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Application and Information

PTA Special Admissions Process and Application Information

We're excited that you are interested in joining PPSC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program!
As a student in this program, you can expect:

  • High-quality instruction through engaging lectures, interactive labs, and supportive faculty
  • Hands-on practice in state-of-the-art labs that will prepare you for clinical rotations and employment
  • Emphasis on your professional growth with development in communication, teamwork, and leadership, alongside your clinical competencies
  • Opportunities to participate in local and national professional organizations, community service, and more
  • Comprehensive preparation for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs
  • To graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in diverse healthcare settings

This program has a selective admissions process and is not available to concurrent enrollment students. Please review the information below carefully to prepare for and complete your PTA special admissions application packet.





The Physical Therapist Assistant Application is Currently Closed

The new application for 2026 will be open December 1, 2025 through June 1, 2026.

The link will be posted here when the application is open. 

pta assisting patient

Admissions Criteria and Selection Information

As you prepare to submit your PTA program application packet, it's important to understand that several factors will be considered in the selection process. Each part of your packet will be reviewed and scored based on a point system. The highest-scoring applicants will be invited for an interview for further consideration.

To prepare a strong application packet, make sure to carefully review all admission requirements, instructions, and optional criteria below. 

Helpful Tips & Specific Situations: 
  • If you want to request that a course at an equal or higher level replace a course that is part of the general education or prerequisite requirements, please fill out the course replacement request form and email it to joseph.miller@pikespeak.edu for review. 

  • One of the steps will require you to review technical standards. You find the technical standards to review here.

  • There is a sample timeline below to help you prepare. This is a sample only, not hard deadlines. You can complete steps in a different order, as long as everything is complete and submitted by the publicized application deadline.  

  • The application is typically open from December through June for an August start date. There are no points awarded for submitting the application early. Many students find it beneficial to use December-May to take courses or get additional service, observational, or work hours in order to boost their overall score. 
Review criteria and scoring information

PTA Application Steps

You must submit your application by the due date listed at the top of this page. Late applications will not be reviewed. For the full details of everything you need to do, and to view the points system for your application, view the criteria and scoring sheet above.

If you haven't already done so, you need to apply to be a Pikes Peak State student before you can apply to the PTA program specifically. Start by submitting your admission application. 

On your PPSC admission application, you will not be able to select PTA as your program since there is an additional application to get accepted into the program. Instead, you should select the Associate of General Studies degree option.

After you receive your acceptance email to PPSC, you will have a Student ID Number (S#) and a default password that you will use to log in to myPikesPeak Portal. From the portal, access Navigate and make an appointment with a health sciences advisor. Let them know you are planning on applying to the PTA program, and they will help guide you on classes you should take. Complete the visit verification form to submit with your PTA application. 

Before you meet with an advisor, you should submit your official transcripts (high school and/or college) and any test scores you may have from tests like SAT, ACT, CLEP, IB, or AP scores. This will help our team place you in the right classes. 

You should also ask your advisor about placement. Depending on your academic history and/or test scores, you may need to take some baseline courses like math and English, or prove that you don't need to take the baseline classes. This may include taking a placement test to "test out" of taking those classes, already having a college degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, or showing that you've already passed the baseline classes. 

You should also make a plan to pay for college, which may include applying for financial aid and scholarships and using military benefits.

You must attend an information session hosted by the PTA program. If there are no upcoming information sessions currently available, please review the PTA information session presentation for more information.

If you have more questions after the information session, Q&A sessions will also be available. View the main PTA page for all upcoming events.

Prerequisite courses are courses that must be completed with a C or higher before the PTA program begins in the fall. You do not have to have them done before you apply to the program, but it is recommended to get more points on the application scoring. Prerequisite courses are: 
  • MAT 1140: Math for Healthcare (or higher math course)
  • HPR 1039: Medical Terminology
  • COM 1250: Communication in Healthcare
  • BIO 2101: Anatomy and Physiology I (or higher biology course)
The following courses are not required before starting the program, but they must be completed by the second fall of the program. They will also boost your application score if you complete them with a C or higher before you apply:
  • ENG 1021 or ENG 1031
  • PSY 1001
There are also additional courses that will boost your application score but are not required: 
  • BIO 1111: General Biology with Lab
  • BIO 2102: Human Anatomy and Physiology II 
  • COM 1150: Public Speaking OR COM 1250: Interpersonal Communication
  • PHY 1105: Conceptual Physics with Lab
  • Sociology or an additional psychology course
  • Business administration course 
  • Additional chemistry, physics, or biology course
  • Health, nutrition, or wellness course
In addition to coursework, you must complete the Allied Health TEAS VII test. You can take the TEAS test as many times as needed to receive a passing score. You must have an overall score in the proficient range or above (minimum 55% overall). Keep your scores because you'll submit them with your PTA application! 

