Program Requirements & Application

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  Degree Requirements

There are no pre-admission course requirements to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program, however, each applicant is strongly encouraged to complete as many of the non-PTA courses contained in the PTA degree plan prior to beginning the 21-month course of study. There are eight non-PTA courses contained in the degree plan. Those courses that are PTA courses contain the “PTHA” prefix and can only be taken by students who have been formally accepted into the PTA Program. All courses in the PTA degree plan, both PTA and non-PTA courses, must be completed with a letter grade “C” or higher prior to graduation. See the PTA degree plan outlined below.

For more information on the PTA degree plan, visit the “Program Curriculum” section of this web page or consult the current college catalog.

  How to Apply

Prospective applicants should contact the WCJC PTA staff directly and request a copy of the “PTA Information Packet”. The packet includes a list of those essential items, which need to be submitted to the PTA Program and/or Registrar’s Office along with a general outline of program expenses, a description of the physical and mental demands associated with the practice of physical therapy and a copy of the “Student Clinical Observation Form”.  A copy of the PTA Program application is included with the “Information Packet”.

For an email copy of the “PTA Information Packet”, contact the PTA Program secretary at 979-532-6491.

Deadline for application to the WCJC PTA Program is the last Thursday in May or until the class is filled. Applicants are generally notified in June as to their status for the upcoming fall semester.

  Criminal Background Checks

Most clinical facilities require that criminal background checks be completed prior to allowing students to participate in clinical training at their facilities.  Applicants conditionally accepted into the WCJC Physical Therapist Assistant program will be required to complete a criminal background check.  Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon a satisfactory background check, which will be completed by an approved agency.  An applicant with an unsatisfactory criminal background check will only be eligible to receive full acceptance and enroll in the PTA program if:

1. the applicant has their background check information reviewed by the chief investigator of the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and
2. the applicant provides a letter from the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners stating that the applicant would be currently eligible for state licensure.

The cost of the criminal background check will be at the applicant’s expense.  The anticipated cost for the criminal background check is approximately $50.


  Drug Testing

The student enrolled in the PTA program may also be subject to drug screen testing if required by a clinical facility or if the student is suspected of substance abuse at any time during a clinical affiliation.

  Testing

Beginning students who have not taken the THEA test or one of the approved alternative tests may call the WCJC Testing Center at (979) 532-6386 to make an appointment for testing. Applicants who have not taken the ACT or who have ACT scores that are more than five years old, should contact the WCJC Testing Center as well.

  Financial Aid

Loans, scholarships and grants are available through the Financial Aid Office (979/532-6437) to qualified students. Information on housing may be found in the college catalog.