Traditional PTA

Traditional PTA Application

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The traditional PTA program at NWACC requires completion of prerequisite coursework, admission through a competitive application process, and successful completion of technical and clinical physical therapist assistant coursework. Review the information below to learn more about admission requirements and the application process for the Traditional PTA Program.
 

Things to consider:

The Traditional PTA Program begins each year in June and provides a structured pathway that combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and clinical education.

Students progress through a sequence of didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses designed to prepare them for entry-level practice as physical therapist assistants. Classroom and laboratory instruction is conducted on campus during daytime hours, while clinical education experiences take place in a variety of healthcare settings.

Because of the program's rigorous nature, students should expect to dedicate additional time outside of class for studying, skill development, and preparation. Evening and weekend hours may be needed to support academic success and hands-on practice.

Some students work while completing the program, but the PTA curriculum requires a significant time commitment.

Because of the amount of classroom, laboratory, study and clinical work required, the program recommends that Traditional PTA students work no more than 10 hours per week.

Consider your work and personal commitments carefully before applying.

Clinical education is an essential part of the PTA program. You'll apply what you learn in the classroom and laboratory in approved physical therapy settings.

Clinical education requires full-time attendance, generally 40 hours per week, during assigned rotations.

Clinical placement is not guaranteed at a particular facility or location. You may be required to travel to a clinical site outside Northwest Arkansas, and you are responsible for related travel expenses.

Clinical placement is also subject to requirements established by the clinical facility, which may include a criminal background check, drug screening and other requirements.

In addition to your coursework and clinical education, you'll complete 20 hours of service learning for regional agencies by the end of the spring semester.

Service learning provides an opportunity to connect your education with service to the community.

Once accepted into the Traditional PTA program, you'll receive information about required steps and mandatory orientation.

Additional requirements include a background check, drug screening, CPR certification, health documentation and other requirements associated with clinical education.

Important Information:

 
  • View the all the admissions information listed below before applying. 
  • You will need to apply to be an NWACC student before completing the traditional PTA application.

  • You must complete all required prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester in which you are applying.

  • Application period is open November 1 - March 1. All application materials must be received on the designated deadline date and time. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, then it will be the following business day.

Program Admission Process

Please read all of the information below before applying to NWACC's traditional PTA program. 

The program administrator and faculty, in cooperation with appropriate institutional personnel, establish admissions procedures which are non-discriminatory, contribute to the quality of the program, and allow a selection of students with the potential to successfully complete the program. 

There is an established admissions committee which includes the program administrator and an advisory selection committee.

Before applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program, please review the following admission requirements and recommendations.

  1. You must have the ability to communicate safely, accurately, and effectively in both written and spoken English. If English is your second language, you must take and receive a score of 110 or higher on the Accuplacer ESL listening test.  You are also encouraged to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL)  to enhance your success.
  2. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
  3. For students attaining their prerequisite courses at another college, we will offer an online section of Clinical Kinesiology. Please note other Kinesiology courses will not transfer because this is a specific PTA Program Clinical Kinesiology course.
  4. General Education prerequisite courses MUST be completed by the end of the Spring semester in the year that the student is applying to the PTA Program.  Please refer to your degree plan for prerequisite information.
  5. As part of the application process, students are required to attend three different physical therapy clinics for three hours each for a total of nine hours of observation.
  6. Applicants must have a physician complete the Physician Certification of the PTA Essential Functions and Physical Demands.
  7. If admitted, students will complete a drug screen, background check and CPR certification

Admission to the PTA Program is competitive and based on a point-based selection system. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined in the application materials, and those with the highest total point values are offered admission. 

Please refer to the PTA Program application packet for detailed information regarding the point system, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria.

We will notify applicants to the Physical Therapist Assistant program by email or phone one to two weeks after the end of the spring semester.

Upon acceptance to the program, you will receive a detailed email on all required steps that must be completed before the mandatory orientation day.

If you have questions or concerns about the background check, we encourage you to make an appointment to discuss these concerns with the PTA director. 

Non-Native Speakers of English, seeking admission into Health Professions programs are required to complete an ESL Listening Test.  Students can receive more information and/or schedule to take this test through NWACC testing services, 479-619-4354.  The ESL listening test is designed to assess a student’s ability to understand Standard American English.  A score of 92 or higher on the COMPASS ESL listening test (taken within the last three (3) years) OR a score of 110 or higher on the Accuplacer ESL listening test is REQUIRED for NNSs students seeking entrance into Health Professions Programs at NWACC.  The minimum score or higher indicates the ability to understand linguistically complex discussions, including academic lectures and factual reports.  NNSs students seeking career paths in Health Professions scoring below the minimum will need to retest and successfully pass by July 1st.

 

  1. Apply for admission to NWACC. If you are not currently enrolled at NWACC, you need to apply for admission to the college before applying to the Traditional PTA program. Apply now to NWACC.

  2. Download and complete the PTA application documents. You will then upload them when you complete the application.

Application Opens Nov. 1 

Your application and all required materials must be received by 4 p.m. on the final day of the application period.

 

Note: Students who will be attending clinical rotations while enrolled in a professional program at the Center for Health Professions will be required to have a drug screen performed, either prior to admission, or prior to attending clinical rotations. Students who test positive for drugs (including medical marijuana) will be denied access to the clinical rotations and will consequently be either denied acceptance into the professional program or dismissed from the professional program.