PTA Admissions Information
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program has specific admission requirements because of its limited enrollment. Students seeking admission to the PTA Program must submit separate applications for admission to Jackson State Community College and for admission to the program. The applications must be submitted by the May 15th deadline. Application for admission to the PTA Program is considered for one application period only. Students who wish to be considered for admission to the next entering class must submit a new application.
I. Application Information
- PTA Admission Application 2012
- Application Guidelines and Worksheet 2012
- Admission Checklist
- Observation Form 2012
- Observation Information
II. Admission Requirements
A. Education Qualifications
To be considered for admissions, a student must have:
1. The following minimum subsection scores on the ACT: Writing – 18, Reading – 19, Mathematics – 19, or acceptable placement testing scores, OR have successfully completed all previously determined remedial coursework.
2. fulfilled the following academic requirements:
- High School Algebra I and II or its equivalents (elementary and intermediate algebra offered by a college)
- High School Biology or its equivalent (one term of college General Biology)
- Have a minimum overall high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Additional math and science preferred but not required
3. Applicants with previous college credit must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on 4.0 scale in program required coursework (excluding remedial and developmental courses.
4. Complete all required developmental courses prior to the application deadline of May 15th.
5. Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 2010) and Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL 2020) must have been taken within past 5 years to receive credit.
B. Observation Requirements
Submit documentation of twenty-four (24) hours of volunteer experience in at least two physical therapy departments or prior work experience in a physical therapy department/setting AND 24 hours of volunteer experience in at least one other setting.
C. Interviews
Personal interviews are scheduled for those applicants who best meet and/or exceed the minimum requirements. The number of applicants interviewed will not exceed three times the number of available program positions. The interviews will be scheduled by the program director and will be held on the college campus in early June. There will be 15 -20 minutes allowed per interview.
D. Physical Requirements
Good health and physical ability are not criteria for the selection of students; but students must, before admission and registration into the program, present a physician's statement verifying that, in that physician's opinion, the student has no mental or physical handicaps which would interfere with proper performance in a clinical setting. The college will supply the student with a letter to present to the physician describing the Essential Functions which include requirements that students be able to engage in educational and training activities in such a way that they will not endanger other students or the public, including patients. These Essential Functions are attached to this document. Documentation of the following health records must be complete before enrollment in clinical courses: TB skin test, Hepatitis B vaccination, MMR, tetanus.
E. Drug Testing and Criminal Background Checks
Students will be required to submit to drug testing and background checks before admission to clinical rotations. Positive results/findings on such will interfere with student placement in clinical rotations.
III. Estimated Program Costs
| Tuition (based on 2011-2012 rates with tuition cap removed) | $7,907.00 |
| Textbooks (approximate cost for PTA books only) | $950.31 |
| Textbooks (approximate cost for non-PTA books) | $834.48 |
| Professional liability insurance (for both years) | $10.00 |
| Uniforms (1 name badge & 1 lab coat) | $45.00 |
| Supplies (lab kit) | $50.00 |
| Physical Exam & immunizations (approximate cost) | $300.00 |
| Background Check (update may be required - $15) | $58.00 |
| Drug Screen | $26.40 |
| JSCC Application Fee | $10.00 |
| APTA + TPTA student membership fee Per Year (Optional) | $80.00 |
| State of Tennessee Licensing Fees | $75.00 |
| National Physical Therapy Examination Fees | $430.00 |
| Travel to clinical sites in addition to regular class (varies tremendously) | $500.00 |
| Final Competency Exam | $35.00 |
| National Physical Therapy Examination Review Course (optional) | $80.00 |
| * ESTIMATED TOTAL FOR PROGRAM AT 2011-2012 RATES | $11,391.69 |
| All expenses are estimates and are subject to change without notice. |
| Tuition (based on Fall 2011 rates with cap removed) | $1,816.00 |
| Textbooks (approximate cost for PTA books only) | $384.43 |
| Textbooks (approximate cost for non-PTA books) | $274.50 |
| JSCC Application Fee | $10.00 |
| Supplies (Lab kit) | $50.00 |
| Physical Exam & immunizations (approximate cost) | $300.00 |
| Travel to clinical sites in addition to regular class (varies tremendously) | $150.00 |
| *ESTIMATED TOTAL FOR FIRST SEMESTER AT FALL 2011 RATES | |
| All expenses are estimates and are subject to change without notice. | $2,985.43 |
* Estimations based on high end scale, therefore, total program cost may be lower than what is shown here.
IV. Notification
Applicants whose applications meet the deadline will be notified in writing of their acceptance status by June 15.
