Delgado Community College is an open admissions college; however acceptance into the PTA Program is by selection only and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
Delgado Community College assures equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or veteran's status in the admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities of the college.
The PTA Admissions committee makes decisions that best serve the goalsof the admissions process (to admit students who are not only qualified but who will be successful in completing the PTA Program and will be compassionate members of the physical therapy profession), and the mission of Delgado Community College.
Application Process:
Applications to the PTA Program are available in January of each year. Students wishing to apply for admission to the PTA Program must submit a completed application to the Division of Allied Health no later than March 30 for the year in which an application is made. This application is completed only when all information requested is received by the Allied Health Admissions Office. Students are responsible for making sure that their application is complete.
Students are eligible to apply for admission to the PTA program who have:
1. Completed all of the prerequisite courses by the Spring semester preceding the August starting date.
2. Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college courses and a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite science and math courses. Grade point averages are calculated on the basis of all courses taken, including those repeated.
3. Completed a minimum of 40 clock hours (20 hours minimum at each facility) of observation, volunteer or work experience in two different physical therapy settings under the direct supervision of two different licensed PTs or PTAs prior to the time of application. Additional hours are strongly recommended and are included in the admissions calculations.
4. Completed a transcript evaluation by an Allied Health Admissions Advisor. This can be done by e-mail or in person by contacting Mrs. Julie Thompson at 504-671-6203 or jthomp@dcc.edu.
5. Completed high school or GED equivalent.
NOTE: Applicants with credits older than 10 years should contact the Allied Health Admissions Office for advising. Also, Delgado has policy which addresses Academic Renewal (the act of declaring void all prior credits attempted and earned). If you are interested in information regarding Academic Renewal (the act of declaring void all prior credits attempted and earned). If you are interested in information regarding Academic Renewal and the procedure to initiate this process you must contact the Delgado Admissions Office at 504-671-5018.
Selection Process
The PTA Admissions committee reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis. The committee's goal is to admit students who are not only qualified, who will be successful in completing the PTA Program, and who will be compassionate members of the physical therapy profession. The Admissions committee consists of the PTA Program Director, ACCE, Faculty (full and part-time), and the Allied Health Division Admissions Advisor.
All qualified students must attend a PTA Admission Information Session. Sessions are presented at 2 or 3 different times to be convenient to all applicants. The Information Session includes (1) a powerpoint presentation on the qualifications, selection process and PTAP Program curriculum, (2) written interview questions that the applicant completes at the session, and (3) an opportunity to make sure all information needed for the admissions process is complete and accurate for each applicant.
Selection to the PTA Program is based on evaluation of the total application for each qualified applicant including academic and work history, esperience in physical therapy, and a writing sample. The following criteria are used in making admission decisions for every qualified student:
1. Admissions application;
2. Overall GPA;
3. Prerequisite courses GPA
4. Prerequisite science courses GPA:
5. academic readiness based on numbers of Ds and Fs in prerequisite courses
6. two documentation of experience (DOE) forms from two different facilities and completed by two PTs or PTAs;
( Note: The DOE is assessed for the total number of hours, the rating scale, and the recommendation by the PT or PTA. Students who are reapplying must submit new DOE forms.)
7. writing sample completed at Information Session
8. first time applicant or re-application.
Supplemental information.
Persons accepted into the PTA Program will be required to:
1. complete a physician's physical examination, provide proof of Rubella, Rubeola and Varicella vaccinations, initiate the Hepatitis B Vaccine series, and be tested for tuberculosis prior to August admission date;
2. are certified in CPR as a Health Care Provider;
3. submit to drug test and background check prior to first clinical experience and sign student Consent to Drug and Alcohol Policies and Testing;
4. maintain personal health insurance and professional liability insurance;
5. are able to provide own transportation to clinical sites that may be out of town.
6. meet the technical standards of the PT profession, which are available for review in the llied Health Admissions office;
7. have regular access to a computer and maintain an active e-mail address;
8. are willing to work with sick and disabled persons; be accurate, thorough, congenial, flexible, ambitious, dependable, responsible, and reliable; and abide by rules, regulations and schedules.
