Physical Therapist Assistant - FAQ

• BI231, BI232, and BI233 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II, and III
  • The Anatomy and Physiology series must be taken within the last 10 years.
  • The Anatomy and Physiology series must be completed with a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
  • Anatomy and Physiology classes must have a lab component.
  • BI233, if not completed by the application deadline, must be done by the end of spring term of the year you are applying to the program. 
• WR121/WR121Z Composition I
• MTH065 Beginning Algebra II or higher 
• PSY201 General Psychology
• MO111 Medical Terminology

Yes, as long as the coursework is equivalent and you have provided an official transcript for that coursework that is accepted by admissions.

Admission is by lottery system. The lottery system is a random process and gives all qualified applicants an equal chance for admission.

Many of our students work part time throughout the PTA program. Students have reported that they are more successful if they limit work to no more than 20 hours per week.

No, PTA programs are not designed to be stepping-stones for admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. None of the PTA coursework transfers, nor does it help your chances of getting in. MHCC does offer courses that may be prerequsites for physical therapy school, but not in the PTA program.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Accepted students must complete a measles immunization clearance certificate for school attendance form. Students must provide documentation of varicella, hepatitis B, tetanus, COVID-19, and diphtheria immunization status before beginning their first year. In addition, students will be required to have an up-to-date TB test. Before clinical participation, students must meet all PTA program immunization requirements. These requirements may change as requested by our clinical sites, and if they do, students will be given adequate notice to be compliant for clinical participation.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Before students start the program in the fall, students must complete a basic first aid course and professional-level CPR/AED.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS: You will be required to complete a criminal background check upon acceptance into the program. In addition, some clinical sites retain the right to require an additional criminal background check. (Please note: the criminal background check requires a fee and the applicant's social security number.) Clinical placement may be prohibited for students with a criminal background. Without successful completion of clinicals, students will be unable to complete the program, thus resulting in dismissal. The health professions dean can provide further information on this matter.

RESTRICTIONS: If you have been convicted of a felony, please be advised that this conviction may prevent you from placement in clinical training and from obtaining a license to practice within the field. A PTA advisor can provide further information on this matter.

DRUG SCREENING: All students will be required to complete drug screening before clinical placement. Please note, this drug screening will check for drugs that contain amphetamines, barbiturates, opioids, benzodiazepines, and marijuana. If you are taking any prescribed medication that may contain these drugs, you will need to meet with the program director before completing the drug screen. Program faculty will provide further information including when to have this done. A positive drug test may exclude you from clinical placement and make it impossible for you to complete the clinical competencies required for graduation from the PTA program. All students will be asked to complete a consent-to-test form upon acceptance into the program.

No, all PTA clinical sites require full vaccination, including vaccination for COVID-19. Therefore, we are unable to admit students who are unvaccinated for any reason.