Mississippi Delta Community College

Applicants must:

• Meet all general college admission requirements for MDCC
• Be a high school graduate or have a satisfactory High School Equivalency score (GED or HiSET)
• Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (15 if taken before October 28, 1989) if entering college for the first time OR a minimum ACT composite score of 16 to 17 (12 to14 if taken before October 28, 1989) and have completed at least 12 semester hours with a “C” average or better in courses approved by the PTA Program. Completion of the science section of the ACT is required for admission.
• Take the TEAS entrance test at the applicant’s own expense. The test be taken within 18 months of the application deadline and can only be taken 2 times 45 days apart during the application year.
• Observe a minimum of two PTA Clinics (totaling at least 20 hours from at least 2 different facilities) 
• Complete autobiographical information form
• Submit verification of Physical Therapy observation summary form.

1. ALL Applicants must FIRST log on to the MDCC website at www.msdelta.edu to submit an online application for admission/readmission to the school.  Please click the APPLY button on the home page of the website and complete all required fields.  No applicant will be considered for admission into a health science program without first applying to MDCC.  You may receive future correspondence from the Office of Admissions regarding your admissions status to MDCC.
   • If you attended MDCC previously, but are not currently enrolled, you will need to complete this step first.
   • If you are currently enrolled at MDCC, you DO NOT need to do this step.
2. E-Script or mail OFFICIAL transcripts to the MDCC Office of Admission.  All transcripts must be on file by March 1.
3. Submit ACT scores to the MDCC Office of Admission.  (*NOTE* ACT scores are NOT recorded on transcripts from colleges or universities.  It is the student’s responsibility to submit these scores.)
4. Complete the “Physical Therapy Assistant Application” when it is active.  Fill out ALL information.  Do not leave any question blank.
5. Register to take the TEAS entrance test. Instructions are found on the Health Science website (Entrance Testing  Resources Link). The TEAS test can be taken virtually or in person. You must register to take the TEAS through ATI (www.atitesting.com). The TEAS test must be taken within the last 18 months and can only be taken 2 times 45 days apart during the application year. The TEAS test must be taken prior to March 1st AND must be sent to us directly from ATI, not the student.
6. Students must be 18 years of age at the start of the program 
7. Read and follow the instructions on the Observation Hours forms.  These forms should be mailed by the person completing the forms, not the applicant.
8. Complete and submit the “Autobiographical Information Form”.
9. Complete and submit the “Verification of Physical Therapy Observation Form”.
10. It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that all necessary information has been received.  Received information can be verified via the PTA program application. If all information is not received by the deadline, the applicant will not be considered for admission into the program.
11. All applicants will be notified by letter of conditional acceptance or non-acceptance by the middle of May.  Letters of conditional acceptance will include information regarding a required orientation in mid-June.

No applicant will be considered unless the minimum admission requirements are met.  Admission requirements are evaluated by the use of a rating scale (see sample rating scale), which includes ACT scores, GPA, entrance test scores, previous degrees awarded, health care background/experience, and performance on core courses.  The number of applicants accepted is limited due to the nature of the program.

All applicants will be notified  of their conditional acceptance or non-acceptance into the program.  If an applicant is selected for the program, they will receive a conditional acceptance notification with specific instructions regarding all requirements that must be completed prior to August admission.  These requirements are listed below:

• Completion of Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 2513/2511) and Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 2523/2521) with a grade of "C" or better during the summer session or regular session prior to the admission to the PTA program.
  • NOTE: A&P I and II must be completed within the last 5 years
• Acceptable pre-admission drug screen performed by our office.

Health and Compliance RequirementsRequirements upon program admission/entrance include:

• Satisfactory completion of American Heart Association Healthcare Providers CPR taught by MDCC
• Satisfactory background check (see Health Science Background Information Policy located on the Health Science website)
• Health examination form completed and signed by a licensed health care provider.
• A 2-step TB skin test is required for all new entering students.  The 2nd step must be completed within 21 days of 1st step. The exception is is a returning student has had a negative TB skin test within the last 12 months.  This student will only require a 1-step TB skin test.
• A stamped/signed Form 121 Immunization Record must be submitted.  Shots required include:
  • Tdap booster shot within the last 10 years.
  • Series of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations.
  • Series of 2 MMR vaccinations.
  • Proof of Varicella immunity (either by series of 2 Varicella vaccinations OR Positive Varicella Titer).
  • Flu shot (prior to flu season)

Selection Rating Scale 

 The selection rating scale is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant, considering a wide range of factors to ensure a holistic assessment.

Link to  PTA Selection Rating Scale 

Relevant course work approved by the program may be found on the program's course check sheet. Link to PTA program course check sheet.

 After notification of program acceptance, the student will be required to:

• Attend a mandatory Health Sciences and PTA Program orientation.
• Complete all orientation-related activities (Examples: obtain physical and receive a clear criminal background status) on or before first day of class.
• Submit all orientation-related paperwork on or before first day of class.
• Meet any requirements specific to clinical education sites/instructors.
• Complete an AHA-BLS Provider CPR course taught during the first year of the program.

A PTA Program student must maintain a grade of “C” in all core courses to progress in the program.  Students who do not maintain a “C” will be dismissed from the program.

Prior to clinical, students must satisfactorily complete AHA-BLS Provider CPR taught during the first year of enrollment