Programs of Study
Admission Criteria
South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting. It is the policy of South Plains College to offer all educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age. The admission requirements for the college are found in the current General Catalog.
Admission Requirements:
All prospective candidates who wish to be admitted should contact the office of the Director for the PTA Program, as with other programs under Health Occupations; students will be required to complete appropriate application and criteria for admission to the PTA program. Prospective students must do the following:
1. Complete the requirements for admission to South Plains College. Admission to South Plains College DOES NOT guarantee admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
2. Provide an official copy of high school transcript or GED score; or an official copy of all college transcripts to PTA Program Director.
3. Complete an application for the PTA Program including observation hours, and obtaining letters of reference.
4. Schedule HOBET V exam through Testing Center. (At least 3 days in advance) 75 percent score required on the reading portion of the exam to be considered for admission.
5. Have scheduled interview with admitting committee.
6. Applicants will be notified by letter of the committee’s action. Due to limited class number, some applicants who meet all the admission requirements may not be accepted. Student must apply each time they wish to be considered.
7. Prior to starting the PTA Program all students will undergo a DPS and FBI criminal history check. A criminal arrest/conviction will not prevent a qualified student from being accepted to the program, but it is strongly encouraged that the student contact the Executive Council Of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners(333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510 • Austin, TX 78701-3942 • Phone: (512) 305-6900) to discuss the ramification for licensure.
Additional Criteria:
1. Students accepted will receive a Physical Examination Form that must be completed and returned to maintain their acceptance status. Students must have the physical, mental, and emotional health necessary to meet the demands of the physical therapy profession.
2. Immunizations- Written proof of immunizations is required. Immunizations for Rubella, Rubeola, DTaP(diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis), Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Mumps must be current. A Mantoux test (TB) will be required prior to entering the clinical setting.
3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (Health Care Provider) must be acquired prior to the beginning of clinical rotations.
4. Non PTA courses may be taken before enrollment in PTA Program but not later than sequentially required.
5. Credit will not be given for academic science courses more than 5 years old.
6. Drug Testing will be required if students behavior is consistent with being under the influence of chemical substance. Failure to submit to requested drug test will result in removal from the PTA
Program. Any drug screen which is positive for an adulterant will result in forfeiture of position in the PTA Program.
7. Transfers from other Physical Therapist Assistant Programs will be considered on an individual basis. The student must be leaving the other Program in good standing.
Admission Policy
1. Applications will be accepted in the PTA office from through March 30th 12:00PM prior to the fall session in which the student wants to be admitted.
2. Applicants must have completed observations hours prior to submission of application.
3. Letters of reference must be in the PTA office by deadline for application to be considered complete.
4. Applicant must have taken the HOBET V exam and received a 75 percent score required on the reading portion of the exam to be considered for admission.
5. Applicant must submit health form and shot record.
Progression Criteria
The PTA student must receive a minimum course grade of “C” in each general education class, as well as each required PTA class in order to continue in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Any student found in noncompliance with these requirements and criteria at the end of any given semester will be suspended from the program. Any student who is found ineligible for continued enrollment is responsible for scheduling an appointment with the PTA Program.
Admission Information Sheet
1. Apply to South Plains College. (This is a separate application) Apply Here
2. Pick up a program application packet in the PTA department or download it here. 806.716.2470. Completed applications will be accepted during the Spring semester with the deadline of March 30th, 12:00 PM.
3. Contact SPC Testing Center at 806.716.2530 to pre register for the HOBET V exam. (Must be a minimum of 3 day in advance to testing date) The cost of exam is $50.00 Test must be completed and passed prior to application deadline.
4. Begin your observation hours. Be sure to have the clinicians fill in your form. You need a documented 20 hours of observation. You can do all of your observation in one clinic, but you might benefit from a variety of clinic because each one is different. If you are using work experience (as a PT Tech/Aide) please have your supervisor write a letter including the length of time you have worked and the number of hours you normally work per week. (2 weeks at 4 hour a week will not work)
5. Contact 3 people you would like to have letters of recommendations from. Provide them the form along with an addressed and stamped envelope to return the letter to the PTA Department. Let them know that the letters must be in the office by the application deadline.
6. Obtain OFFICIAL transcripts from each college you have attended, including South Plains College. You will need to request 2. One will be sent to the registrar’s office and the second to the PTA department.
7. Complete the PTA Program application. (Make sure all parts are completed. You may want to check with the PTA office to make sure letters and transcripts have been received) Incomplete packets will not be accepted for Fall admission.
8. Submit application packet by March 30, 12:00PM prior to the fall session in which the student want to be admitted.
9. You will receive notification through your SPC e-mail account and a letter for the interview and orientation times and dates.
10. You will receive notification through your SPC e-mail account and a letter for the interview and orientation times and dates in early August.
11. If at any time you have a question, please contact the PTA program office 806.716.2470.
*To be able to sit for the PTA licensure exam you must graduate from an accredited program; South Plains College PTA Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22312; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.