Application: Academic Requirements

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Department will admit students through a selective admissions process for candidates that meet the academic and clinical observation requirements. The program is designed to be completed by a full time student in a period of 20 months.

Admission is based on criteria approved by Florida National University and is consistent with State and Federal laws, regulations and program accreditation guidelines. Primary criterion include completion of college general education courses required by the major with a “B” (or 80%) or better in BSC 1085, BSC 1086, and PHT 1001, having an overall minimum 3.0 GPA or better.

The following are the steps to admissions and pre-selection to the PTA program. All requirements must be complete for application consideration;

Attend the PTA program information session.
Complete Florida National University’s Admission Application (please refer to the FNU University Catalog) and return to Admissions Representative
1. Students must score 19 or greater on the ACT, 880 or greater on the SAT or be placed no lower than ENC 1101 and/or MAC 1105 on the College Success exam.
All applicants must request official academic transcripts from high school and/or colleges and forward them to the Campus Registrar
Have at minimum an overall 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite courses (including no less than a “B” in BSC 1085, BSC 1086, and PHT 1001)
Complete a Level 2 Federal & AHCA Background Check
Complete the PTA program application
Submit the journal documentation of 20 hours of observation of a Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapist Assistant in a clinic, facility or hospital. Supervising clinician signature is required (form included in application packet)
Complete the Proficiency Profile Exam with a minimum score of 411
Complete the HEIghten Written Exam with a minimum score of 155
Complete an on-site written assignment (same day as entrance exams)
Provide two official and unopened letters of reference (forms included in application packet)
1. Employer Reference (or Academic Reference if no employment history)
2. Observation Hours Reference
Submit the signed Technical Standards Form (form included in application packet)
Complete an Interview with the PTA Program Faculty

Due to the rigorous nature of the program, it is strongly recommended that applicants plan ahead financially for their 12 months in the program. The number of academic hours along with required study and full time clinical practicums make it difficult for a student to work while enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The student is responsible for all transportation necessary for travel to and from the hospitals/clinics/facilities for clinical experiences. Attendance to all scheduled classes, laboratories and clinical practicums are enforced; each one of those meetings is an essential component to the applicant’s successful progress in the program.

All applicants admitted into the PTA program will be required to complete a physical examination and provide a complete immunization record. In addition, a complete local, level 2 federal, and AHCA background screening will be required in conjunction with clinical facility required drug testing. Positive results on the background screening or drug testing could impact a student’s chances of attending their clinical practicums, completing the program requirements, or gaining a license to work upon graduation. The cost of required physical examinations, immunizations, background checks and drug testing will be borne by the student. Students accepted into the program will be provided with specific details regarding all required documentation for the PTA Program.

The 20 clinic observation hours can be completed at any available Physical Therapy facility. The student is responsible for locating a facility that will accept the student as a volunteer or for a job shadowing experience. The student is required to document all observation hours which will be verified by the supervising PT or PTA’s signature, the hours will not be accepted without this signature. Students will not receive extra points on the admission rubric for completing greater than the required 20 hours.