Admission Requirements
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Apply for admission to SFCC.
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Completion of the physical therapist assistant program application booklet which is available at the SFCC counseling center. Applications are due by the deadline noted in the program application booklet.
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2.0 or better in one quarter anatomy and physiology lab course (BIOL 241 or equivalent).
Admission Recommendations
Since the selection process is based on points (please see the application), it is beneficial to meet the admission recommendations prior to applying to the program.
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Appropriate placement test scores for English and math (unless you already have received a 2.0 in a college level English and Math course). If you have not taken college level math, after receiving your Student Identification Number (SID), call to schedule your placement exam at the SFCC testing center at 509-533-3401.
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General Psychology (PSYC 100)
- At least 40 hours of experience in a physical therapy setting
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Documentation of either paid work or volunteer experience in a medical setting (preferably at least 40 hrs in a physical therapy setting)
Upon Admission
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Satisfactory TOEFL scores for students where English is their second language (contact the program for acceptable scores). Please refer to www.ets.org/toefl for more information.
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Each successful PTA applicant may be required to complete a background check, drug testing and submit proof of immunization. Clinical facilities may deny access to a student for any of the following:
While entrance to the PTA Program may not be denied because of such a rating, without access to the clinical facilities a student may not be able to satisfactorily complete the PTA program and will be so advised.
Essential requirements needed for the profession which include communication skills, cognitive demands, physical skills and behavioral, social and professional skills are discussed in greater detail in the program information booklet.
The PTA program incorporates a selective process for admission. This process uses a point system based on coursework and experience as outlined in the application. Please be aware that the completion of all prerequisites does not ensure admission to the program.
Interested PTA program applicants do not need to take BIOL 160 (Biology) as a prerequisite for BIOL 241 (Anatomy and Physiology). With questions regarding this prerequisite please contact Laura Woods at 509-533-3530 or Laura.Woods@sfcc.spokane.edu.
The technical courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program are not designed to transfer to four-year schools.
A national licensing examination is required for most states in order to practice as a physical therapist assistant.