PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Admissions General Admission Policies/Procedures With the exception of students currently enrolled at ICC, applicants for admission must first apply and be accepted to the College by completing an Itawamba Community College Application. After a student has been accepted to the College, application to specific Health Science programs can be made via the online application process. In order to allow adequate time for processing, it is highly recommended that students apply to ICC at least 10 business days prior to submitting the programspecific Health Science Application. Selection Process Applicants to the Physical Therapist Assistant program who meet the minimum admission criteria and have submitted the required records before the published deadline will be considered for admission. Applicants are evaluated and ranked based on the published selection criteria. Those applicants who achieve the highest ranking will be granted an interview with the Admissions Committee. The final class will be selected from the group of applicants who received an interview. The Itawamba Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program office will notify each of the applicants via ICC student email as to the outcome of the selection process. In addition to those students accepted, several alternates will be selected. Should a member of the original class decide to decline an offer, the first alternate will be contacted via ICC student email and offered the available position. Should additional openings come available, they will be offered to the second and third alternates, etc. respectively. Application Timeline March 15 Recommended date to submit an ICC Admission Application (if not currently enrolled) April 1 Health Science Application ACT Official score must be on file in the ICC Admissions Office. Scores may be sent directly from ACT (www.act.org) to ICC which can take six weeks or more, printed from ACT s website and submitted to the Office of Admissions by the student or sent by the student s high school of attendance. (If ACT was taken while in high school, the score is typically on the high school transcript.) ACT scores on college transcripts are not acceptable. Official college transcripts from all institutions attended including currently enrolled courses (excluding ICC) must be on file in the ICC Admissions Office. Additional Admission Forms Physical Therapy Observation/Experience Form(s), PTA Program Reference Forms (maximum of two) and Plan for Completion May 20 Official transcripts must be on file to receive points for applicable courses. May 30 Interview dates will be scheduled no later than this date. June 1 All applicants will receive an email regarding acceptance, non-acceptance or alternate status via ICC student email no later than this date. June 10 Student must accept/decline an initial program offer no later than this date. An alternate can receive an offer up until classes begin. The offer is valid for only four days; therefore, it is imperative ICC email be checked regularly. 1 (10/19/17)
Selection Criteria Requirements To be considered for admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program, an applicant must complete the online application and be admitted to the College, submit the online Health Science application to the Physical Therapist Assistant Technology program and meet the following criteria: 1. High school graduate or high school equivalency diploma. Official transcript is required. 2. ACT Official score must be on file in the ICC Admissions Office. Scores may be sent directly from ACT (www.act.org) to ICC which can take six weeks or more, printed from ACT s website and submitted to the Office of Admissions by the student or sent by the student s high school of attendance. (If ACT was taken while in high school, the score is typically on the high school transcript.) ACT scores on college transcripts are not acceptable. 3. Must have an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 on previous college credit in the prescribed curriculum. 4. Complete the following prerequisites with a grade of C or higher before beginning the professional phase of the PTA program. In order for a student to receive points for these courses for interview purposes, official transcripts must be on file by May 20. BIO 2514 Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab BIO 2524 Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab MAT 1313 College Algebra ENG 1113 English Composition I 5. Submit a Verification of Observation/Experience Form (see page 6) which documents at least a total of eight hours of observation of direct patient care provided by a PT or PTA with observations occurring in at least two different physical therapy settings (a minimum of at least four hours in two different physical therapy settings). More observation, volunteer or work experience is preferred. All observation must be completed within two years of application. Documentation of these hours must include the signature of a supervising PT or PTA who is not related to the applicant. 6. Submit two or more PTA Program Reference Forms (see page 7) from individuals not related to the applicant. 7. Submit a Plan for Completion. A plan for completion of all remaining prerequisites prior to entrance into the program and a list of the courses in which the applicant is currently enrolled must also be submitted with the program application. The plan must be typewritten. 