Getting Started

How To Get Started

Follow these steps to apply to the PTA program:

1. Check your prerequisites — Review the course list below and confirm all required courses are complete or in progress.
2. Complete 40 observation hours — 20 hours in an inpatient setting and 20 hours in an outpatient setting.
3. Request 3 letters of recommendation — Give your recommenders ample time before the deadline.
4. Submit your application by April 1st — Apply Now
5. Interview — Top candidates will be invited to interview after the application closes.

Program Goals

The Physical Therapist Assistant Education Program at Southern Adventist University uses the following goals to guide student outcomes:  

1. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will graduate competent entry-level physical therapist assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
2. Program faculty will provide students with a positive learning environment and a comprehensive curriculum based on contemporary, evidence-based physical therapy.
3. The PTA Program will prepare graduates to effectively communicate in a culturally competent manner with patients and caregivers from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
4. The PTA Program will promote the importance of personal and professional development through life-long learning, service opportunities, and membership in professional organizations. 

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in both science and non-science prerequisite courses, and have completed a minimum of 48 quarter units (or 32 semester units) at an accredited college or university. Program admission is a selective and competitive process. Criteria for admission include: appropriate science and non-science GPA, completion of subject requirements, quality interview, well-thought-out essay, strong recommendations, and completed observation/volunteer/work experience. All admission rubrics are available above under "Admission Documents".

Requirements for admission:

1. Acceptance to Southern Adventist University
2. Satisfactory completion of all required academic prerequisites with a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5 and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses (*BIOL101, BIOL102, PHYS137, MATH215 must average to a C+). 
3. PTA application submitted by April 1st, prior to starting PTA coursework (which begins in August)
4. Documentation provided regarding the minimum 40 observation hours completed in a physical therapy clinic setting (20 inpatient, 20 outpatient)
5. Work experience in a physical therapy setting is recommended but not required
6. Letters of recommendation (minimum of three)

Prerequisite University Course Requirements for Admissions

The PTA program has established key prerequisite courses as part of the admissions process for several reasons. First, student success is the primary objective throughout this program. The prerequisite courses have been selected to closely reflect the intensity and difficulty of the PTA courses. Second, students need to be aware of the time commitment that is required to complete the PTA program. Both student commitment and focus are critical to ultimate success.

If a student is scheduled for an advising appointment, please reference the sample course progression listed below. Students are encouraged to bring all transcripts from colleges or universities where the prerequisites were completed. Unofficial transcripts are okay initially; however, official copies must be supplied during the application process for admission to Southern.

Important: BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 must have been completed within 5 years of your application date.

Track A — No Prior Degree

• NOND-101 — Southern Connections (1 cr) — Not required for transfer students
• ENGL-101 — Critical Thinking in Academic Reading & Writing (3 cr)
• HIST — History elective (3 cr)
• R1 — Religion course (3 cr) — e.g., RELT-177 or RELB-125
• R2 — Religion course (3 cr) — Any R2 course
• BIOL-101 — Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr) — C+ minimum; must be within 5 years
• BIOL-102 — Anatomy and Physiology II (4 cr) — C+ minimum; must be within 5 years
• CPTE-100 — Computer Concepts (1 cr)
• HLED-210 — Medical Terminology (1 cr)
• PHYS-137 — Conceptual Physics (3 cr) — C+ minimum; must be within 5 years
• PSYC-128 — Developmental Psychology (3 cr)
• PEAC-125 — Fitness for Collegiate Life (1 cr)
• MATH-215 — Statistics (3 cr) — C+ minimum

Track B — Prior Degree Holder (Transfer Students)

Students who hold a prior degree have a shorter prerequisite list. However, the following courses cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credit — they must be completed at Southern Adventist University regardless of prior coursework:

• PEAC-125 — Fitness for Collegiate Life (1 cr) — Southern-specific; must be taken at SAU
• R1 — Religion course (3 cr) — Must be taken at Southern (Adventist religion credit only)
• R2 — Religion course (3 cr) — Must be taken at Southern (Adventist religion credit only)
• BIOL-101 — Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr) — Cognate; C+ minimum; within 5 years
• BIOL-102 — Anatomy and Physiology II (4 cr) — Cognate; C+ minimum; within 5 years
• HLED-210 — Medical Terminology (1 cr) — Cognate; cannot be waived
• MATH-215 — Statistics (3 cr) — Cognate; C+ minimum
• PHYS-137 — Conceptual Physics (3 cr) — Cognate; C+ minimum; within 5 years

Why religion courses must be taken at Southern: Most transfer students come from non-Adventist institutions. Religion credits from other schools do not satisfy Southern's Adventist religion requirement; both R1 and R2 must be completed at SAU.

Deadlines

The deadline for submission of the PTA application is April 1st, prior to the following August start date. Due to the program's popularity, students are encouraged to apply early during the enrollment period. This also allows for ample time to provide all the required documents for the application. Waiting to submit your application and/or not completing all admission requirements early may decrease your chances of acceptance.

Once the application is closed, all applications submitted are reviewed for completeness. The top candidates progress to the interview stage of the process.

International students need to apply early for extended processing. See International student information for further details.

PLEASE NOTE:  Credits must be from an accredited college or university.

Observation Hours

Applicants must document a minimum of 40 observation hours in a physical therapy setting before applying:

• Inpatient (20 hours): Hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)

• Outpatient (20 hours): Physical therapy clinics, private practices, community health centers/wellness clinics
  

Observation hours give you firsthand exposure to the PT profession and are verified during the application process.

Program of Instruction

Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science

The PTA technical program is a 15-month curriculum beginning each August. Courses are taught during daytime hours, usually four to five days a week, depending on the semester of study. Class times may vary by quarter depending on the instructor and classroom availability.

A minimum course grade of C or 73% and a minimum exam average of 75% are required for all courses in the program in order to advance.

If you have questions regarding our PTA program, feel free to call or email our department at (423) 236-2858 or pta@southern.edu. When you call, set up a time to visit the campus. This is a great opportunity for you to see first-hand what Southern Adventist University has to offer. Please call or email us to plan your visit. We request that you bring a copy of your transcripts, the prerequisites sheet, and any questions you may have.

Program Cost

Once a student is accepted into the technical component of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, the following tuition and fees apply:

• Second-year cost of the program
  • Tuition 
    • Fall 2024 - $13,000
    • Winter 2025 - $13,000
    • Fall 2025 - $13,000
  • Total = $39,000

Please note: This is tuition only. Additional fees for housing, books, meals, and/or lab fees may apply. Please refer to the current undergraduate catalog.