The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a 5 semester course of study consisting of 74 hours of general education and physical therapist assistant classes leading to an Associate in Applied Science. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A new class will be admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant program in fall semester of each year.
The admission process to PTA is competitive. Application packets will be made available on this site beginning March 1 and will be due for submission no later than the published deadline applicable to each year, which falls typically toward the end of May. Applicants who are new or readmitted WCC students must have completed all requirements for admission to the College prior to submitting an application packet for consideration. Space in the PTA program is limited by availability of clinical sites, as well as classroom space and number of faculty. Class size is set annually by the PTA faculty with input from College officials and the PTA Advisory Committee, but generally ranges around 28 students.
In order to be unconditionally accepted into the Program, students must have completed all developmental course placement requirements and be eligible to enter or have already completed , BIO201. Students enrolled in courses prerequisite to the above at the time of application may receive a conditional admission. Failure to complete the prerequisite courses will result in withdrawal of admission acceptance. Program applicants will be required to submit scores from the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills Version (TEAS) in their admission application packet. A summary of the scoring system, as well as a copy of the curriculum is available from this site. Remember, applicants must meet both College and PTA program requirements for admission.
Although subject to change prior to the issuance of the upcoming March 1 application packet, the following gives a general guide as to needs for completion of an application packet for the PTA program. Periodic review of this site or contact with program advisors is encouraged while one prepares for application.
PTA Program Application
This form will be made available on this site beginning March 1. This is a separate form from the application to Wallace Community College mentioned above.
Proof of Unconditional Admission Status
Program applicants must first have completed an Application for Admission to WCC, received a confirmation email from Office of Admissions, and have followed the instructions within the email to setup their access to OneACCS and student email. Program applicant will need to print information found in Student Profile of OneACCS indicating Conditional or Unconditional Admit. Conditional admission indicates that all transcripts and/or other documents have not been submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records. Applicant’s student profile must be marked as “Unconditional Admission” or “Conditional Status Cleared,” indicating all College admission requirements have been met. If you have previously been enrolled at WCC, but are not taking courses for Spring 2024, you must readmit to WCC prior to Program application deadline.
Transcripts
Official copies of all transcripts must be on file at the College. This helps in obtaining an unconditional admission status. If not already in the WCC Office of Admissions, request that an official transcript from high school and/or EACH college attended be mailed to:
Wallace Community College
Office of Admissions and Records
1141 Wallace Drive
Dothan, AL 36303
Additionally, a separate copy (unofficial or official) of all transcripts must be submitted with the PTA application material. Transcripts from other institutions must be obtained directly from those schools. WCC cannot release a copy of another institution’s transcript, even to the student represented. If you are currently attending or have previously attended WCC, unofficial WCC transcripts may be obtained from your My WCC account from www.wallace.edu at the Quick Links option. As an alternative, you may contact the Office of Admissions and Records to request a copy of your WCC transcript. Remember to allow for the 72-hour processing time.
Observational Experience Verification
Applicants will be required to submit verification of at least 20 hours of verified observation time in two different types of physical therapy settings (e.g. 10 hours in a long-term care facility and 10 hours in an out-patient clinic). The observational experience form is available from this site.
Test of Essential Academic Skills, (TEAS®)
Applicants must submit scores from an academic entrance test, the ATI TEAS®. TEAS® measures basic skills in reading, mathematics, science, English and language usage. TEAS® scores are only good for three (3) years. This test may be repeated, but one must wait six weeks between taking each test. No cut off score has been established for the TEAS® test, but ranking points will be based on the score one receives in each of the areas tested. Applicants will submit a copy of their TEAS® score report form with the PTA application packet.
Registration and payment for the TEAS® is completed on-line through the vendor site—this cannot be handled through Testing Services at either campus location and payments cannot be received through the College’s Business Office. Applicants must create an on-line account at www.atitesting.com to schedule a date for testing. The fee for the test is $82.00 Dates to take the TEAS® are established well in advance and can be found at www.atitesting.com. It is recommended that you schedule your test date early, as each date only accommodates forty (40) examinees.
Applicants may take the TEAS® at any time or location available from the vendor, but official scores must be on file at WCC. If TEAS® is taken at any location other than the WCC Dothan Campus or Sparks Campus, official scores on one’s TEAS Transcript must transferred to WCC by the vendor, ATI. ATI assesses a $27.00 fee to transfer these scores from one location to another.
Admission to the PTA program is provisional upon the student’s ability to perform essential functions, have negative substance abuse screening results, and receive clinical attendance approval of findings from a required criminal background check. Random substance abuse screening will be conducted throughout program enrollment. Following acceptance to the PTA program, all students must submit a completed physical examination form, including immunization status documentation and verification of the ability to perform related essential functions. Personal transportation will be required between clinical rotations and campus and students are expected to have reliable personal transportation available.
For clarification or further information contact the PTA Program Director, Dr. Heather Wells at 334-556-2233, the PTA Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Shannon Turner at 334-556-2362, or the Allied Health Secretary.