Physical Therapist Assistant

Allied Health programs have special admissions processes with limited enrollment capacities and high student demand. The program will admit up to 30 students. Be sure to read the PTA Application Packet and follow each step when applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Next application period: April 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM - May 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Do you still need to take PHYR 210, Introduction to Physical Therapy?

PHYR 210, Introduction to Physical Therapy, will be available in Spring 2025 and Summer 2025.

Please remember to upload proof of all prerequisites, completed and in progress, in your application!

The PTA Program at San Diego Mesa College will utilize a Multi-Criterion Screening Process starting in 2025. Please attend an Information Session and read the PTA Application Packet carefully for updates on the process and scoring Rubrics.

All applications will be submitted online and must be submitted within the posted application period.

Steps to Apply

1. Apply for Admission to Mesa College

   Not a current Mesa College student? Before you submit an application to any of the Allied Health programs, you will need to apply for admission to Mesa College. Becoming a student is free and easy.

   Apply to Mesa

2. Attend a Program Information Session

   

   Information sessions for the PTA Program are mandatory and will be held in two formats. Applicants must either attend a Zoom Information Session or watch the pre-recorded Information Session posted on this page to ensure the applicant is prepared and can complete the application process correctly. Applicants will confirm completion of this requirement in the online application.

   Information sessions coming soon!

3. Complete the Online Application

   The PTA Program application will utilize a Multi-Criterion Screening Process.

   Review the PTA Program Application Packet for all details of the Multi-Criterion Screening Process.

   

   
   

   Review the Application Checklist to ensure you have completed each part of the online application.

   Program Prerequisites

   Five (5) prerequisite courses are required to apply for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

   All prerequisites must be completed at a US accredited institution and passed with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.

   1. Anatomy/Physiology with a lab: BIOL 160 (will accept BIOL 230 and BIOL 235) - completed within the last 5 years prior to applying.
   2. Introduction to Physical Therapy: PHYR 210 (If you took the course prior to Fall 2021, you will need MEDA 110 as well. If you are unsure, please confirm course completion with Medical Terminology component of this prerequisite with program director, ajohnsto@sdccd.edu) - completed within the last 5 years prior to applying
   3. Communications: COMS 135 Interpersonal Communications preferred or will accept any IGETC area 1C, COMS
   4. Psychology: Select one (1) of the following courses:

      PSY 101 General Psychology or

      PSY 245 Abnormal Psychology or

      PSY 112 Interpersonal Relations or

      PSY 111 Psychological/Social Aspects of Aging, Death and Dying or

      PSY 125 Introduction to Behavior Modification

   5. English Placement of 50 in both reading and writing. If your English placement is lower than 50, you will need to take English 101 or a higher English course.

   If you are enrolled in a prerequisite course at the time you submit your application, you must show proof of current enrollment when submitting your application. Admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant program will be pending until each prerequisite submitted in the application is completed.

   When taking prerequisite courses at another institution, please verify with counseling before enrollment, that they will transfer to Mesa College.

   Observation/Volunteer Hours or Work Experience

   Complete the form for Observation/Volunteer Hours or Work Experience.

   A minimum of 50 hours is required for the PTA Application.

   Please review the PTA Application Packet for the scoring Rubric and details.

   Statement of Interest

   Applicants will respond to three (3) prompts in the online application. Responses need to be between 200-500 words for each question.

   1. Describe your professional goals as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
   2. Explain your understanding of the role of Physical Therapy within the healthcare system. Based on your observation hours or work experience, provide specific examples that illustrate how this role was demonstrated in practice.
   3. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is rigorous and time intensive. What is your action plan to successfully incorporate this program into your schedule and personal commitments?

   Please review the PTA Application Packet for the scoring Rubric and details.

   Life Experience or Special Circumstances

   If needed, complete the Disability Certification form.

   Please review the PTA Application Packet for specific requirements for each section and the scoring Rubric.

   Language Proficiency in a language other than English

   If needed, complete the form to verify Language Proficiency in a language other than English.

   Please review the PTA Application Packet for the scoring Rubric and details.

   PTA Essential Functions

   If needed, review the PTA Essential Functions.

   Online Application & Instructions Video

   

   
   

   Complete the Online Application

4. Submit Your Official Transcripts

   Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended. Official transcript submission is required for the application process however, evaluation of the official transcripts is not required to be considered a qualified candidate. For more information about transcripts, visit the Transcripts webpage.

5. Questions

   Contact special admissions:
   619-388-2682
   sdmesaadmissions@sdccd.edu

   Note: If you have completed your prerequisites at City, Mesa, or Miramar College, you do not need to submit an official transcript however you do need to upload a copy of your unofficial transcript in your online application. Your official transcript will be obtained directly from the SDCCD records office on your behalf.

   You do still need to upload unofficial transcripts in the online application.

6. Update Your Contact Information

   You are responsible for maintaining a current email address with Special Admissions and responding to requests for confirmation of your continued interest in admission into the program sent during the application period. Be sure to return each such notice by the stipulated date to maintain the admission status.

What to Expect After You Apply

Applicants who submit a completed application and all supportive documentation by the application deadline will be given consideration for enrollment in the program. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Communication regarding acceptance will be via the email included in the application. Emails will begin by June 30, 2025. Confirmation of Acceptance must be returned via email by the date indicated in the letter.

Update Your Application

Any candidate wishing to update their application within the application window or withdraw their application must provide immediate written communication to the college’s Special Admissions Clerk, Francisco Blas at fblas@sdccd.edu. Additionally, if you cannot be reached or fail to respond to admissions emails expressing your interest in the program, your name will be withdrawn from the waitlist.