Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Application and Procedure Packet

Admissions Office Olympic College

1600 Chester Ave. Bremerton, WA 98337

360-475-7479

Updated on: February 10, 2020

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Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Admission Checklist

CHECK WHEN COMPLETED

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: If the applicant has attended another college,

university, or educational institution:

• Request an official transcript be sent from each institution attended, to the

Registration and Records, Olympic College, 1600 Chester Ave., Bremerton,

WA 98337.

• Complete and submit the Transfer Credit Evaluation form to the Office ofRegistration and Records (form attached)

GENERAL COLLEGE APPLICATION: Submit the general college application

online (go to www.olympic.edu and click on “Apply Now”.)

PTA APPLICATION: Submit the PTA application, and all supporting documents

to the Admissions Office, Olympic College, 1600 Chester Ave., Bremerton, WA

98337, and Attention PTA Admissions.

WHEN TO SUBMIT: The application may be submitted when either instance listed

below occurs:

All prerequisites are completed OR

When registered for the last prerequisite course

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 30 of the year entry is requested to the PTA

program.

ADVISING: Make an appointment to meet with an advisor in the Advising and

Counseling Center (360-475-7230 or advisingcenter@olympic.edu) if you

have questions about the correct PTA prerequisite pathway.

Review: Review the PTA program requirements.

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IF ADMITTED:

Successful applicants will receive a PTA Admission Packet in the mail, including the

letter of admission and directions on how to submit additional required documents.

PROOF OF CURRENT IMMUNIZATION including Hep B Series (if not already taken)

and two-step TB Screening (a negative test will require a second test 1-3 weeks later).

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) These are typically offered through the American Heart

Association or American Red Cross. The card must be maintained current throughout the

entire period of enrollment in the PTA program.

LIABILITY AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE must be purchased every

September at the College Cashier’s Office.

WASHINGTON STATE PATROL BACKGROUND CHECK.

PROOF OF PERSONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.

More information will be mailed to successful applicants regarding documents

required for program entry.

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PTA Admission Procedure

While applicants must submit both the general college application and the PTA application,

admission to the college does not offer or guarantee admission to the PTA program. The program

is open to men and women. The program will admit one class of 24 new students per year, and

will begin in fall quarter. An offer of admission will be based on a factor system.

REQUIREMENTS ENGLISH SKILL: Fluency in the English language including reading comprehension

and writing is a necessary requirement for practice as a PTA.

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Biology 175 and Physics 110 with a minimum grade of

2.0 in each course. Alternatively, students may take Chemistry 121 followed by

Biology 241 and 242 as a prerequisite series. Students may not substitute Chemistry

121 for Physics 110 in conjunction with Biology 175. Students who did not take their

prerequisite courses at Olympic College must submit a Course Review for all

applicable courses. The Course Review requires a copy of the course syllabus and

an unofficial transcript. The documents should be mailed to:

Olympic College

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

1600 Chester Ave.

Bremerton, WA 98337-1669

Attachments may be emailed to ocpta@olympic.edu prior to the PTA program

April 30th deadline.

SUPPORT COURSES: Completion of support courses listed in the program with a

minimum grade of 2.0 in each course. All support courses must be successfully

completed before or during the first year of the PTA program.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION to the OC

Admissions Office by April 30. To be eligible to submit the application, all pre-

requisite coursework must be completed or the applicant must be enrolled in the final

pre-requisite course. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with

completed prerequisite coursework prior to the April 30 deadline. Based on the

factoring system, applicants successfully completing prerequisite coursework (2.0

GPA or higher required) may be granted “provisional acceptance” to the program. If

a full cohort is achieved following the April 30 application review, provisional

acceptance will not be granted to applicants with remaining coursework to be

completed.

REQUEST OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS (see checklist)

SUBMIT THE TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION REQUEST FORM (see checklist)

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VERIFY RECEIPT: While all applicant files will be reviewed upon receipt, and a

letter of receipt and information about missing documents (if any) will be sent, it is

the applicant’s responsibility to verify that all necessary transcripts, applications, and

forms have been received and are on file at the Admissions Office.

SELECTION: The PTA Selection Committee meets during spring quarter. Admitted

applicants will be notified of their admission status shortly after the end of spring

quarter. A letter will be mailed to applicants who were eligible for admission but not

selected, offering a ‘once-only’ opportunity to roll their application to the following

year. Written acceptance of that offer will be required.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS: Applicants with incomplete prerequisites or

documentation must reapply for next year’s class to receive consideration for

admission.

LATE APPLICATIONS: Applications received after April 30 will be held for

consideration for the next admission cycle.

