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Admission Information for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

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

General Admission Information for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

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 PTA Program at Ohlone College is limited to 24 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 for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

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

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

   • Completion of English 101A (Ohlone College) with grade of "C" or above
   • In-progress grade accepted
   • Completion of an equivalent course.

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

   • Passing of ACCUPLACER Test Placement
   • Completion of English 163 (Ohlone College) with a grade of "C" or better
   • Does not apply to applicants with earned baccalaureate degrees for accredited U.S. institutions.

3. Anatomy and Physiology background, demonstrated by one of 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 4 units with a laboratory prior to their application for admission into the PTA Program.

4. College GPA of 2.50 or better. Official transcripts from all accredited colleges attended must be attached to the application.

5. PTA-101 Introduction to Physical Therapy (Ohlone College only, 3 units, with 1 unit of laboratory), with a grade of "C" or better. (In-progress grades accepted.)

Official transcripts must be in the Health Sciences Division Office with your application by April 15. In-progress grades must also be submitted with the application.

Steps to Apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

PTA Program Application (PDF).

1. Take a Placement Test.

   • The schedule for Placement Testing for applicants to the PTA Program is listed on the Placement Testing Center website.
   • 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

2. Obtain two official sets of all college transcripts.

   • Obtain catalog course descriptions for PTA general education and support courses for which you plan to request transfer credit.
   • Sealed official transcripts of all colleges attended (including Ohlone) must be included in the application packet.

3. 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 along with any course syllabus for which you are wanting to receive credit.)
   • Note: These services are not available on a drop-in basis. Make an appointment by calling (510) 742-2340 or email Maria Ramirez at mramirez@ohlone.edu.

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.

   • Include completed PTA application form.
   • Include completed PTA academic evaluation form.
   • Attach official transcripts to application.
   • Submit application between April 1 and April 15.
   • If mailing, send application packet to Health Sciences Division Office (PTA Program), 39399 Cherry Street, Room NC-1324, Newark, CA 94560.
   • If dropping off in person, place application packet in silver mailbox located outside the Health Sciences Division Office (Room NC-1324) in stairway, next to building entrance doors.

Note: Returning students previously enrolled in the Ohlone College PTA Program have priority on a "space available" basis. If selected with in-progress grades, your acceptance is conditional upon proof of final grade via official transcript. Updated official transcript must be received by the Health Sciences Division Office no later than July 1.

Selection Process for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

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 Health Sciences Division Office. Incomplete applications will be removed from the pool.

2. If a student meets all of these 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) 742-3100. Questions regarding acceptance should be directed to the PTA Program Director at (510) 742-3105 after June 30.