You can register to take the TEAS test through the PPSC Testing Center for $100 ($75 for the test and $25 for the proctor fee). If there are no appointments available through the testing center, you can also register to take the TEAS test online for $120.

This step may take some time, so we recommend planning ahead. With your application, in addition to the things mentioned above, you will submit the following documents with your PTA application: 
  • Recommendations (required). You will need two recommendations - one from an employer and one from a teacher, faculty member, or mentor. You need to have known the people recommending you for at least one year. If you need an exception, please reach out to the PTA program director. 

  • Service hours (required). Complete 20 hours of volunteer service hours in the prior two years. Service hours can be obtained through religious or community organizations. If you are having difficulty locating volunteer opportunities, reach out to the PTA program director. These hours can not include observation hours with a PTA/PT (below). You will submit a signed service/volunteer hour form with your PTA application. You will receive additional points for volunteer hours over 30.  
  • Review the technical standards (required). You will initial and complete a technical standards sheet to submit with your application. If you are unable to perform any of the technical standards, with or without accommodations, you will not be eligible for admission to the PTA program. We work closely with PPSC Accessibility Services to serve the needs of students with disabilities. If you have questions regarding reasonable accommodations, reach out to PPSC Accessibility Services.  

  • Observation hours (optional). Observation hours are not required, but can help boost your application score. Complete observation hours with a PTA or PTA in at least two different types of facilities. There are no minimum hours that must be completed. Write an essay about your experience and submit a signed form with the hours that you completed. The essay should include a minimum of two types of settings observed, the top five things you learned about physical therapy, 1-3 things you did not like about the observation and why, and 2-3 skills needed for physical therapy practice based on what you observed. 

Submit your completed application by the due date. Remember, late applications will not be considered. We recommend submitting in advance in case there are any technical difficulties. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You must sign the Adobe form after you submit it to complete your application. 

Applications to the PTA program will be scored according to the criteria and scoring rubric set by the department. Interviews will be conducted for the top 30 highest-scoring candidates (20 accepted and 10 waitlisted) after applications are submitted and scored. The interviews are designed to gather information that can predict retention and success, and to support each student’s success in the program. The interview questions will focus on grit, college readiness, and resiliency.

If you are selected:
You must complete additional steps to prepare for class registration and clinicals, including: 
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug test upon acceptance to the PTA program (to be completed by the start of Fall). A fee and your Social Security number are required for the background check. Accepted students will be referred to PPSC Human Resources to schedule background checks and drug tests.
  • Submit a current CPR Health Care Provider card and a completed physical examination
  • Complete the following immunization requirements prior to the first clinical or provide an official vaccination exemption (by Summer II):
    • Two-step TB skin test 
    • Tetanus-diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) within the last 10 years 
    • Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccinations or serological confirmation of immunity 
    • Varicella vaccination or serological confirmation of immunity 
    • Additional vaccinations may be required before clinical internships 
    • Three-injection hepatitis B vaccination series or serologic confirmation of immunity (this series can take up to 6 months to complete).
  • Complete OSHA Training
  • Health insurance coverage may be required for some clinical rotations
  • Meet academic requirements before the start of the program: 
    • You must maintain 2.5 overall GPA
    • You must pass any pending prerequisites with a “C” or better
If you do not pass all prerequisites by fall semester, or your overall GPA falls below 2.5, your offer for admission will be rescinded. 

Sample Timeline

The following is a sample timeline only. Steps do not necessarily need to be completed in this order as long as all steps are completed by the application deadline. PTA program cohorts begin in the fall semester in August.

  • Attend a PTA Information Session.
  • Schedule to attend a PTA Question and Answer (Q&A) session.
  • Review the application requirements and make a plan for yourself. 
  • Apply to PPSC if you haven't already done so.

  • Spring registration opens. Register to attend any prerequisite courses that you need before starting the program, or to take additional courses to boost your application score. 
  • Meet with a Health Sciences Advisor and work on completing your baseline checklist.

  • Begin to gather your recommendations. It is preferred that you have one recommendation from a teacher or faculty member and one from a supervisor. 

  • PTA program application opens. Review the application requirements and make a plan for yourself. 
  • Spring classes begin in January, so this is your last chance to complete the following steps to be on track to start the PTA program in August if you need to complete prerequisite classes or additional courses to boost your application score:
    • Apply to PPSC if you haven't already done so.
    • Complete your baseline checklist.
    • Register for any spring classes you need to take to boost your application score. 

  • Spring classes begin. Use the spring semester to take the required prerequisite courses that must be completed before fall, or to take additional courses to boost your application score. 

  • Attend PTA Program information session and Q&A if you have not already done so. 
  • Review your steps and make sure you're on track. 

  • Finish gathering your recommendations. Give people time to complete the recommendations, but also give them a deadline. Have alternates in mind in case you need them. 
  • Coordinate and complete observation and service hours if needed. 