8. Qualified applicants who have submitted all required information by the April 1 deadline will have their materials reviewed. Based on the selection criteria, the highest-ranking students will be invited to an interview with the PTA Admissions Committee. (See PTA Point Rating System.) 9. From the group of applicants interviewed, the Admissions Committee will make the final selection based on overall GPA, ACT scores, consistency in achievement, course load and course content, extracurricular performance, applicant s statements regarding motivation and goals, poise demonstrated during interviews and the degree to which the applicant has become knowledgeable about the profession. 10. Upon admission to the program, a student must submit a physical examination form, proof of current immunizations, BLS Provider certification to include CPR and AED in accordance with the American Heart Association (Certifications must be on or after June 1 of the year program classes begin.), a negative drug screen (administered by the North Mississippi Medical Center) and satisfactory criminal background check (administered by ICC personnel). Certain criminal offenses may prevent admission into the program; therefore, it is highly recommended the student contact his/her adviser, the program director or the Dean of Health Science Instruction for guidance related to specific thresholds for admission. Should the College allow a student with a criminal background entrance into the PTA program, certain clinical affiliates may deny the student access to their facility. Itawamba Community College does not serve as an agent to prospective employers, state licensing agencies or credentialing organizations in regard to the interpretation of the criminal background check; therefore, the obtainment of criminal background clearance which permits the student to perform clinical experiences in a licensed healthcare facility while enrolled in the PTA program does not guarantee a healthcare facility will employ the graduate. For more information regarding Itawamba Community College s criminal background policy, select the following link: Criminal Background Policy. 2 (10/19/17)
Point Rating System The point rating system provides a means of reviewing all applications in terms of academic performance. Those applicants having the highest composite rating among the pool of applicants may be offered an interview with the PTA Admissions Committee. After completion of the interview process, those applicants having the highest composite rating among the pool of applicants are offered admission with regard to the number of available positions. The selection of the class occurs at the completion of the spring semester, which allows students to include spring semester academic work if submitted by May 20. Itawamba Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Vice President of Student Services, 602 West Hill Street, Fulton, MS 38843, 662.862.8271, TitleIXCoordinator@iccms.edu. 3 (10/19/17)
Physical Therapist Assistant Technology Point Rating System ACT (10/89 or After) Points ACT (Prior to 10/89) Points GPA (College) Points Observation Hours 17 0 14 0 1.99 0 In a PT Department or 18-19 1 15-17 1 2.00-2.49 1 directly related field 20-21 2 18-20 2 2.50-2.99 2 (Minimum 8 Hours) 22-25 3 21-24 3 3.00-3.49 4 8 1 26 4 25 4 3.50-4.00 6 9 Hrs - 1 Yr 2 Total Total Total > 1 (2080) Yr (2081) 3 If the ACT has been repeated, the highest score will be used in calculating points. Points > 2 Yrs (4162) 4 Total Points Courses Grad Points Grade Prerequisites (Minimum of C required) There will be a deduction of 0.5 points for A 1.5 each course with a grade of D, F, WF or TF. B 1.0 BIO 2514 Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab C 0.5 BIO 2524 Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab ENG 1313 English Composition I MAT 1313 College Algebra Required Academic Courses (Minimum of C required) There will be a deduction of 0.5 points for each course with a grade of D, F, WF or TF. CSC 1113 or CSC 1123 or IST 1113 or Computer Competency Computer Concepts or Computer Applications I or Fundamentals of Information Technology or Computer Competency Challenge Exam A grade of Z will be awarded points equivalent to a grade of B. ENG 1123 English Composition II PHY 2244 Physical Science I PSY 1513 SPT 1113 Academic Total General Psychology Oral Communications Humanities/Fine Arts Elective INTERVIEW (The categories below will be scored after an interview with the Admissions Committee. Scoring is based on poise and written or verbal responses to questions posed in the program application and interview. (Approximately 30 of the highest point rating applicants are interviewed.) Professional Knowledge/Motivation Score Excellent = 3 Good = 2 Moderate = 1 Poor = 0 Reference Forms (Minimum of 2) Interview Score (Based on average ratings of interview responses/interactions.) 1.99 = 0 2.00-2.32 = 1 2.33-2.65 = 2.66-3.00 = 3 Interview Total 2 GRAND TOTAL 4 (10/19/17)
