PTA Admission Procedures

• Students must submit a Health Care Program Application (download here).

• Students may apply between September 1, 2009 and May 7, 2010 for the PTA program which begins fall 2010. Since enrollment in this program is limited, priority for acceptance will be given to legal residents of the Oakton Community College district (with completed files) until March 1, 2010. (Applications may be accepted after May 8, 2010 if there is still space available in the program. Contact the Office of Admission and Enrollment Management.)

• Out-of-district applicants will be considered after March 1, 2010. Out-of-state and I-20 applicants will be considered after July 1, 2010, but admission will depend upon space availability. Only those with completed files will be considered.

• Applicants who meet the prerequisites will be interviewed by the program chair and/or Admission committee on a first-come, first-served basis. The first person with a completed file (see checklist) will be interviewed first (after in-district priority is given). If two or more files are completed on the same date, priority will be based on the application date.

• In-district interviews will begin February 1, 2010. Out-of-district interviews, based on program space availability, will begin March 1, 2010. Out-of-state and I-20 applicants will begin after July 1, 2010.

• 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 offically 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.)

• Accepted applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of the interview.

• 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.

Typically this program fills quickly. Early application (September 1, 2009) 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).