PTA Program Admission Selection Criteria

CRITERIA The following criteria will be used to determine admission status to the PTA program:

COMPLETION OF PREREQUISITE COURSES with a 2.0 grade or higher in each course:

Biology 175 and Physics 110, or Chemistry 121 and Biology 241/242*.

Note: Either Biology 175, or Physics 110, or Biology 242 may be taken in spring

quarter of the year the student anticipates entry to the PTA program. Such applicants

may receive a ‘provisional admission’ if they have met all other requirements and

have an adequate number of factor points. A grade of 2.0 or higher must be achieved

or the provisional admission will be revoked.

READING COMPREHENSION level score on the ACCUPLACER Next Generation reading

comprehension test. A score of 260 or higher on the ACCUPLACER Next Generation

(84 on the ACCUPLACER Classic). Students with a previous Bachelor level degree

or higher from an accredited college are not required to take the Accuplacer

assessment.

COMPLETION OF SUPPORT COURSES, with a required grade of 2.0 or higher, is

highly recommended prior to acceptance into the professional phase of the program.

Psychology 100

Mathematics 099 (or higher)

English 101

Note: Support courses must be complete by the end of the first year of the

program.

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COMPLETION OF 40 TOTAL HOURS OF OBSERVATION in at least two different physicaltherapy facilities. Hours must be documented on the Observation/Work Verification form.

*To meet graduation requirements, all natural science courses (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)must have been completed within ten years of entry into the PTA program. If completion of thespecified courses exceeds the time limit, the student may repeat the course(s) or challenge thecourse content through the Excelsior College Examination.

FACTOR SYSTEM The admission factor score will be derived according to the point system listed below.

CUMULATIVE GPA OF PREREQUISITE COURSES

GPA: 3.2-3.29 3.3-3.39 3.4-3.49 3.5-3.59 3.6-3.69 3.7-3.79 3.8-3.89 3.9-4.0 Points: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

COMPLETION OF ALL REQUIRED SUPPORT COURSES PRIOR TO APPLICATION

Points: 1 point total

ROLL-OVER (for applicants who were eligible for admission but not selected)Points: 1

REQUIRED SUPPORT COURSES (MATH, PSYCHOLOGY, ENGLISH): 1 point TOTAL for successfully completing all 3 courses prior to the application deadline

*Students taking Biology 241 and 242 will receive a single averaged factor score for the twocombined courses

**Students can only use the Roll-Over point once.

*** All first-time applicants are restricted in the number of retakes for prerequisites and required support courses. For the purpose of factoring, if an applicant has retaken a course multiple times, only the second attempt will be considered.

IN THE CASE OF A TIE: First tie breaker: Combined GPA of prerequisite courses. Second tie breaker: Combined GPA of all required support courses completed prior to

April 30th. Third tie breaker: Combined GPA of all previous college courses

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Clinical Experience Requirements (For Admitted Students)

Clinical experience in patient care at cooperating health care facilities will be included in

the program.

Prior to starting the clinical experience, the health care agencies require PTA students

to provide evidence/proof of the following:

CURRENT IMMUNIZATIONS (a list of required immunizations will be provided upon

acceptance into the program)

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) Typically through American Heart Association or

American Red Cross. Must be maintained/unexpired while in the PTA program.

LIABILITY AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE Purchased annually fall quarter

at OC’s Cashier’s Office. Non-refundable.

PERSONAL HEALTH INSURANCE

BACKGROUND CHECK: A background inquiry completed by the Washington State

Patrol is required to disclose any history of criminal record or abusive behavior

(Child/Adult Abuse Information Act, RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840.) If the

results of this information cause any clinical agency to deny you privileges to rotate

through that agency, withdrawal from the PTA program will be required.

o Some clinical facilities may require an additional national level

background check through the FBI, which must be completed at student

expense if required by the facility.

DRUG SCREENING: Some clinical facilities may require students to submit to a

drug screening process, which must be completed at student expense if required by

the facility.

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Additional Information

Admission is offered to the program for a specific year. If the applicant wishes to

delay entry to the program to another year, he/she must reapply for admission to the

next desired start of the PTA program and will be considered with the new pool of

applicants.

Applicants who were eligible for the current year class, but not admitted, will be

offered an opportunity to roll-over** their applications for admission to next year’s

pool of applicants. This is allowed only once. Reapplication is not required.

Re-Entry: Former Olympic College PTA students must submit a PTA application for

admission and all credential requirements to be eligible to re-enroll. Upon the first

academic or voluntary withdrawal a student is granted priority for readmission the

following year, but must reapply to the program. Students with a second academic or

voluntary withdrawal must reapply as a first year (new) student.