Health Science Application Instructions 1. Go to the ICC website, www.iccms.edu. 2. Select Programs of Study. 3. Select Health Science Programs. 4. Select Physical Therapist Assistant Technology. 5. Select Health Science Program Admission Application (Online). Applicant will be directed to mytribe. 6. From the mytribe home page, enter your ICC username and password. (You must apply and be accepted to ICC in order to apply for a Health Science program). At the mytribe login, use the appropriate username and password. If this information is not available, select either Activate Account or Reset Password and follow the prompts. 7. Select the Health Science program for which you wish to apply by selecting Apply Now. If you are unable to complete the application during one session, you can save your information by selecting the Save button at the bottom of the page. You will be required to type answers (limit 50 words) to the questions below. You may wish to write your responses on paper before beginning the application. Briefly explain why you are interested in this program and list career goals. Describe any employment, volunteer and/or personal experiences you have had relating to this program. Provide a brief self-description. What are your hobbies, activities and interests? How do you plan to meet the financial obligations of the program? 8. Once you complete the online Health Science Application, you will be instructed to select SUBMIT. 9. Within a few minutes, you will also receive an email via ICC student email verifying your application submission. Note that ICC email is not the same as the Canvas messaging system. 10. If you do not receive the confirmation email, YOUR APPLICATION WAS NOT RECEIVED. You should attempt to resubmit the application. If you do not receive the confirmation email within 48 hours of attempted application submission or if you continue to experience problems with the application, contact the Office of the Dean of Health Science Instruction at 662.620.5200 or cjorrick@iccms.edu. Failure to contact this office within 48 hours of not receiving the confirmation email may void your application. Should you wait until just before the deadline to apply, the Health Science Division of Itawamba Community College will not be responsible for computer and/or Internet problems that may occur. Application Status Once the Health Science Application has been submitted, you can check the status via mytribe. Go to your profile by selecting your name (top right corner). Select the Health Science tab. This page allows you to track the progress of your admission file to determine if all of the admission documents have been received. You may also check your Score to verify your point total. If you calculate a different total, contact the specific program office immediately. If the appropriate program office is not contacted by May 15, Itawamba Community College will not be responsible for a miscalculation. 5 (10/19/17)
VERIFICATION OF OBSERVATION Physical Therapist Assistant Technology Applicant s Name Print (Last, First, MI) Last 4 Digits of SS#/Student ID NOTE TO APPLICANT: All patient information accessed in medical charts, through observation or in any other manner is completely confidential. Any breach of patient confidentiality during or after your observation time will result in immediate dismissal of your Physical Therapist Assistant program application and may be punishable in a court of law. Documented hours of observation should occur under a licensed physical therapist (PT) or a physical therapist assistant (PTA) while providing direct patient care. The applicant must have documentation of at least eight observation hours of direct patient care obtained by observing in at least two different settings (i.e., a minimum of four hours in at least two of the following settings: acute care, skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, school, nursing home). Failure to have fully documented observation hours (date, time, clinician s signature) in two different settings will result in an invalid application. *For observation/volunteer hours to be considered, the applicant must include the total number of hours on this form. Points will not be given if hours are not documented as in the example below. This is the only form that will be accepted. Copies of time cards, etc. will not be accepted. Facility/Department *Date and Total No. Hours Observed Signature of PT or PTA Example: Pleasant Valley Outpatient PT 03/01/15-8 Hours Thomas W. Hester, PT, DPT If applicable, list any volunteer experiences (routinely scheduled over a period of time) or work experiences (paid employment) in a physical therapy department/setting. Listing must include the facility, position, whether paid or volunteer, start and end dates, hours spent each week, total amount of time spent at this facility and must include the supervising PT s signature to verify the hours, utilizing the format illustrated above. Facility/Department *Date and Total No. Hours Observed Signature of PT or PTA Example: Pleasant Valley Outpatient PT 03/01/15-8 Hours Thomas W. Hester, PT, DPT Return completed form to: Itawamba Community College PTA Admissions 2176 South Eason Boulevard Tupelo, MS 38804 Note to the Clinician: As part of the application process for the PTA program at ICC, each applicant is required to spend time observing a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Through this experience, we anticipate that the applicant will gain first-hand exposure to physical therapy in order to determine a correct career choice. The student has not yet been accepted into the Itawamba Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program and does not reflect any teaching of our program. Your opinion as an established therapist is an important part of the selection process, and we respect your professional feedback. We have posted an evaluation of the observation experience form on our ICC PTA program webpage (http://www.iccms.edu/portals/0/docs/hs/pta-admissions.pdf), and we would sincerely appreciate any information that you can provide about applicants who have observed under your supervision. This form evaluates the applicant s performance during the observation experience. We will use this confidential evaluation to assist with selecting highlyqualified students into the Physical Therapist Assistant program at ICC. This form will be used as one of the many methods to determine student admission into the PTA program. Knowing your busy schedule, we appreciate your participation with the admission process to the program. 6 (10/19/17)
