Physical Therapist Assistant Students must demonstrate, with or without appropriate academic adjustments or reasonable modifications to policies and practices (see Disability Accommodations below) the ability to perform safely, reliably and efficiently and in compliance with legal and ethical standards at minimum the functions listed while enrolled in the technical phase of the PTA program. Those essential functions are outlined in the Essential Requirements Form.

All students admitted to the program will be offered the opportunity and encouraged to alert faculty to any limitations which might impact their accessibility and completion of the program. Any student who identifies or displays limitations with any of the above mentioned skills, should work with PTA faculty to determine realistic and acceptable accommodations or ways to compensate, so that the student can have potential for success in the program. Accommodations used in the program will be structured to be consistent with situations the student could expect in the clinical work environment.

The PTA Program at Louisiana Christian University is in agreement with and adheres to the college’s policy noted below on accommodations for individuals with disabilities: 

“A student that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and who desires modifications or accommodations should contact the Director of the Program to Assist Student Success (Student Success Center) 487-7629 for information and guidance.” 

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the department if there is any reason they cannot meet the standards for the PTA Program with or without reasonable accommodation. 

In order to be considered as a candidate for the Louisiana College PTA Program, applicants must possess a successful academic record as evidenced by a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. Due to the competitive nature of the application process, a higher overall GPA may be desirable. Application packets must include TWO official (original) transcripts from each/every university/college attended. Transcripts must be received by the student in a sealed envelope bearing the Registrar’s signature on the envelope’s back flap. All official transcripts are to remain in the sealed envelopes and submitted in the application packet. Courses and grades from one school printed on another college’s transcripts are not acceptable. Applicants planning to enroll in classes during the Spring 2023 semester must have additional transcripts sent upon completion of the term.

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of observation in two different types of physical therapy settings (minimum of 60 total hours). A Clinical Observation Form is to be completed by a licensed physical therapist in each setting in which at least 30 hours of observation were completed. Two Clinical Observation Forms are contained within this application packet (one for each clinical setting). Although a minimum of 60 hours of observation is required, additional hours increase the applicant's selection rating score thereby increasing his/her chance of being accepted.

Applicants are to complete section A of the Clinical Observation Form and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the form to each physical therapist that will provide the documentation. Only one physical therapist per facility may complete a form. Each form should be submitted in the application packet in a sealed envelope with the therapist’s signature written across the seal. Clinical Observation Forms must be submitted in this manner in order to be considered with the application.

Candidates must possess the personal characteristics necessary to meet the program goals as evidenced by Reference Evaluation Forms. Applicants are required to provide three non-family members with Reference Evaluation Forms to be completed and returned to the applicant using the self-addressed envelope provided by the applicant.

Forms cannot be completed by the physical therapist completing the Clinical Observation Form. Completed Reference Evaluation Forms are to be returned in the application packet to the Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant Program office in a sealed envelope with the signature of the individual completing the form across the seal. Reference Evaluation Forms must be submitted in this manner in order to be considered with the application.

The Joint Commission, which accredits healthcare facilities across the country, enforced background screening beginning in September 2004 and has set requirements for students in the healthcare field to complete the same background check as hospital employees. A criminal history may also disqualify one from becoming licensed as a physical therapist assistant in the state of Louisiana.

A background investigation and drug screening must be completed prior to acceptance into the Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Applicants are responsible for the payment of $123.00 to cover the cost of their background investigation and drug screening which must be conducted by CastleBranch®.

To initiate your background clearance and drug screening, go to the CastleBranch® website (https://portal.castlebranch.com/LQ23 ) and follow the step-by-step process. Only the background check and drug screen should be purchased and completed at this time; the compliance tracker is not required until full entry into the program has been granted. The profile information you input will be sent directly to the program office upon completion.

The following searches are required for students beginning the clinical rotation program through the Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant Program and are offered as a package through the CastleBranch Link above:

1. Parish Criminal History Record Search
2. Nationwide Record Indictor
3. 5 Hair Follicle Drug Testing
4. Social Security Alert
5. Residence History
6. Healthcare Fraud and Abuse

A copy of the registration form required for completion of the background check and drug screening which are available from the CastleBranch® website, must be included in the complete application packet. Please initiate your background check as soon as possible to ensure all searches are completed by the deadline for application submission. If you should have any questions, please contact the PTA program office at 318-487-7162.