DEADLINES: Fall re-entry: June 15

Winter re-entry: September 15

Spring re-entry: January 1

Summer re-entry: April 1

CREDIT TRANSFER:

Prospective applicants who desire credit transfer from another institution must note

their request on the PTA application for admission.

Credit transfer may be awarded, in accordance with established OC policies,

including Vertical Challenge if applicable.

Students with previous PTA education, or who have completed previous formal PTA

education must meet the following prerequisites prior to admission:

o English 101

o Physics 110 and Biology 175, or

o Chemistry 121 and Biology 241/242

o ACCUPLACER Next Generation reading assessment score of 260 or higher

Previously stated time-limits for natural science courses will apply. Advanced

standing admission will be based on space availability. Policy questions should be

directed to the PTA Director.

Olympic College is committed to providing access to higher education for students

with disabilities. Any student with a permanent or temporary disability is encouraged

to contact Access Support Services at 360.475.7540 to discuss appropriate

accommodations.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Physical Therapist Assistant Program

1600 Chester Ave. | Bremerton, WA 98337-1699

Submit application to: In Person: Office of Admissions | Building 4 | Ranger StationMail: Olympic College |Office of Admissions Attn:PTA | 1600 Chester Ave. | Bremerton, WA 98337-1699

For Program Commencing Fall ________

New Student: ☐ Re-entry student: First Year ☐

Second Year ☐TYPE OR PRINT IN INK

Acceptance to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is determined on the basis of requirements listed in the mostcurrent Olympic College catalog. Admission to Olympic College DOES NOT guarantee acceptance to the PhysicalTherapist Assistant Program. Application to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a separate procedure in additionto the application to Olympic College. Please refer to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application Packet forforms and admission criteria.Legal Name (last name) (first name) (middle) Student ID#

Address: Number Street/P.O. Box Apt# Previous Name(s)

City, State, Zip Daytime Phone (include area code) Email

Are you a U.S. citizen? ☐ Yes ☐ No Date of Birth

For each course below, indicate the school, the year and quarter completed, whether you have repeated the course, andthe grade earned. For repeated courses, only the second attempt is used to calculate your GPA (W grades do not countas attempts). Indicate IP for in-progress courses and N/A for courses not taken.

Course School Year &Quarter

Repeat?Y/N

Grade Course School Year &Quarter

Repeat?Y/N

Grade

BIOL&175** ENGL&101*

PHYS 110** PSYC&100 *

BIOL&241** MATH 099 *(or higher please list)

BIOL&242**

CHEM&121**

*Support courses must be complete by the end of the spring session of the first year of the program.**All prerequisite science courses must have been completed no more than ten years prior to program entry.

Applications are accepted during the quarter in which you are completing your LAST prerequisite.Courses completed spring quarter will be added to the applicant’s file for fall admission consideration if a full cohort is not achieved by April 30. Based on the factor system, these applicants may be granted ‘provisional admission’ provided a grade of 2.0 in the final coursework is achieved by the end of spring quarter.

OR

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Accuplacer ReadingComprehensionScore:

☐ Check if you have previously attended other PTA programs.

Please initial to acknowledge that you have read and understand the following statements: Failure to list all schools attended above and to submit ALL official sealed transcripts by the 4/30application deadline will make my application ineligible.

Initials

It is my responsibility to submit a completed application including all supporting documents by the 4/30 deadline.

Incomplete applications will not be considered for the current year and are not eligible for the rollover point.

The college is NOT responsible for email or FAX errors.

All application materials become the property of Olympic College.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that to the best of my knowledge all of the above is true and correct. If fraud is found, I will be

dismissed from Olympic College and the Olympic College Physical Therapist Assistant program.

_________________________________________ ______________________________ Signature Date

List ALL colleges, technical schools, and universities attended (including AP exams taken in high school), in the orderof attendance, starting with most recent, regardless if the courses/transcripts are applicable to your PTA application.ALL Official Transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Admissions at Olympic College prior to the 4/30 deadline. This deadline is extended until 6/30 for in-progress courses taken in spring quarter only.

