Apply to the PTA Program

* Students who have completed at least one course of anatomy/physiology (Bio 430 or approved equivalent course - 4-unit minimum) and have the remaining anatomy/physiology course (Bio 431 or approved equivalent course - 4-unit minimum) ‘in progress’ at the time of application are eligible to apply.  

See PTA Course Equivalency List for approved courses at other institutions.

If accepted for enrollment, students must provide updated transcripts verifying satisfactory completion of anatomy/physiology by the end of the spring semester in which they applied.  All transfer courses must be approved.

• Check your classes on the PTA Course Equivalency List (PDF) to determine if courses taken at other colleges will count toward prerequisites.
• If you don’t see your course from another institution on the Equivalency List, but believe it should be counted, complete a Course Substitution Petition and be sure to give yourself at least two to three weeks for processing.
• Once your petition is approved, an Official Transcript will need to be submitted to the Admission & Records Office prior to the application deadline.

• All students who meet the program eligibility requirements are placed in the eligible applicant pool. The program accepts 30 students each year.
• Returning applicants with an alternate candidate number from the previous application year will be selected in order of their candidate number, up to a maximum of 30.
• If there are more eligible returning and first-time applicants than spaces available, any applicants not selected will be given an alternate candidate number.
  • Returning applicants will be assigned a new alternate candidate number, based upon the selection of each year’s class, moving forward on the waiting list.
  • Eligible first-time applicants will be randomly selected and assigned an alternate candidate number. These candidates will be placed on an alternate list behind any returning candidates in the order they were selected.
• Once each year’s PTA class has been selected, applicants maintain their place on the waiting list based upon their alternate candidate number, provided they submit an application each year between March 15th and April 15th to show continued interest in the program.
  • Transcripts do not need to be re-submitted with subsequent applications, unless additional coursework has been completed.

Examples

• An applicant with an alternate candidate number of 20 would be assured of a place in the program the following year, provided the applicant resubmits an application.
• An applicant with an alternate candidate number of 40 would be assured of a place in the program within two years, as 30 students are accepted per class. However, due to applicant attrition, it is possible that this applicant might be accepted into the program within one year.

For the 2022-2023 application period, there were 96 applicants (new and return applicants).

• Students will be notified by email that their application has been received. Students will be notified of their status by email by May 15 to the email provided on the application. Make sure to check your inbox and your spam box for email communication.
  • Note: Phone verification will not be provided.
• Students who are selected will receive an enrollment packet via email and will be required to submit documentation showing the student accepts or declines enrollment. The due date will be included in the packet information.
• Eligible students who are not selected are considered alternates. If spaces become available before classes begin, alternates will continue to be selected and notified via email, based on the number received in the computerized random selection process. Alternate candidates should notify the PTA Program Coordinator if their contact information changes in order to ensure that they can be contacted readily if the need arises. It is essential that email contact information is accurate.
• Students who are alternates and are not selected must submit the Application for Returning Applicants each following year if they wish to be considered again for enrollment. Transcripts do not need to be resubmitted for returning applicants.
• All interested students can contact the program coordinator or attend an information meeting each semester for updates on the program and/or application process.

If accepted, students will receive instructions for maintaining their enrollment eligibility. As the student’s enrollment year approaches, detailed information will be provided about requirements that must be completed to enroll during their assigned semester.

Requirements include:

• Drug screen
• Background check
• CPR certification for healthcare providers
• TB test
• Proof of or receive necessary immunizations
• Physical exam
• Online clinical training courses, including Blood-borne pathogen training and HIPAA training

These costs are in addition to tuition, textbooks, name badge and lab fees. (See "Costs of the Program" section on this page.) Fee payments are required by the beginning of the spring semester (subject to change). Students may be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information about financial aid eligibility and assistance.

Students must be able to perform the  Essential Functions Required of Allied Health Students (PDF) .