Due to the high academic demands of the PTA program, students are encouraged to complete many of the related Arts and Sciences requirements before entering the program. All students must complete Anatomy and Physiology before entering the program (BIOL-2710 or BIOL-2310). Students are also required to complete a 40-hour volunteer or employment experience in a physical therapy facility prior to the first semester of PTA study.
The State of Michigan does not require licensure for PTAs. Students are eligible for employment as soon as all degree requirements are completed.
Prior to beginning the first clinical course (PTAS-2340) students need to be aware of the following requirements:
Health Requirements
Complete history and physical exam by a Licensed Physician
Titers to determine immunity to communicable diseases
Hepatitis vaccine
TB test or Chest X-ray
CPR Certification
Students need to complete a CPR course: Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers and need to maintain certification for the duration of the time they are completing clinical training. (Certification may be obtained by taking HEDU-2750 or PHED-2070)
Transportation, Uniforms and Supplies
Students are responsible for all transportation and parking fees to clinical agencies. Each clinical site determines clinical dress code and hours of attendance.
Criminal Background Check/Drug Screening
Many of the clinical agencies that Macomb Community College contracts with require a criminal background check and drug screen for all PTA students at their facilities. Criminal background checks are conducted routinely for admission to the program. Clinical placements may be denied to students who have been convicted of a crime and will result in the inability to complete the program. Therefore, all students are required to undergo a criminal background check, and are required to submit the results of a drug screen to the secretary of the PTA program at the beginning of the program. Drug screening will be completed at the student's expense. Students who fail to complete the above will not be allowed to participate in clinical.