Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS)

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at WCJC is designed to prepare students in the skills needed to effectively assist physical therapists while working under their supervision. The program includes study in anatomy and physiology, social science, technical physical therapy courses, and practical experience in area health care facilities. Upon successful completion of the 21-month program, graduates are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national licensing examination.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: (accrediation@apta.org); website: (http://www.capteonline.org). To contact the Physical Therapist Assistant program at WCJC directly, please call 979-532-6491 or email the PTA Program Director.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program was granted initial accreditation on April 24, 1991. Currently, accreditation extends from November 9, 2016 through December 31, 2027.

Requirements and Procedures

Consideration for acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is based upon the submission of the following information to the Physical Therapist Assistant department prior to the application deadline which is the LAST THURSDAY IN MAY:

1. Completed PTA program application and completed application for Admission to WCJC.
2. A transcript from each college you have attended.
3. Minimum of 2.5 GPA in co-requisites courses.
4. “Transcript Evaluation Form” if you have attended other institutions other than WCJC. The transcript(s) should be evaluated by the transcript analyst in the Office of Admissions and Registration and a copy of the evaluation turned into the PTA program along with your completed application. (Note: PTA Department will not be responsible for securing transcripts from the WCJC Office of Admissions and Registration.)
5. Completion of both semesters of Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 2401  & BIOL 2402 ) prior to applying is highly recommended. Preference will be given to those applicants meeting this recommendation. Completion of BIOL 2401  & BIOL 2402  must be current within 10 years.
6. TEAS Test (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Score: The TEAS Test must be taken and scores must be within the last two (2) years prior to the application deadline. The minimum score needed is 70% on Math, 70% on Science, and 70% on Reading Comprehension.
7. TSI satisfied in all components of the TSI test.
8. Brief summary of work experience. Admissions points are given to those who have at least six (6) months of medical experience.
9. Attendance at one information session prior to the application deadline is highly recommended. These sessions will be held on the last Tuesday of January, February, March and April from 4-5 pm. Please call the program secretary at 979-532-6491 for an appointment.

The above items should be mailed to Wharton County Junior College, ATTN: Physical Therapist Assistant Program, 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, TX 77488 or delivered in person to the Program Secretary in the Johnson Health Occupations Building, Room J-206.

Criminal Background Check

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:

• The applicant has their background check information reviewed by the chief investigator of the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
• 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 is approximately $55.00.

Drug Testing

Applicants accepted into the WCJC PTA program will also be required to complete a negative drug screen. Only drug screens conducted through the college-approved agency will be accepted. An applicant with a positive drug screen will not gain acceptance into the program for that application period and all future applications will not be considered for admission into the program. Refusal to submit to a drug screen will result in non-acceptance to the program. The estimated cost of the drug screen is $50.00. For more information regarding drug testing, contact the PTA Program Director.

Immunizations

The following immunizations are required of all Allied Health students and must be turned into Castle Branch upon request.

• MMR - measles, mumps and rubella
• Varicella
• Hepatitis B
• Tdap booster within past 10 years
• Influenza
• TB skin test

Proof of immunity by way of a titer is required prior to admission to the program.

Deadline for application is the last Thursday in May.

The PTA program has a limited enrollment and admission to the program is on a selective basis. Preference during the selection process is given to those applicants who have college credit with a grade of “C” or higher in the required General Education Courses listed below. Admission to the college (WCJC) does not guarantee admission to the PTA program. Admission is determined by the PTA selection committee. Applicants are notified by email of the committee’s decision in early June.

All inquiries, applications, and transcripts must be mailed or delivered in person directly to the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The curriculum of the PTA program is sequential; therefore, a student must achieve a grade of “C” in each PTA course to progress to the next semester of coursework. Students who do not maintain a “C” average in all PTA courses will be dropped from the program. Re-admission the following year is conditional and contingent upon compliance with the “Re-admission Policy” outlined in the PTA Student Handbook.

Estimated Expenses

Tuition and Fees: Consult WCJC catalog
Books and Supplies: $1,150
CPR certification: Varies
Uniform and name tag: $200 approximately
Parking (required at some clinics): Varies
Travel - students may be required to leave the Wharton area to complete their full-time clinical affiliations, resulting in additional travel and housing costs: Varies
Graduation Cap and Gown: $35 approximately
Criminal Background Check: $55 approximately
Health Declaration/Physical: Varies
Castle Branch for Immunization: $35 approximately
Drug Screen: $50 approximately
Student Liability Insurance fee**: $14.50
Student Accident Medical Insurance fee***: $11.55
Testing Fee for PTHA 2339 : $99.00
**Fee added to PTHA 1413  and PTHA 2435  courses
***Fee added to the PTHA 1360  course