NOTE: Official OC transcripts are not required.1.Name of other college, vocational/technical schoolattended

1.City and State 1.Years attendedFrom ToYear Year

1.Graduated

Yes No

2.Name of other college, vocational/technical schoolattended

2.City and State 2.Years attendedFrom ToYear Year

2.GraduatedYes No

3.Name of other college, vocational/technical schoolattended

3.City and State 3.Years attendedFrom ToYear Year

3.GraduatedYes No

4.Name of other college, vocational/technical schoolattended

4.City and State 4.Years attendedFrom ToYear Year

4.Graduated

Yes No

5.Name of other college, vocational/technical schoolattended

5.City and State 5.Years attendedFrom ToYear Year

5.GraduatedYes No

6.Name of other college, vocational/technical schoolattended

6.City and State 6.Years attendedFrom ToYear Year

6.GraduatedYes No

MANDATORY: all applicants must answer this question Have you ever had any legal charge or conviction? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes, please indicate nature of charge and final disposition on a separate sheet of paper.

Note: State Boards of Physical Therapist Assistant may deny licensure based on legal or ethical grounds.

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM Observation/Work Verification Form

This admission requirement will help you determine if the profession of physical therapy is an appropriate career selection for you. You are required to:

a) Contact the physical therapy department/s that you plan to complete observationhours with to check on availability and scheduling.(call for an appointment).

b) Observe ("job-shadow"), or be employed a total of 40 hours in at least twodifferent physical therapy (PT) clinics. Examples of settings in which physicaltherapy is performed include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics,rehabilitation centers, home health care, school systems, sports medicine clinics,or work-hardening centers. You can divide the 40 hours any way you'd like, forexample: 20 hours at a hospital and 20 hours at an outpatient sports medicineclinic; or 30 hours at a nursing home and 10 hours at a specialty clinic. No morethan 30 hours may be utilized in any one facility. You must have a PT or PTA foreach clinical site sign the bottom of this form.

Students who are actively involved in observation hours should consider they are in a professional atmosphere, and should demonstrate appropriate behavior. This includes appropriate dress code/appearance, use of appropriate language and communication skills, punctuality, commitment to learning and professional respect for clinical staff and patients. Adherence to specific clinical policies should be followed at all times.

c) Return the completed form with your admission packet prior to the applicationdeadline on April 30th.

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM CLINICAL OBSERVATION VERIFICATION FORM

INSTRUCTIONS TO PT OR PTA: Please complete the appropriate section of this form and return it to the student who observed in your facility.

NAME OF STUDENT: _______________________________________________________ I verify that the above named student has observed for a total of _____ hours

at this facility. The type of setting/care is described as___________________________.

DATE: _____________ FACILITY NAME_______________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER: _________________________________________________________

COMMENTS: ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________ ___________________________ PT/PTA SIGNATURE & DATE PT LICENSE NUMBER

___________________________________________________ STUDENT SIGNATURE AND DATE

INSTRUCTIONS TO PT OR PTA: Please complete the appropriate section of this form and return it to the student who observed in your facility.

NAME OF STUDENT: _______________________________________________________ I verify that the above named student has observed for a total of _____ hours

at this facility. The type of setting/care is described as___________________________.

DATE: _____________ FACILITY NAME_______________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER: _________________________________________________________

COMMENTS: ____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________ ___________________________ PT/PTA SIGNATURE & DATE PT LICENSE NUMBER

STUDENT SIGNATURE AND DATE

Transcript Evaluation Request

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Submit this completed form with your PTA application if you have attended any prior college.• To be eligible for evaluation:

ALL OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS listed on this form must be received by Ranger Station (Registration &Records.)

Requests will be processed after tenth instructional day of the quarter, and completion could take up to 8-10 weeks. Students must be registered for their first quarter of attendance or previously enrolled at OC.

• Veterans: Failure to list ALL schools attended will delay your evaluation and temporarily affect delivery of benefits.• Official Transcripts

Students are required to submit official, sealed (unopened) transcripts of all colleges, universities, or military trainingin support of this request.

Send to Olympic College, Registration and Records, 1600 Chester Ave., Bremerton, WA 98337 or electronictranscripts to evaluators@olympic.edu.

I have read and understand the instructions of this request. Please initial. Date:

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY

Name:

Student ID:

Previous Name: Birthdate:

Email:

EDUCATIONAL GOALS AT OLYMPIC COLLEGE

Associate in Applied Science:

LIST ALL COLLEGES / UNIVERSITIES/MILITARY SCHOOLS ATTENDED PREVIOUSLY

Your signature indicates approval and permission for Olympic College to make inquiries (if necessary) to the colleges/universities listed above regarding transcript and course information. This MAY require Olympic College to use your Social Security number and/or birthdate as identifiers.

Signature: Advisor copy to:

□ EMAIL□ SM5003 □ SM6012 □ SD3005 □ SM2001

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Eligible for Evaluation: Notes: Queue Date:

If you have ONLY attended Olympic College, you do NOT need to complete this page.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Phone:

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