College of the Sequoias

Physical Therapist Assistant Program ​

PTA Program Application.pdf

Admission Procedures and Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Anatomy (BIO 30) or equivalent course with a grade of "C" or higher. An equivalent is any anatomy course of 4 units or more. Course must include a laboratory component.
• Physiology (BIO 31) or equivalent courses with a grade of "C" or higher. An equivalent is any physiology course of 4 units or more. Course must include a laboratory component.
• Combined grade point average for Bio 30 and Bio 31 must be a minimum 2.5.
• An overall grade point average of 2.5 in the General Education requirements must be attained prior to admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, and a grade of a "C" or higher must be attained for each general education course.

Applicants who have not completed the above criteria will not be considered for admission.   

"College of the Sequoias does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment), handicap (or disability), or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices, incompliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (pertaining to race, color, and national origin),Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (pertaining to sex), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (pertaining to handicap), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (pertaining to age), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, the college's programs and activities, including vocational education."

Health Requirements

A physical examination with form signed by a physician, immunization records, and back ground checks meeting hospital standards must be completed after being accepted into the program.

The following Essential Technical Standards identify essential eligibility requirements for participation in the College of the Sequoias Physical Therapist Assistant Program:

Work Hours :

• Able to work up to 8-10 hour per day up to 40 hours per week at clinical sites.

Work Environment :

• Exposure to hazardous material and blood borne pathogens requiring safety equipment such as masks, head coverings, glasses, rubber and latex gloves, etc.
• Must be able to meet clinical and academic performance standards.
• Must travel to and from training site.

Cognitive Abilities :

• Understand and work from written and verbal orders.
• Possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Understand and be able to implement related regulations and clinical policies and procedures.
• Possess technical competency in patient care and related areas.
• Perform presentations to individuals and small groups.
• Conduct patient assessments and counsel patients and families.
• Assess changes in vital signs and measurements.

Physical Demands: 

The PTA student's health care practitioner will verify that the student can meet the physical demands and perform these physical activities:

• Standing and/or walking up to seven hours throughout an eight and/or twelve hour shift.
• Bending, crouching, or stooping several times per hour.
• Lifting and carrying a minimum of 30 pounds several times per hour.
• Lifting and moving up to a 300 lb. patient in a 2-3 person transfer.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulder at 90 degrees.
• Pushing and/or pulling objects and equipment weighing up to 300 lbs.
• Utilizing eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment and accessories and/or evaluate radiographs for technical quality under various illumination levels (i.e., illumination varies from low levels of illumination to amber/red lighting to bright light levels.)
• Hearing to communicate with the patient and health care team.
• Utilizing sufficient verbal and written skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English with the patient and healthcare team.
• Manipulating medical equipment and accessories, including but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, and keyboards, utilizing fine and gross motor skills.
• Performing the assigned training related tasks/skills responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional function necessary to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Utilizing the above standards/functions to respond promptly to the patient needs and/or emergency situations.

Expenses

(Approximate and subject to change)

Tuition fees $1200-$1500 ($46 per unit)

Uniforms $200

Books $1200

Physical Examinations/Immunizations $250

Background Check/Drug Screen  $200

Application for License $750

National and State dues for student APTA  $103

First Hand Basic Evaluation Kit for Students  $85

Vinyl Gait Belt (with APTA Student Membership) $25

*All cost are approximate and are subject to change.

Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, uniform laundry, and transportation to/from selected hospitals and clinics.

Attendance and Scholarships

All students are expected to observe the attendance requirements of the College and of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. To remain in the program, the student must maintain a "C" or higher in each required and general education courses.

Program Specific Data

The first year of the program will accept 18 to 26 students from a pool of applicants. Employment opportunities are readily available in Physical Therapy Departments located in in-patient, out-patient, rehabilitation, geriatric, and pediatric centers.

Accreditation

 The COS PTA program has been granted Candidacy and is approved to accept students.​