  • Schedule and complete your TEAS testing. 
  • Finish gathering your application materials. 
  • Write your observation essay. 

  • Finish your spring classes.
  • Register for summer classes if needed. 
  • Finalize your PTA program application.
  • Submit your PTA program application. 

  • Deadline to submit PTA program application.
  • An acceptance email will be sent. 
  • Top applicants will be invited to interview. 

  • Complete your interview for the program. 
  • If offered, accept your seat in the program. 
  • Finish your summer classes.
  • Register for fall classes in the PTA program cohort. 
  • Complete a background check and drug test. 
  • Submit your current CPR Health Care Provider card and completed physical examination. 
  • Complete OSHA training. 
  • Complete or have a plan to complete required vaccinations.

  • PTA program classes begin!

 

FAQs

Technical standards are related to essential career and licensing requirements and outline the criteria necessary for admission or participation in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. They represent the skills and attributes expected of students and apply to classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program works closely with PPSC Accessibility Services to support students with disabilities. If you have questions about reasonable accommodations, please contact PPSC Accessibility Services.

Review PTA Technical Standards

No, the program cannot be completed in less than two years since the technical courses are taught sequentially and require two full years for completion. 

A class of up to 20 students will be selected.  A list of alternates is maintained until the Fall I courses begin. 

PPSC’s waitlist is 10 students.  Those on the waitlist not enrolled will need fill out an application the next year.

If the course(s) were completed at a Colorado public college or university, you may find them on the PPSC transfer equivalency chart. For courses not found on this chart, or if the course(s) were completed at a college outside Colorado, work with PPSC's Health Sciences advisors to determine which course(s) will transfer.  

Learn about transcript evaluation

No, the PTA program courses are arranged over 6 semesters. Your overall time does not change, but you will not have to take as many classes each semester.

Yes.  If you are currently enrolled in one or more of the required courses, you are encouraged to submit your application by the deadline.  These courses are not required to apply but required to begin the program technical phase in the Fall.

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Pike Peak State College is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE. On 6 December 2021, the program submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

If required for clinical affiliations, you may have to purchase malpractice insurances.

You will need to pay for a TB skin test (or its equivalent) before beginning the program. Once admitted, you will be notified of the deadline to obtain it. You will also be required to pay for a physical exam and complete any required immunizations before starting the program. You will be notified of the deadline for these as well. Additionally, you will need to purchase books, supplies, and cover any lab fees assessed.

You are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the College, as well as to and from clinical rotation sites. There are no dormitories available at the College or clinical sites, so housing costs will also be your responsibility.

You are required to have a current Health Care Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS CPR) card before starting the program and it must remain current throughout the two years you are enrolled. Completing the CPR course is your responsibility and may involve a fee. Background checks and drug screens are required before you begin clinic hours (Summer II).

Then your transcripts must be submitted to the Program Director along with reason why the courses are more than 7 years old.  i.e.  military service, switching careers, and/or stay at home parent going back to school.  The program director, along with the faculty, will address this on a case-by-case basis. 

Then your transcripts must be submitted to the Program Director along with reason why the courses are more than 10 years old.  i.e.  military service, switching careers, and/or stay at home parent going back to school.  The program director, along with the faculty, will address this on a case-by-case basis. 
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Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation

Clinical Internship Information

The PTA program’s Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) assigns all clinical internships. These placements are designed to expose you to various physical therapy settings and help you gain the skills needed for entry-level practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

You will complete one full-time, 4-week clinical internship during the summer after your first year. Settings include, outpatient orthopedics, acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and rural hospitals. During your final semester, you will complete two full-time, 6-week clinical internships. These may include any setting from your first clinical internship, or pediatric, inpatient rehab, neuro, or other specialty settings.  

Internship Requirements: 

  • You must complete at least one full-time inpatient internship (inpatient acute, inpatient rehab, or skilled nursing) and one outpatient internship. 
  • You can state your preferences for placement. Your professional interests and experience will be considered. 
  • Final placements and schedules are determined by the ACCE to ensure you experience various settings and patient cases. 

Important Guidelines: 

  • Students may not rearrange clinical assignments. Special situations should be discussed with the ACCE. 
  • Do not contact clinical facilities directly to arrange a placement. If this occurs, please notify the PTA Program ACCE. 
  • Students will only be placed at facilities with a current, written clinical agreement. 
  • You will not be placed at any site where you have been employed within the past two years in a PT setting. 

Placement Locations and Costs: 

  • Expect to complete at least one internship outside the immediate Colorado Springs area (except for parents of dependent children).
  • All related expenses (transportation, meals, housing) are your responsibility. 

Accreditation Information

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Pikes Peak State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education . If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Joseph Miller, PT, DPT, DSc at 719-502-3486 or email joseph.miller@pikespeak.edu.