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Physical Therapist Assistant - Frequently Asked Questions

UPDATED WINTER 2012
Applications for Fall 2012 CLOSE on April 3, 2012.

Lane Community College
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the program accredited?
  Yes!  The program has initial accreditation status with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  Program graduates are eligible to take the National Licensing Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants.

• How many points do I need?
  Point criteria will vary from year to year.  In the past, students with an average of 88 points have been offered initial admission into the program.

• I’m really interested in the PTA program?  Are there any exceptions to the application guidelines, processes, or timelines?
  No.  Admission is based on application points. Applications submitted without completed prerequisites or the equivalents are incomplete and will not be considered.

  All application requirements must be completed on or before the application deadline.

  Applications are available at www.lanecc.edu/hp/pta.  You may also contact the Health Professions advisers at ptaprogram@lanecc.edu.

  The most up-to-date course requirements to apply are available on program information sheets and the course catalog:

• How many students will the program accept?
  Up to 24 students are accepted each year.

• Do I have to be an Oregon resident to be accepted in the PTA program?Yes.

• I’ve taken classes outside of Lane that seem similar to the prerequisites.  Will the program accept my previous coursework?
  Students should use the Lane transfer tool to determine if previous coursework will be accepted as the equivalent at LCC.  The transfer tool is also referenced on the program application.

• I think I’m ready to apply.  Can someone help me review my transcripts to see if I have everything I need?
  Yes.  Program advisers can help.  Email ptaprogram@lanecc.edu for guidance and a schedule of drop-in hours.

• What if I have already taken BI 231-233?
  BI 231-233 are considered acceptable course substitutions for HO 150 (prerequisite) and HO 152 offered during the core program.  BI 231-233 or its equivalent must have been completed no later than 7 years before applying to the program.

• 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 who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a US-Accredited school are eligible for full points for Writing 121 (WR 121).  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.  A minimum of 25 hours is required to apply to the program.

• Is there an extra form I need to report my observation hours?
  No.

  Guidelines for reporting hours are in the program application