Physical Therapist Assistant Steps to Admission


Are you new to SCC and/or have not completed required courses for your intended health program?

Start with Health Sciences, the on ramp. You enroll, an advisor maps your path, and you complete the placement levels and prerequisite courses below. Then apply to Physical Therapist Assistant when you’re ready.

Start with Health Sciences

 

Are you currently completing or have finished your prerequisite courses?

You will apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant program either while enrolled in your final term or after completion of prerequisite courses.

Application Steps

 

Requirements

Courses
Human Anatomy with Lab (4 credits)¹ BIOS 1140 & BIOS 1140L
Human Physiology with Lab (4 credits)¹ BIOS 2130 & BIOS 2130L
Global Awareness and Citizenship or Career and Life Skills Course (3 credits) Recommendation: SOCI 1010 or SOCI 1020
Medical Terminology (1.5 credits)² MEDA 1101 or HLTH 1060
Written Communication Course (3 credits) ENGL 1010, ENGL 1054, or ENGL 1110
Speech Communication Course (3 credits) COMM 1110, COMM 1090, COMM 2100, or COMM 2810
Success at SCC (1 credit) ACFS 1015
Reading/Writing you will not need to submit placement scores or test for Reading/Writing placement as the Written Communications prerequisite will fulfill the placement requirement. Completion of Composition I (ENGL 1010) or equivalent
Math Completion of Intermediate Algebra (MATH 1100) with a grade that will allow you to register for College Algebra (MATH 1150) or place into College Algebra (MATH 1150 or higher)
¹ Combined Anatomy & Physiology courses (i.e. Anatomy & Physiology I and II) with labs are eligible for evaluation to meet program requirements.
² Please note for the 2027-2028 academic year (effective for the fall 2027 intake), Medical Terminology will no longer be a required prerequisite course. Medical terminology content will be integrated into the program's curriculum.
 

Success at SCC (ACFS 1015): Students who have previously earned 15 hours of college credit may be eligible for a credit by waiver. Ask your College Advisor for more information.

If you completed any of the courses listed above at another college or university, send your official transcript to SCC Registration & Records. A grade of a C or higher is required for courses to be evaluated for transfer credit.

Required GPA Information: Students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 for required courses to be admitted to the program.

GPA Calculator

Meet Reading & Math Requirements


If you completed your prerequisite classes at SCC, the College will have your course/score on file and your College Advisor or Admissions can advise you on your needs.

If you completed your prerequisites at another college or university, you may need to test or will need to submit an official college transcript showing completion of the courses listed. The Admissions Office can advise you on your placement needs.

Submit placement test scores or an official college transcript


Submit placement test scores or an official college transcript showing completion of college-level English and/or math courses with a C or better. SCC accepts the ACT, SAT, and Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® scores. Math scores are valid for three years and reading scores are valid for five years. Score reports can be submitted directly to admissions@southeast.edu. Score reports must contain your full name and date of test.

If you have not taken the ACT or SAT within the last three years, contact the SCC Testing Center to schedule a time to take the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER®.

 

When and how to apply

1. Apply

Apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant program within the time period noted above for your intended start date. Application to the Physical Therapist Assistant program requires completion of prerequisite coursework.

2. Meet Requirements

Meeting Reading & Math Requirements as noted. Requirements must be met in order for your application to be considered complete.

3. Complete Activities

After submitting your Application for Admission, you will submit the following documents. The documents must be received for your application to be considered complete.

- Professional Awareness Activity (PDF). Read the instructions carefully and complete the instructions as listed.
- Job Observation Form (PDF). Complete a minimum of 20 hours of observation time with a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Step Fall start, August
Apply February 1 – February 28 or until full
First review Begins March 1
You hear back On or after April 1

Please note the following:

  • The program uses a selection process to determine admission.
  • Applications will be reviewed when all requirements are submitted.
  • The application will remain open for each program intake until all program seats are full.
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed if missing requirements or all required courses are not complete.
  • Applicants that are re-applying to the program must resubmit all documentation during each application period.

 

Final Requirements for Admitted Students

Students admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant program will be required to submit the following within 15 days of admittance notification (Failure to do so will result in not being able to enroll in the program and the spot will be given to an alternate):

- Student Health Statement (PDF)
-Immunization Waiver (PDF)
- Current American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR for Healthcare Providers card (only CPR type accepted) - CPR Training

Students are encouraged to begin completing the health statement prior to acceptance as several of the immunizations take more than 15 days to obtain.

 

 

Let's figure out your first step together