sent to the Admissions and Records Office at Ohlone College.

5. PTA-101 Introduction to Physical Therapy (Ohlone College only, 3 units, with one unit of laboratory), with a grade of "C" or better. (In-progress grades accepted.)

Official Transcripts and Assessment Test Scores must be in the Admissions and Records Office by April 15. In-progress grades must be submitted with the application.

Steps To Apply

PTA Program Application (PDF) (view with the free Adobe Reader software).

1. OBTAIN TWO OFFICIAL COPIES OF ALL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS

   • Obtain catalog course descriptions for PTA support and general education courses for which you plan to request transfer credit.
   • Official copies of all (including Ohlone) transcripts must be included in application packet (take a copy of your counseling appointment AND keep a copy for yourself).
     
     

2. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE PTA COUNSELOR (Maria Ramirez)

   • Determine eligibility for admission.
   • Have PTA Academic Evaluation form completed (Required for everyone).
   • Review PTA Application packet with counselor. Bring official transcripts and course descriptions to counseling appointment.
   • Note: Above services are not available on a drop-in basis. Make an appointment by calling (510) 742-2346.
     
     

3. TAKE A PLACEMENT TEST

   • See Schedule of Classes for placement testing information and dates OR contact the Placement Center, (510) 659-6126, Room 1405A
   • Not required if applicant has Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution.
   • Sample Assessment Examination:
     • Reading
     • More information about Placement Tests
     
     
     

4. COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS FOR PTA PROGRAM APPLICATION

   • In-progress grade reports are acceptable for PTA Program requirement(s) and support courses.
     
     

5. SUBMIT PTA PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO PTA PROGRAM

   • Send Application to PTA Program Office, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539-0390. PTA Program Application (PDF) (view with the free Adobe Reader software).
   • Include completed PTA academic evaluation form.
   • Attach official transcripts to application.
   • Submit application between April 1 and April 15.

Note: Returning students previously enrolled in the Ohlone Physical Therapist Assistant program have priority on a "space available" basis.

Selection Process

1. Acceptance is determined by meeting the established criteria. No application shall be acted upon until all required materials (transcripts, grades-in-progress, etc.) are received at the Admissions and Records office. Incomplete applications will be removed from the pool.

2. If a student meets all of the above criteria, he/she will then be entered into a randomized lottery.

3. Questions regarding application completeness should be directed to the Health Sciences Executive Assistants at (510) 659-6030. Questions regarding acceptance should be directed to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director at (510) 979-7482 after June 1.

4. APPEAL PROCEDURE: Applicants not selected will be permitted one week (seven calendar days) to make a written appeal to the Dean, Health Sciences and Environmental Studies Division.