Physical Therapist Assistant

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

PHYR 210, Introduction to Physical Therapy, will be available in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

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

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

   Learn more about what it takes to apply and succeed as a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

   Information sessions coming soon!

3. Program Prerequisites - 5 Prerequisite Classes and Observation Hours

   Five prerequisites are required to apply for the Physical Therapist Assistant program:

   1. BIOL 160 (will accept BIOL 230 and BIOL 235) - completed within the last 5 years prior to applying
   2. COMS 135 Interpersonal Communications preferred or will accept any IGETC area 1C, COMS
   3. Psychology - One of PSY 112 Interpersonal Relations or PSY 111 Psychological/Social Aspects of Aging, Death and Dying or PSY 125 Introduction to Behavior Modification are strongly recommended but PSY 101 General Psychology or PSY 245 Abnormal Psychology accepted
   4. PHYR 210 Introduction to Physical Therapy (If you took the course prior to Fall 2021, you will need MEDA 110 as well. 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
   5. English Placement of 50 in both reading and writing. If your English placement is lower than 50 you will need to take English 47A or a higher English course. 

• All prerequisites must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.
• BIOL 160 and PHYR 210 must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" or higher within the last 5 years prior to applying.
• PHYR 210 courses completed prior to Fall 2021, will need inclusion of a Medical Terminology course MEDA 110.
• 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 transfer to Mesa College. 

 

Observation Hours:

A minimum of 50 hours observing a PT or PTA in any physical therapy setting is required for the PTA Application. The hours need to be verified by the PT or PTA and the verification form will be uploaded in the application. Please use the PTA Program Observation Hour Form below:

PTA Program Observation Hour Form

Applicants will respond to 3 essay prompts within the application. 

• • • •         Please note that the second prompt is a reflection on your observation hours or work experience.

1. 1. Describe your professional goals as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
   2. When completing your observations hours, what aspect of patient care did you find most interesting?
   3. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is rigorous and time intensive. What are your plans to successfully incorporate this program into your schedule and personal commitments?

 

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1. Complete the Online Program Application

   Submit an online application for the Physical Therapist Assistant program within the application time period from April 22, 2024 at 12pm - May 20, 2024 at 12pm. Your application should include specified contact information, prerequisite verification, uploaded unofficial transcripts, and program specific information. All uploaded documents must be in PDF format. Please remember to confirm that prerequisites taken at another institution will meet the program requirements prior to applying.

   View Application Instructions Video

   Access the online application

2. 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.

   
   For 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. Your 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.

3. 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 year. 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. A random lottery process will be performed to determine those accepted for Fall 2024 and those on an alternate list. Communication regarding acceptance will begin via email by June 30, 2024. Emails will be sent to the email address included in the online application. Confirmation of Acceptance must be returned via email within 2 weeks of receipt of dated email.

Withdraw Your Application

Any candidate wishing to withdraw or cancel their application or postpone admission must provide immediate written communication to the college’s Special Admissions Clerk. 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.