Physical Therapist Assistant Admission Information

Is the PTA Program very difficult to get into? 
Yes, this is a selective admissions process. Students with the highest point totals based on their qualifications will be offered a seat in the program. Please note that, per state regulations, students are not allowed to repeat previously passed courses more than once. If a course was failed, students may attempt it up to three times. There are only 24 positions available.

When is your application deadline?
March 1 of each year.

Do I have to take the SAT, ACT, HESI or TEAS?
No.

Where do I go for observation? 
Applicants are responsible for contacting a local physical therapy department to arrange their observation hours. Most area PT departments are familiar with student volunteers and are happy to assist. All applicants must complete a total of 40 observation hours, 20 hours in an inpatient setting and 20 hours in an outpatient setting. Any facility or home health agency is acceptable, as long as you observe a licensed PT or PTA at work.

Is there a form for the observation hours? 
Yes, you may use the hours of observation form. You can also use a form provided by the facility where you complete your observation. Be sure to have the PT or PTA sign the form to verify the information is accurate.

Is there a form for references to complete? 
Yes, please use the recommendation form. Three forms are required, and at least one must be completed by a licensed PT or PTA.

Do I have to apply for admission to San Jacinto College and the PTA program? Are these separate? 
Yes, you must apply for admission to San Jacinto College. This should be completed during the semester before you apply to the PTA program (for example, the fall semester).

Do you have many non-traditional students in the program? 
Yes, the PTA program has both male and female students of varying ages, cultural backgrounds, family dynamics and work situations.

Is there a limit on how many times I can take Human Anatomy Physiology I & II? 
Yes, there is a three attempt lifetime maximum for Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II. If you have attempted these courses more than three times and not earned a passing grade, your application will not be accepted. If you passed Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II but want to take it again to raise your grade, you will only be allowed to take it one more time.

If I want to reapply for the program, what should I do?
Many students reapply and we encourage you to do so. You will need to complete a new application with all new documents and note on your application that you are reapplying.

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Which campus offers the PTA program? 
The PTA program is offered at our South Campus. However, pre-requisite coursework may be completed at any San Jac's four campuses or an accredited college or university.

Do you offer this program at night? 
No. The PTHA courses listed in the curriculum are offered only as day classes; however, you can take pre-requisite and other courses at night, on weekends, on the Internet, etc.

When does your program start?
The incoming class of students begins each fall semester in August.

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Is the job market good? 
The Houston job market is excellent at this time. ~100% of our graduates in the last five years were employed within six months - one year of graduation. 

What is the starting salary? 
Salary information can be found at the United States Bureau https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm

How physical is the job? 
The duties of a PTA are typically very physical in nature. Pushing, kneeling, lifting and walking are routine activities. Please see the PTA student handbook.

How would clinical placements impact my ability to work throughout the program? 
The program is extremely rigorous; therefore working while in the program is discouraged. There are three (3) clinical rotations that you will need to complete. They are full time for five or eight weeks as outlined in the catalog. The clinical hours could possibly include evenings and weekends depending on the schedule of your clinical instructor and/or facility.

If I have all the non-PTHA classes completed prior to the start of the program, can I finish the PTHA courses in one year versus two? 
No, the PTHA courses must be taken in order, which will take five semesters.

Do any of the required non-PTHA classes have to be taken within a certain time period? 
No, there is no time limit to when any of the non-PTHA classes need to have been taken as long as they are equivalent and reflected accordingly on your transcript.

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