PTA Admission Procedures

Applications for 2013 are no longer being accepted.

Students must submit a Health Career Program Application.

Students may apply between September 3, 2013 and January 24, 2014 for the PTA program which begins fall 2014. 
In order to assist us in establishing residency, students are required to submit a copy of their drivers license or state issued ID with their application.

Applicants with files completed by January 24, 2014 will be ranked on a numerical point scale which includes the following:

• Native English COMPASS Reading Test score of 77 or higher.
• Overall GPA on college coursework in the last 5 years or high school if less than 12 college credit hours earned.
• Total score from recommendation form.

Additional points will be awarded for:

• In-district residency
• Completion of anatomy and physiology and medical terminology
• Progress toward completion of other general education requirements
• Work experience in a physical therapy setting (proof required)
• Completion of a U.S. college degree (Associate, Bachelor, Master or Doctorate)

Points will be deducted for:

• Patterns of withdrawals (W) or repeated failures on transcripts
• Any recommendation rating of "recommended with reservation" on recommendation form
• Any applicant with a recommendation rating of "do not recommend" on recommendation form will not be considered for admission

Interview:

• Upon completion of all minimum requirements, the top 32 ranked applicants must complete a satisfactory interview for admission into the program.  Any applicant who does not complete a satisfactory interview may not be considered for admission.

The top 32 ranked applicants will be interviewed by the program chair or admissions committee beginning March 2014. Out-of-state and I-20 applicants will be ranked after July 1, 2014 based on space availability. Accepted applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of the interview. 

For most students, the program will require a full-time and daytime commitment. Only those who complete extensive general education and core requirements prior to their enrollment in the program will be able to attend on less than a full-time basis.

Only students officially accepted to the PTA program may enroll in PTA courses. Classes in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program begin in the fall semester only. Students who complete the core and general education credits which are a part of the curriculum must still plan on attending for two full academic years (plus summers.)

Students admitted to the program will need to enroll in courses that involve off-campus clinical rotation. Students must comply with the requirements of those clinical sites. Those admitted will be required to submit a current and complete physical examination record before registration for fall classes (forms are sent with acceptance letter), and a copy of their health insurance card to prove coverage. Part of the physical exam includes immunizations. Clinical requirements may include drug and alcohol testing, as well as a criminal background check. A social security number is required to comply with the criminal background check.

Early application (September 3, 2013) and completion of file is encouraged.

Note: An applicant with a felony criminal conviction may have difficulty obtaining a license to practice PTA in Illinois. Applicants may refer questions to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Springfield, IL (www.idfpr.com).