PTA – Online Application

The following essential job functions have been identified for the Physical Therapist Assistant profession. Applicants must be able to perform these functions, with or without reasonable accommodations, in order to participate in the PTA Program.

Visual Acuity

• Maintain visual acuity from 1-100 feet.
• Operate equipment safely.
• Read documents, computer screens and measurement devices at close range.

Hearing Acuity

• Interpret verbal communication.
• Hear patient voices, alarms, timers, heart/breath sounds and blood pressure sounds.
• Receive and retain instructions.

Communication Ability

• Communicate effectively through speaking, reading, writing and nonverbal methods.
• Interact appropriately with patients, families, instructors, classmates and healthcare professionals.

Digital Dexterity

• Perform repetitive hand and finger movements.
• Demonstrate eye-hand coordination.
• Reach in all directions.
• Perform both light and firm grasping activities.

Physical Ability

• Stand for prolonged periods.
• Move throughout clinical environments.
• Maintain balance and mobility.
• Push, pull, lift, carry and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, stoop, crawl, kneel and return to standing.

Adaptive Ability

• Meet deadlines.
• Function under stress.
• Multi-task effectively.
• Work independently.
• Interact appropriately with diverse personalities.

Submit one typed two-page essay demonstrating your understanding of the physical therapy profession and your motivation for pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).

Your Essay Should Address

• Why you want to become a Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Experiences that influenced your decision to pursue the PTA profession.
• Relevant work, volunteer or observation experiences that have increased your understanding of physical therapy.
• Your understanding of the PTA role within the healthcare team.
• Observations from the physical therapy settings you visited, including:
  • Types of facilities and patient populations encountered
  • Roles of the PT, PTA and support personnel
  • Similarities and differences among practice settings
  • Which setting or patient population interested you most and why
• How completion of the PTA Program and PTA licensure will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Format Requirements

• Two pages
• Typed
• Readable 12-point font
• 1-inch margins
• 1.5-line spacing
• Proper spelling, grammar and organization are expected and will be evaluated.

Evaluation Criteria

• Content and depth of reflection
• Demonstrated understanding of the PTA profession
• Integration of observation experiences
• Writing quality, organization, grammar and spelling
• Professionalism and clarity of career goals