{"id":1050,"date":"2024-08-29T14:42:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T19:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/?page_id=1050"},"modified":"2026-03-25T10:19:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:19:23","slug":"apply-to-pta","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/apply-to-pta\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying to the PTA Program"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p><b>Applying to the PTA Program<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PTA program is a competitive entrance program. Application to the program is made separately from application for admission to MoWest. The PTA program accepts one cohort per year, which begins in the Fall semester. The annual deadline for standard application to the program is February 1<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Application to the PTA program is open to current MoWest students, transfer students, non-traditional students, and incoming freshman (who may apply during their senior year of high school). The application packet requires the submission of the following items:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Completed online application form and $20 application fee:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a current MWSU student, access the online application form <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nextgensso2.com\/sp\/startSSO.ping?PartnerIdpId=https:\/\/idp.missouriwestern.edu\/idp\/shibboleth&amp;SpSessionAuthnAdapterId=missouriwesternDF&amp;TargetResource=https%3a%2f%2fdynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com%2fSubmit%2fStart%2fdc5f5f19-d3c4-4ba9-afa0-aa3facbdd14f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are NOT currently a MWSU student (including transfer students and first-time freshmen) click <\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com\/Submit\/Start\/dc5f5f19-d3c4-4ba9-afa0-aa3facbdd14f?SSO=N\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to access the online application form.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High school and any college transcripts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These may be official or unofficial, and should be uploaded to the application form where indicated.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helpful courses for applicants include: college level or AP high school level anatomy and physiology course, college level or AP high school level biology course.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ACT composite (or <\/b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/mwsu-testing-centers\/ati-teas\/\"><b>ATI-TEAS<\/b><\/a><\/span><b>) score report:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This may be a copy of the full report (preferred) or a screenshot of the ACT portal, which shows the students information and their composite score. This should be uploaded to the application form where indicated.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>At least 24 hours of observation of a PT or PTA, in at least two different physical therapy settings:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Applicants should download and print <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/03\/Clinical-Observation-Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>this form<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to take with them to the site of observation.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PT\/PTA observed must complete the form and then mail or email it directly to the PTA program (<\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"mailto:pta@missouriwestern.edu\">pta@missouriwestern.edu<\/a><\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Applicants must complete observation hours in at least one outpatient setting and at least one inpatient setting (e.g. hospital, skilled nursing facility, rehab hospital). Information related to observation should also be entered into the application where indicated.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Up to 3 letters of recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Applicants should download the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/05\/Recommendation-Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PTA Application Recommendation Form<\/a><\/strong> for recommenders to complete. Recommenders must submit this form directly to <strong><a href=\"mailto:pta@missouriwestern.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pta@missouriwestern.edu<\/a><\/strong>. A formal letter of recommendation may be submitted in addition to the recommendation form. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>PTA Early Acceptance Pathway (EAP):<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any applicant may apply for the \u201cEarly Acceptance Pathway\u201d (or EAP) to the PTA program. By meeting EAP criteria, eligible students may be granted a guaranteed seat in the next PTA cohort. Interested applicants must submit their application form (including all materials listed above) between October 1<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and January 1<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prior to the semester in which they intend to start the program.\u00a0 Students will be notified of their acceptance status within 30 days of their submission. Accepted students must maintain all EAP criteria through the start of the PTA program in order to retain their seat in the upcoming cohort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criteria for Early Acceptance are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completed online application form and $20 application fee:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a current MWSU student, click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nextgensso2.com\/sp\/startSSO.ping?PartnerIdpId=https:\/\/idp.missouriwestern.edu\/idp\/shibboleth&amp;SpSessionAuthnAdapterId=missouriwesternDF&amp;TargetResource=https%3a%2f%2fdynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com%2fSubmit%2fStart%2fdc5f5f19-d3c4-4ba9-afa0-aa3facbdd14f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to access the online application form.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are NOT currently a MWSU student (including transfer students and first-time freshmen) click <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com\/Submit\/Start\/dc5f5f19-d3c4-4ba9-afa0-aa3facbdd14f?SSO=N\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">here<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to access the online application form.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACT composite score of 22 or above, OR <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/mwsu-testing-centers\/ati-teas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>ATI-TEAS<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> overall score of 61.1% or above<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GPA of at least 3.0, which must be maintained in order to remain eligible for early acceptance<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If an EAP student\u2019s GPA drops below 3.0 prior to the start of the program, their application will be switched to the \u201cStandard Application\u201d pathway, and will be reviewed for consideration with all other standard applications. They are not guaranteed a seat in the cohort.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Successful completion (grade of C or better) of BIO 101, BIO 250, and ALH 106 (or equivalent transfer credit).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any questions regarding eligibility for the PTA program EAP, application requirements, or application status may be directed to <\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"mailto:pta@missouriwestern.edu\">pta@missouriwestern.edu<\/a><\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 2.88%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 2.88%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":145,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1050"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/145"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1050"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1263,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1050\/revisions\/1263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/pta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}