Program Mission 

In keeping with the mission of Amarillo College, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program has a mission to provide the student with positive learning experiences within an atmosphere of academic excellence and to assure that the student acquires the knowledge, skills, and other abilities required of the entry-level physical therapist assistant to enhance the service area.

Program Philosophy

A career in health is chosen and prepared for with a dedication of the individual to the dignity and mental and physical well-being of the patient. Immediately upon entering the program, the student assumes an obligation of service to the patient, Amarillo College, and the community-at-large.

Program Goals

• The Amarillo College PTA Program will produce clinically competent graduates who will be able to work as an entry-level physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
• The Amarillo College PTA Program will produce graduates who can exhibit effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The Amarillo College PTA Program will produce graduates who can express effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills in a culturally competent manner with patients and their families, and other health care providers.
• The Amarillo College PTA Program faculty will provide students with positive learning experiences and a curriculum based on current physical therapy practice within an atmosphere of academic excellence.
• The Amarillo College PTA Program will promote the importance of continuing personal and professional development through life-long learning opportunities and membership in professional organizations.

Application Process

Applications for the next Physical Therapist Assistant Program are open from February 3 – April 25.

• Eight hours of observation with a licensed PT or PTA are required. The observation log must be submitted through the online application website.
• Prerequisite courses:
  • BIOL 2401: Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL 2402: Anatomy and Physiology II
  • PSYC 2314: Lifespan Developmental Psychology
  • ENGL 1301: Freshman Comp
  • HITT 1205: Medical Terminolgy I
  • 3 hours of Speech
  • 3 hours of Language, Philosophy, or Culture/Creative Arts
• Immunizations are required by the Texas Department of Health and are due at the time the application is submitted.  You must submit proof of the following immunizations with your application to the PTA program:
  • Hepatitis B (this is a 3 shot series and will take 6 months to complete)
  • Varicella titer or physician statement concerning past Varicella illness (for those who have had chickenpox) or the Varicella vaccine (for those who have not had chickenpox)
  • MMR (2 doses)
  • Tetanus (this must have been completed in the last 10 years)
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Annual flu shot
  • Current TB test (this expires annually)
  • Proof of COVID immunizations or completion of approved AC medical or religious exemption waiver
• Meet with Program Advisor, Amanda McKee, prior to submitting Health Sciences Application, to verify that you have completed the prerequisites that are required before you can be accepted into the program.  
• Attend an Informational Meeting on the Amarillo College West Campus Allied Health Building. You will need to attend one of the following dates:
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025 -11:00 am-12:30 pm, In-person,  AC West Campus, Allied Health Building, Rm 165    
  • Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 5:00 pm-6:30 pm, In-person, AC West Campus, Allied Health Building, Rm 165                                
  • Friday, May 2, 2025 - 5:00 pm-6:30 pm, In-person, AC West Campus, Allied Health Building, Rm 165

Selection Timetable

During the last week of May, the points for all applicants will be calculated and the 22 applicants with the highest scores will be selected for entry into the PTA program. In the event of a tie, the reported HESI scores will be used to select applicants to enter the program. Students not selected will be placed on a waiting list and encouraged to reapply the following year.  Students will be accepted off of the waiting list until the first day of fall classes.

Applicants will receive an email with acceptance status on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Accepted students must confirm their acceptance by 5 pm Monday, June 2, 2025.

After conditional acceptance to the PTA Program, the applicant will be required to submit the following documents:

• Essential Expectation of the PTA form OR a physical examination form completed by the applicant's physician.  Find the Essential Expectation form here. 
• Amarillo College Release and Waiver of Liability form
• Background check through Complio
• 10-Panel drug screen through Complio

• PTA Student Financial Sheet 
• Essential Expectations of PTA Students
• Student Handbook
• Student Support Services
• For more information about physical therapy, check out these links:
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Texas Physical Therapy Association
  • Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners