Target Selection Date
Selection for this program occurs each December for a January start of the new cohort. Your target selection date is the point at which you will have taken all prerequisite coursework while meeting the minimum math/science grade average and overall GPA requirements.
For students entering college right after high school or with no prior college experience, prerequisite coursework can often be completed and eligibility requirements met in one full-time semester (typically Fall semester). However, if placement tests indicate a need for developmental math, students may need one or two additional semesters to meet requirements for selection. Other factors that may impact the timeline to eligibility for selection is part-time enrollment or the need to repeat prerequisite coursework to improve grades/GPA.
Students bringing in completed general education coursework, either through transfer or through college courses taken in high school, may have limited pre-program courses left to take. Depending on the number of completed courses, this could result in part-time enrollment or delaying enrollment until closer to the date of selection.
Physical Therapist Assistant Selection Criteria
| Selection Date | Cohort Start Date |
|---|---|
december 2024 | january 2025 |
Pre-program Requirements
To be considered for selection into the major, all applicants must have gained admission to the College, met placement requirements, and have the ability to perform the essential functions established by the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, in addition to the following:
- Complete the following courses, or their equivalents, with a “C” (2.0) or higher:
- BIO115: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- MTH123 or higher: Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I (or higher)
- ENL111: English Composition I
- PSY111: General Psychology
- Have at least a 2.5 grade average for the pre-program courses listed above. The highest grade earned for a math course applicable to this major will be considered in this calculation.
- Complete a total of 20 hours of documented clinical observation hours in at least two different settings by December 1 of the selection year (see below for more information about clinical observation hours.)
Ranking Process
This major has a limited capacity of 20 students. Selections are finalized in December for a January start. Eligible students are ranked via the point system as detailed below. Students may earn a maximum of 100 points. In the case of a tie, students will be further ranked first by math/science grade calculation and, if needed, by additional coursework GPA (PSY111 and ENL111), and then by cumulative enrollment grade-point average (cumulative GPA for transfer students).
For the purposes of awarding points in Section A and B, a repeat course taken four or more years after the initial attempt will be treated as a first attempt. If a point course in either of these sections is satisfied via credit-by-exam versus attempting the course, the score on the exam will be converted to a letter grade and used to determine points earned (90% or higher = A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C).
A. Math/Science Coursework (70%)
In this section, up to 70 points are awarded for the highest grade in one math and one science course as defined below, as well as the number of attempts it took the student to earn the associated grade. Courses considered in this section are:
- BIO115: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- MTH123 or higher: Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I, or higher MTH100A, MTH100B, MTH100C, MTH100D, MTH100E*
*Transfer Math is external college credit not specifically equivalent to a Penn College math course but determined to be an acceptable level for pre-program requirements.
| Grade | 1st Attempt | 2nd Attempt | 3rd Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 35 | 27 | 22 |
| B | 30 | 25 | 18 |
| C | 25 | 20 | 15 |
B. Additional Coursework (16%)
In this section, up to 16 points will be awarded for each course completed with grades “C” or higher, as well as the number of attempts it took the student to earn the associated grade.
- ENL111: English Composition I ("C" or higher)
- PSY111: General Psychology ("C" or higher)
| Grade | 1st Attempt | 2nd Attempt | 3rd Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| B | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| C | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Students will earn up to two points each for BIO125 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) and MTR100* (Medical Terminology Survey) if each course is completed with a grade of “B” or higher on the 1st attempt. These courses are not requirements for selection eligibility and may be completed as an in-program student.
*MTR104 (Basics of Medical Terminology) will also be accepted
| Grade | 1st Attempt | 2nd Attempt | 3rd Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| B | 1 | 0 | 0 |
C. Cumulative enrollment grade-point average (10%)
In this section, points are awarded for the student’s cumulative enrollment GPA at the time of selection. Students who have taken fewer than 10 credits at Penn College will automatically be assigned 2 points in this category.
| GPA | Points |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 10 |
| 3.70 – 3.99 | 8 |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | 6 |
| 3.00 – 3.49 | 4 |
| 2.75 – 2.99 | 2 |
| 2.50 – 2.74 | 1 |
D. Prior Degree/Coursework (4%)
Students may only earn points from one category in this section. For example, a student with a prior bachelor’s degree will receive a maximum of 4 points from this section.
| Earned bachelor’s degree or higher | 4 |
| Earned associate’s degree (or 60+ college credits) | 3 |
| Completed 10-59 college credits | 2 |
| Completed 3-9 college credits | 1 |
CTC Pathways (Bonus points)
The PTA program has several established pathway agreements with rehab-related CTC programs. Students who have completed one of these approved programs within the last two years and who have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher (or the equivalent) will earn an additional two points.
| Completed approved CTC program | 2 |
Selection Date & Application Deadline
Students are selected annually in December for a January start. Transfer students must have transcripts submitted to the College Admissions Office by December 1 to be considered for selection into the program.
Clinical Observation Hours
Clinical observation hours in physical therapy settings are part of the requirements for all students applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The intent is to ensure that students fully understand the career field and the level of patient interaction that is involved. Students wishing to enter the selective admission process must complete 20 clinical observation hours with licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, and these must be completed in at least two different settings (note that this refers to two different types of clinical environments, not two locations of the same type). Hours can be split in any way between settings, which can include, but are not limited to, acute care or hospital settings, long-term care or nursing homes, outpatient physical therapy offices, school-based settings, rehabilitation hospitals, and home care. Documentation of clinical observation hours (20 hours) is due to the PTA Office (ATHS W209 or pta@pct.edu) by December 1 via the Clinical Observation Form . These hours must be completed within one year of selection in to the program, unless otherwise noted by the program director. Students who wish to complete observation hours while in high school may contact the program office for instructions.
The provisions within this admission ranking system are not considered an irrevocable contract between the student and the College. Typically, any changes to these admission requirements are made prior to the student’s enrollment at Penn College; however, in special circumstances, such as an observed change in program outcomes, the College President may approve more immediate changes to ensure student success. In such cases, students will receive timely written notice of the change.
Physical Therapist Assistant Selection Criteria
| Selection Date | Cohort Start Date |
|---|---|
december 2025 | january 2026 |
Pre-program Requirements
To be considered for selection into the major, all applicants must have gained admission to the College, met placement requirements, and have the ability to perform the essential functions established by the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, in addition to the following:
- Complete the following courses, or their equivalents, with a “C” (2.0) or higher:
- BIO115: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- MTH123 or higher: Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I (or higher)
- ENL111: English Composition I
- PSY111: General Psychology
- Have at least a 2.5 grade average for the pre-program courses listed above. The highest grade earned for a math course applicable to this major will be considered in this calculation.
- Complete a total of 20 hours of documented clinical observation hours in at least two different settings by December 1 of the selection year (see below for more information about clinical observation hours.)
Ranking Process
This major has a limited capacity of 20 students. Selections are finalized in December for a January start. Eligible students are ranked via the point system as detailed below. Students may earn a maximum of 100 points. In the case of a tie, students will be further ranked first by math/science grade calculation and, if needed, by additional coursework GPA (PSY111 and ENL111), and then by cumulative enrollment grade-point average (cumulative GPA for transfer students).
For the purposes of awarding points in Section A and B, a repeat course taken four or more years after the initial attempt will be treated as a first attempt. If a point course in either of these sections is satisfied via credit-by-exam versus attempting the course, the score on the exam will be converted to a letter grade and used to determine points earned (90% or higher = A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C).
A. Math/Science Coursework (70%)
In this section, up to 70 points are awarded for the highest grade in one math and one science course as defined below, as well as the number of attempts it took the student to earn the associated grade. Courses considered in this section are:
- BIO115: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- MTH123 or higher: Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I, or higher MTH100A, MTH100B, MTH100C, MTH100D, MTH100E*
*Transfer Math is external college credit not specifically equivalent to a Penn College math course but determined to be an acceptable level for pre-program requirements.
| Grade | 1st Attempt | 2nd Attempt | 3rd Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 35 | 27 | 22 |
| B | 30 | 25 | 18 |
| C | 25 | 20 | 15 |
B. Additional Coursework (16%)
In this section, up to 16 points will be awarded for each course completed with grades “C” or higher, as well as the number of attempts it took the student to earn the associated grade.
- ENL111: English Composition I ("C" or higher)
- PSY111: General Psychology ("C" or higher)
| Grade | 1st Attempt | 2nd Attempt | 3rd Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| B | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| C | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Students will earn up to two points each for BIO125 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) and MTR100* (Medical Terminology Survey) if each course is completed with a grade of “B” or higher on the 1st attempt. These courses are not requirements for selection eligibility and may be completed as an in-program student.
