Requirements for Admission

Updated March 16, 2009

This information is subject to change at any time, especially while the program is developing. Please consult the program's administration for the latest updates. For a printable version of the Admissions Requirements click here. For the Admissions Point System, click here.

Advisors/counselors are available to guide applicants through the admissions process. You may also contact the program director for assistance at any time during the applications process.

• Submit a college application to the admissions department including the PTA major code to identify academic interest.
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent, and college degree (if applicable) must be validated with an official transcript by the admissions office. Please send all official transcripts to the admissions office. Regardless of when you graduated from high school, your high school transcripts must be on file with the admissions office in order for you to graduate.

• Students must receive a C or better for all general education courses required by the program (ENG 101, BIO 212, CSA 105, ENG 102, MAT 172 or 201, PSY 111, IDS elective and COM 173). If you have taken required general education courses that you wish to apply to the PTA program, you must have received a C or better in each of the courses.
• Students must take college entry exams for placement in English (reading and writing) and Math prior to enrollment in the program. Contact the Counseling Center to arrange these tests. Prerequisites identified by the exam must be successfully completed prior to the program application deadline.

• Successful completion of college level Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (BIO 211 or equivalent) with a grade of C+ or better within the last five years of application for program entry. Applicants may apply for admission to the PTA program while enrolled in BIO 211 during the spring semester preceding the fall admission (e.g., for admission to the PTA program in the Fall 2009, applicants must be registered for BIO 211 during the Spring 2009 semester). However, entry into the program is contingent upon documentation of successful completion. Please note that CHE 111 is a prerequisite for BIO 211 at Norwalk Community College. If BIO 211 or equivalent was completed more than five years prior to application, but significant work experience requiring this knowledge was accrued, applicants have the option of receiving credit by examination. Please see the Program Director for more information.
• Complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of documented volunteer or paid experience in a physical therapy setting. Applicants are encouraged to exceed forty (40) hours to further their understanding of a career in physical therapy. Applicants should keep track of these hours and will be required to submit written documentation at the time of application.
• Students should be prepared to address and show proof of their commitment to social responsibility. A history of community service activities is highly desirable in the application process. Community service is time volunteered that benefits your community. The PTA program is committed to enrolling and graduating individuals that meet PTA Program Goal #6, which states that our students and graduates will, "display compassion, caring, altruism and social responsibility, not only as a PTA, but as citizens of both Fairfield County and the larger community." This time is separate from the admissions requirement that involves volunteer (or paid) experience in a physical therapy environment. Community service activities include unpaid volunteering for organizations that benefit the community such as Meals on Wheels or Habitat for Humanity. Other community service activities may involve your place of worship, mentoring, school programs, youth organizations, police and/or fire department, and the elderly. If you have any questions about community service, please ask for clarification from a member of the PTA administration.
• Three current letters of recommendation that address the applicant's professional and/or academic abilities. Possible sources may include past or present professors, supervisors or managers and/or a representative from a community service experience. At least one letter must be from a credible source in the physical therapy profession. Forms and instructions for letters of recommendation are available with the application packet.
• Completion of a program candidate advisement session held by a PTA faculty/staff member prior to the application deadline. The purpose of this session is to review program requirements. Qualified applicants will also be asked to attend a program interview following application to the program.

• NEW DEADLINE ALERT: Submission of a completed PTA program application by May 29, 2009. Applications will be available beginning February 1, 2009.

Special Requirements and Information:

• You may declare Physical Therapist Assistant as your major in the Records Office. Fill out a Change of Program form and indicate General Studies/Pre-PTA cohort.
• A grade point average of 2.3 or better must be maintained throughout the entire program for all technical education/PTA courses. Students must earn a C or better in all technical education/PTA courses. If the student earns a C- or below in a PTA course, that course must be repeated.
• A grade of C or better must be achieved for all general education courses required by the program (ENG 101, BIO 212, CSA 105, ENG 102, MAT 172 or 201, PSY 111, IDS elective and COM 173).
• Graduation from NCC with an Associate in Science (major in PTA) does not guarantee licensure to practice as a PTA. You must meet all requirements of the state you plan to practice in prior to licensure. The state of Connecticut requires successful completion of the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org) prior to application for licensure.
• Student membership with the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org) is required during the first year of the program. Currently, annual dues are $90. Scholarships may be available to cover the cost of your membership.
• Certain clinical rotations may require background checks, drug testing, physical examinations, uniforms, and or other related equipment. This must be provided at the expense of the student and is not the responsibility of the college.
• All PTA students are required to be covered by Professional Liability Insurance. This insurance must be in force for the duration of any and all internships and proof must be on file with the ACCE. NCC will provide liability insurance for all students, for a fee that appears on the student’s college bill. Students have the option of obtaining their own private liability insurance and may waive NCC’s fee if proof of insurance is produced.
• The college requires that students show proof of immunization against measles and rubella to comply with state law. Healthcare facilities where PTA students have clinical education experiences may require a physical and/or proof of additional vaccines (such as Hepatitis B) or tests (such as tuberculosis). Costs associated with these tests and medical examinations are the responsibility of the student.
• The clinical internship schedule is at the discretion of the supervising PT/PTA at the clinical education site and may include evenings and weekends.
• Recertification of CPR/AED is the responsibility of the students and should be current at all times.
• In addition to college tuition, lab fees, and textbooks, students must arrange and pay for parking at and transportation to clinical internships and required uniforms/attire. Every attempt will be made to place students in an area that is within a reasonable driving distance from Norwalk, or the student’s home, however students may be required to attend clinical internships or learning experiences outside those areas.

*Accreditation Notice:

Norwalk Community College 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 22314; 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.