Minimum Admission Requirements for PTA

New students must submit an application to Shawnee State University, along with the current one-time, nonrefundable application fee to the Admissions Department.

Official high school transcript or GED test score transcript (along with any relevant partial high school transcript) and official college transcripts must be submitted.

• Students must have a ‘‘C’’ or above in  high school or college algebra, biology, and chemistry requirements.

  • A minimum of 2.5 GPA is required for admission to the program. Recent college course work will be given primary consideration over high school work. One dozen preparatory courses must be completed prior to entrance into the program during year two.
• ACT test scores of ‘‘19’’ in both scientific reasoning and composite.
• Students are required to complete an application form, including a one-page typed, signed essay that addresses why the applicant desires to be a PTA. This form is provided to students in the new online application package, as formatted in PDF.  A PTA-specific vocational aptitude survey are also required for qualified applicants who are chosen for the interview.
• Applicants to the physical therapist assistant program are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours  "job shadowing" or volunteer work experience in at least 2 different clinical settings. These are in facilities serving the disabled or impaired populations.  Applicants to the PTA program must shadow only under the direct supervision of either a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Appropriate forms are provided to students in the online application packet. A minimum of eight hours is required within each setting. Contact the PTA Program for referrals, if needed.
• Placement in Math 1020 and English 1101 is a requirement, but a score of  22 on the ACT will waive placement scores.
• Physical examinations, TB tests, selected immunizations, and Federal and State Criminal Background Checks are required for students who have been officially accepted into the PTA program. The criminal background screenings are at the student's cost and are also required near the time of graduation prior to sitting for the national exam, per the State of Ohio PT Licensing Board.