REFERENCE FORM Physical Therapist Assistant Technology Applicant s Name Print (Last, First, MI) Note to the Applicant: Make copies of this form and complete the top section before forwarding it to your reference. At least two completed reference forms are required for the application process. After receiving the signed/sealed envelope from your reference, you should include this information in your completed application packet. This form will be used as one of the many methods for the PTA class selection process. Before forwarding to your reference, applicants must sign below to indicate compliance with this confidential evaluative method: Applicant Signature Date NOTE: Reference sources may include, but are not limited to, healthcare professionals, academic instructors/counselors, previous/current employers, coworkers, community leaders, etc. Reference sources cannot be a relative of the applicant. To the Reference: Applicants of the Itawamba Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program are required to select references to complete this form, which is intended to provide insight into the personal and professional behaviors of the applicant. The PTA faculty requests that you complete this form with all honesty to ensure that the admissions committee selects the most appropriate students for our program. Upon completion of the evaluation, return the evaluation to the applicant by placing the completed form in an envelope with your signature across the seal to ensure confidentiality. If preferred, you can mail this form directly to: Itawamba Community College PTA Admissions 2176 South Eason Boulevard Tupelo, MS 38804 1. I have known the applicant for: # Month(s) or # Year(s) 2. I feel that I know the applicant: Very Well Well Not Very Well 3. Capacity in which you have interacted with the applicant: 4. Rate the applicant by checking the number that best reflects your judgment about him/her: Writes and speaks with organization and clarity Responds to feelings of others appropriately Works with others constructively Uses time responsibly and is prompt Carries out duties in a timely fashion Demonstrates self-confidence Solves problems in a responsible and sequential manner Accepts responsibility for his/her behavior and is ethical Is flexible/adaptable Works independently Demonstrates initiative Grasps new concepts quickly 5 1 Very Well/Often Poorly/Seldom 5 4 3 2 1 Provide any additional comments regarding this applicant on the reverse side of this form. Reference Signature Date Phone The Itawamba Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program appreciates your time and assistance in this endeavor. 7 (10/19/17)
EVALUATION OF THE OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE (Optional) Physical Therapist Assistant Technology (To be completed by licensed PT/PTA practitioner) Applicant s Name Print (Last, First, MI) Note to the Clinician: As part of the application process for the PTA program at ICC, each applicant is required to spend time observing a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Through this experience, we anticipate that the applicant will gain firsthand exposure to physical therapy in order to determine a correct career choice. NOTE: The student has not yet been accepted into the Itawamba Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program and does not reflect any teaching of our program. We appreciate your participation with the admission process to the program. We will use this confidential evaluation to assist with selecting highly-qualified students into the Physical Therapist Assistant program at ICC. Your opinion as an established therapist is an important part of the selection process, and we respect your professional feedback. This form will be used as one of the many methods to determine student admission into the PTA program. Complete honesty is requested in answering the questions below so that application reviewers will have valid and adequate information when making the class selection. Upon completion, send the evaluation form to PTA Admissions by mail. Do not hesitate to contact the PTA Program Director if you have questions. Thank you for your time! Mail form to: Itawamba Community College PTA Admissions 2176 South Eason Boulevard Tupelo, MS 38804 Phone: 662.620.5076 Date of Observation Hours Observed Patient Population Setting Observed Did the applicant demonstrate respect for patients/appropriate behavior? Did the applicant show interest? Did the applicant exhibit a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn? Did the applicant dress appropriately? Was the applicant punctual? Did the applicant have a basic knowledge of physical therapy? Yes No Somewhat Additional Comments: Do you recommend this applicant for entry into the PTA program? Absolutely Possibly Undecided No Therapist s Signature Therapist s License Number Facility Date 8 (10/19/17)