Physical Therapist Assistant - Frequently Asked Questions
UPDATED SUMMER 2009
Lane Community College
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I apply?
Applications are closed for fall 2009.
Applications for fall 2010 will be due in March 2010.
- I would like to be a physical therapist (PT) in the future. Will a PTA degree apply toward a PT degree?
PTA programs and DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) programs are distinct career paths. PTA courses do not transfer to graduate-level DPT programs. Students who are considering pursuing a DPT degree are encouraged to contact APTA Student Resources for more information about graduate physical therapy program descriptions and requirements.
- How many students will the program accept?
Up to 24 students are accepted annually.
- How do I get into the program?
Students are required to submit a completed application by the deadline. 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.
- Do I have to be an Oregon resident to be accepted in the PTA program?
Currently, the PTA program is limited to Oregon residents.
- How many points do I need?
For fall 2009, students with 41 points or higher were invited for a program interview. Students with 85 points out of 104 were offered initial admission into the program.
- How do I apply?
Applications are available at www.lanecc.edu/hp/pta. You may also contact the Health Professions application line at 541-463-5628.
- Can I be eligible to practice as a PTA if I graduate from the PTA program?
Not yet. The LCC program must demonstrate it has met the standards for initial accreditation. Accreditation decisions are determined by CAPTE in October 2011. If CAPTE determines that the LCC program did not successfully prepare its graduates for a PTA career, CAPTE may deny accreditation.
- I won’t have all my prerequisites completed by the application deadline. Can I still get in the program?
No. Application submitted without completed prerequisites or the equivalents are incomplete and will not be considered.
The most up-to-date course requirements to apply are available on program information sheets and the course catalog:
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
- 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.
- What if I have already taken a 100-level Anatomy and Physiology or BI 231-233?
The entire BI 231-233 series is considered an acceptable course substitution for HO 150 (prerequisite) and HO 152. BI 231-233 or its equivalent must have been completed no later than 7 years before applying to the program. Other 100-level BI courses offered outside of Lane are subject to Course Equivalency approval. Students who have not completed an entire Anatomy and Physiology series will be required to complete HO 152 or its equivalent in the first term of the program.
- 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. Graduation from a PTA program accredited by CAPTE is required to be eligible for the PTA licensing examination. Students are encouraged to email CAPTE with questions or concerns about the program’s accreditation status.
- What does a PTA do?
Summary program information on our website provides an overview. 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. Additional information is available through APTA Student Resources
- Do I need a license to work as a PTA in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires a license to practice.
- 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.
Observation Code of Conduct for Potential PTA Students