*MTR104 (Basics of Medical Terminology) will also be accepted
| Grade | 1st Attempt | 2nd Attempt | 3rd Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| B | 1 | 0 | 0 |
C. Cumulative enrollment grade-point average (10%)
In this section, points are awarded for the student’s cumulative enrollment GPA at the time of selection. Students who have taken fewer than 10 credits at Penn College will automatically be assigned 2 points in this category.
| GPA | Points |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 10 |
| 3.70 – 3.99 | 8 |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | 6 |
| 3.00 – 3.49 | 4 |
| 2.75 – 2.99 | 2 |
| 2.50 – 2.74 | 1 |
D. Prior Degree/Coursework (4%)
Students may only earn points from one category in this section. For example, a student with a prior bachelor’s degree will receive a maximum of 4 points from this section.
| Earned bachelor’s degree or higher | 4 |
| Earned associate’s degree (or 60+ college credits) | 3 |
| Completed 10-59 college credits | 2 |
| Completed 3-9 college credits | 1 |
CTC Pathways (Bonus points)
The PTA program has several established pathway agreements with rehab-related CTC programs. Students who have completed one of these approved programs within the last two years and who have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher (or the equivalent) will earn an additional two points.
| Completed approved CTC program | 2 |
Selection Date & Application Deadline
Students are selected annually in December for a January start. Transfer students must have transcripts submitted to the College Admissions Office by December 1 to be considered for selection into the program. Students who have met all selection criteria and submitted all required documentation by December 1 will be considered for selection. Eligible candidates whose materials are received after December 1 will only be considered on a space-available basis after any waitlist has been exhausted.
Clinical Observation Hours
Clinical observation hours in physical therapy settings are part of the requirements for all students applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The intent is to ensure that students fully understand the career field and the level of patient interaction that is involved. Students wishing to enter the selective admission process must complete 20 clinical observation hours with licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, and these must be completed in at least two different settings (note that this refers to two different types of clinical environments, not two locations of the same type). Hours can be split in any way between settings, which can include, but are not limited to, acute care or hospital settings, long-term care or nursing homes, outpatient physical therapy offices, school-based settings, rehabilitation hospitals, and home care. Documentation of clinical observation hours (20 hours) is due to the PTA Office (ATHS W209 or pta@pct.edu) by December 1 via the Clinical Observation Form . These hours must be completed within one year of selection in to the program, unless otherwise noted by the program director. Students who wish to complete observation hours while in high school may contact the program office for instructions.
The provisions within this admission ranking system are not considered an irrevocable contract between the student and the College. Typically, any changes to these admission requirements are made prior to the student’s enrollment at Penn College; however, in special circumstances, such as an observed change in program outcomes, the College President may approve more immediate changes to ensure student success. In such cases, students will receive timely written notice of the change.
Criteria Lock Date
Because we understand students’ need to plan and to work toward a specific set of criteria, we make every attempt to avoid changing selection criteria within a year of a selection date. However, in rare cases (i.e., an observed change in program outcomes or a change in CAPTE accreditation standards), changes may be made up to six months prior to a selection date. If a change to selection criteria is required less than a year from a selection date, we will provide notice of the change to all students known to be working toward eligibility for that date.
Criminal Clearances, Drug Screening & Other Clinical Requirements
In addition to the eligibility and ranking criteria, individuals considering applying to this program should be aware that participation in the clinical component of the curriculum is contingent upon the student meeting all clinical requirements, including background checks, vaccinations, health and liability insurance coverage, physical examinations, drug testing, and others.
The 10-panel drug screening performed upon selection and randomly throughout the program will identify the presence of controlled substances, including marijuana. In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, all forms of marijuana, including medical marijuana, are prohibited. A positive drug test will result in dismissal from the program, even if the student holds a valid medical marijuana card.
Failure to meet clinical requirements would result in the inability to complete the educational requirements of the program. For specific information about clinical requirements, please contact the program office.
Pre-Program Credit Limits
As good stewards of students’ time and financial resources, Nursing & Health Sciences prevents students from accumulating excessive credits as they seek enrollment in a competitive admission program. Therefore, pre-program students are limited to 24 attempted Penn College credits. (Effective Fall 2023, this 24-credit maximum will include FYE101 and developmental courses.) Those who reach this credit limit without being selected into their desired program will be required to meet with their program director to discuss viable educational options.
Transfer Guidelines for Pass/Fail Grading Schemes
As of result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions across the country have implemented some version of Pass/Fail (P/F) or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grades. In response to this change, Penn College will accept “pass" equivalent grades, assigned as a result of COVID-19, when the College determines a course may be accepted for transfer.
Penn College students enrolled in a pre-program, awaiting selections, are NOT eligible to opt in for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grades. Therefore, when a Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading scheme has been implemented by a transferring institution, those students seeking to be ranked in one of the selective admission majors within the School of Nursing & Health Sciences will be asked to provide a letter grade for all coursework.
In a case where a student is unable to secure a letter grade from their transferring institution, those course(s) will not be included in Math/Science GPA calculations, or other grade-related criteria, associated with selection. It is important to note that a lack of math and science course grades will likely impact a student’s competitiveness/and or eligibility for selection. A student who is unable to provide letter grades should meet with the designated program director to discuss how an inability to obtain letter grades may impact their eligibility or ranking.