This is an overview to assist the student in completing the preadmission coursework required to apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The following preadmission course requirements must be completed or in process of completing to apply to the September 1 deadline.  If selected, this program starts in the spring and graduates the following spring semester.  Four semesters of program coursework for a total of 69 hours which includes the preadmission course requirements.  Refer to OTC’s Course Catalog for details.

  • BCS 165 Human Anatomy
  • BCS 205 Human Physiology
  • *BCS 210 Pathophysiology
  • MTH 128 Contemporary Math (or higher)
  • 1 ENG 101 English Composition
  • 2 PLS 101 American Government
  • COM 100 Introduction to Communication (or higher)
  • PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology

*To receive a BCS 200 waiver to register for BCS 210, student is required to submit the application to the PTA program along with the $15.00 application fee paid receipt.

1 ENG 100 (Composition I w/support) or ENG 102 (Composition II) may be accepted as an alternative to ENG 101

1 ENG 101 is now offering a section designed for students pursuing a degree in Health Sciences.  Students choosing to take that section should look in the “note” section on the schedule for the following statement:  This section is designed for students pursuing a degree in Health Sciences.”

2HST 120 or HST 130 may be accepted as an alternative to PLS 101

EXCEPTIONS:  Email healthsciences@otc.edu if any of these apply:

  • Completed BCS 120, BCS 145 and/or BCS 146
  • If BCS course(s) were completed more than 5 years ago.
  • If a passing grade is not achieved after two attempts in any preadmission requirement, an applicant may not be considered for the program. See the OTC policy for repeat course grades:  https://students.otc.edu/registrar/course-repeat-policy/
  • If a 6-hour anatomy & physiology course has been taken at an accredited institution other than OTC and it has been taken within the last 5 years (based on final review of official transcript and in accordance with specific transfer credit), BCS 205 would be required to complete the 8-credit hour A&P progression.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PREADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Application Deadline:  September 1
  • This program has a selective admission process.
  • A 3.0 GPA is required in all completed preadmission course requirements along with a complete application file to be considered for the interview process.
  • Points are given towards grades in the preadmission requirements; degrees & certificates, honors & awards; service industry experience; personal interview; writing samples.
  • Preadmission requirements must be completed by the end of the fall semester in which the student is applying.
  • Mid-term grades will be used if completing preadmission requirements in the fall semester for the review process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Review the Application Checklist to complete the application process.
  • The program requires a full-time, daytime commitment.
  • OTC reserves the right to modify course titles, sequences, and content in accordance with college procedures.
  • Health Sciences contact number is (417) 447-8803

Background Check – Students with a felony or a significant criminal history may not be able to participate in clinical experiences at some of our sites and may not be able to apply for a license to practice.  Contact the Allied Health Office for additional information (alliedhealth@otc.edu).