Physical Therapist Assistant - Frequently Asked Questions
Fall 2008
- What does a PTA do?
There is a brief outline on the program information sheet found on the home page of the LCC PTA website. Video information about practice settings and skills can be found at http://www.careervoyages.gov/healthcare-videos.cfm under ‘Physical Therapist Assistant’ and on “You Can Be Me” at http://www.beapt.org.
- Does LCC have a PTA program yet?
The PTA program is in its development phase. There are currently no students enrolled in the program. The PTA program has submitted an application for candidacy to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The application has been accepted by CAPTE and candidacy is currently under review.
- When will we know if the PTA program can admit student and what does “candidacy” mean?
The earliest CAPTE is scheduled to make its decision regarding candidacy for accreditation is May 2009. When CAPTE grants candidacy, it indicates that the college is prepared to accept students into a PTA program that is designed to meet national PTA education standards. A PTA program must have candidacy by CAPTE before it may admit any students into a PTA program.
- How many students will the program accept?
Up to 24
- What are the prerequisites for the PTA program?
The most up-to-date course requirements to apply are posted on the PTA program information sheets. As of November 3, 2008, the program prerequisites are:
Prerequisites Required to Apply:
WR 121English Composition: Exposition and Intro to Argument
Higher writing is an acceptable substitution
HO 100 Medical Terminology 1
Math 70 or Math 60 and 65
HO 150 Human Body Systems
BI 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 is an acceptable substitution
PSY 201 General Psychology
PSY 202 is an acceptable substitution
- What if I have already taken BI 231-233?
BI 231-233 are considered acceptable course substitutions for HO 150 (prerequisite) and HOP 152 offered during the core program. BI 231-233 or its equivalent must have been completed no later than 5 years before applying to the program.
- When can I apply?
Applications are accepted starting April 7 and the application process closes on June 25, 2009.
- How do I apply?
Applications should be available on line at www.lanecc.edu/hp/pta. You may also contact the Health Professions application line at 541-463-5628.
- Do I have to be an Oregon resident to be accepted in the PTA program?
Currently, the PTA program is limited to Oregon residents.
- Can I substitute some of my previous coursework for PTA program prerequisites?
There is an approved list of LCC course substitutions included with the PTA application. Any courses not included in the list should be reviewed with Academic Advising, ptaprogram@lanecc.edu, 541-463-5244, to get further information about course equivalencies.
- When do I have to have all of my prerequisites completed?
Guidelines for completing coursework are included in the PTA application. Successful applications are based on points, including grades in prerequisites. All prerequisites must be complete prior to submitting an application
- What is the point system on the application?
Each applicant will be scored on their performance in academic coursework, related volunteer/work hours, a personal essay, and an interview. Points are used to determine the strength of the application for the PTA program. The current point system is included in the application.
- If I have taken extra classes, will that help me on my application?
Academic performance on program prerequisites are the only scored courses on the application. Students may use the personal essay or interview to discuss how additional coursework has allowed added preparation for the PTA program.
- How do I get observation experience?
Local hospitals and clinics provide opportunities for volunteer and observation hours in the physical therapy and rehabilitation departments. It is up to you to identify opportunities to get related observation experience.
- How many hours of observation do I need?
The minimum to apply is 25 hours. There is a point system within the PTA application, therefore, additional observation hours (up to 100), allow the applicant to have more points toward their application.
- Can I be eligible to practice as a PTA if I graduate from the PTA program?
Not yet. After candidacy, CAPTE makes its final decision regarding full accreditation just before the first class is scheduled to graduate from LCC. If CAPTE determines that the LCC program did not successfully prepare its graduates for a PTA career, CAPTE may deny accreditation.
- Why does LCC need accreditation for its PTA program?
CAPTE accreditation ensures all program graduates are meeting or exceeding PTA educational recommendations that have been nationally developed by hundreds of experienced PT/PTA educators. In Oregon, graduation from a PTA school accredited by CAPTE is required to be eligible for the PTA licensing examination.
- Do I need a license to work as a PTA in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires a license to practice.