Click here for Information about our PTA Basic Refresher Course

Q. How long is the waiting list to get into the Lake Superior College PTA program?

A. There currently a short waiting list for the program.  Students interested in beginning technical PTA courses who have completed all prerequisite courses, volunteer work, and the Prerequisite Verification Form by March 1 will be invited to start classes in the fall. Students who complete requirements (courses or volunteer work) after March 1 will be accepted as they complete requirements until the program is full. If more than 16 students complete all requirements by Match 1, a waiting list is developed.

Q. When will I be contacted about whether I can start the program?

A. You will be contacted only if you complete a Prerequisite Verification Form (PVF) each year you wish to be considered. These forms are due by March 1, although they will be accepted after that time if all 16 spots in the program have not been filled. Without this form completed, we have no way of knowing whether you have completed prerequisite courses and are still interested in the program.

For those who complete the PVF, we will notify you in late March or early April about starting the program in the fall.  Please note that we only accept students who have completed all entry criteria.

Q. My volunteer work will not be completed by March 1. Can I still start the program in the fall?

A. If there is space available, students who complete volunteer work after March 1 will be allowed to start the program in the fall. Spots in the program are filled as requirements are completed, so students are encouraged to complete requirements as early as possible.

Q. I haven’t taken Medical Terminology yet. Can I still start the program?

A. Technically, no. You MUST take the three (3) pre-technical course requirements (College Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, and Medical Terminology) PRIOR to starting PTA courses, or petition to be allowed to take one or more of them concurrently with PTA courses. These courses provide a foundation for the first-semester PTA courses. If there is space available and you are able to take your pre-technical courses over the summer prior to the fall semester (many of these courses are available on-line), you would then be able to start the program in the fall.

Q. I have heard the program is pretty intense. Is is possible to hold a part-time job while being enrolled in the PTA program?

A. Most students with good study habits are able to work part-time (10-25 hours/week) while enrolled in our program. Some students may find they can work more hours and not fall behind with studying. Other students prefer to concentrate fully on their studying and not work at all while going to school. Students in our program recommend that the majority of work hours be completed on the weekends rather than during the week.

Q. Can I attend the PTA program on a part-time basis?

A. We will consider written requests for part-time program status. This would allow a student to complete the program in four years, including all general education and technical PTA courses. The first three years would involve approximately 9 credits per semester. The final (fourth) year would require full-time status with approximately 14 credits per semester. Full-time clinical experiences (which occur during the final year of the program) are 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, for 15 weeks, whether on full or part-time status. Students interested in a part-time track need to be aware that scheduling of courses may still require a part-time student to be on campus five days per week.   In some cases, financial aid may not cover the program if taken on a part-time basis.

It is our belief that the program is best done full-time as the courses taught are inter-related. All courses offered in a given semester are best taken simultaneously. Most students going through the program take a full load of courses each semester.

Written requests for part-time prpgram status should be directed to Jane Worley, PT, Program Director, or sent via e-mail to j.worley@lsc.edu

Q. Do you offer a night-time program?

A. No. At this time we offer all classes during the weekdays (between 8:00am and 6:00pm). We do not anticipate the demand for night-time classes will be sufficient to offer such a program.

Q. Do you offer an online program?

A. Most of the general education courses can be completed online, but all technical PTA courses are offered on campus only. A PTA Refresher Course is available online.

Q. Can I schedule all of the full-time internships near my home?

A. Probably not all of them. While we realize it would be more convenient for students to complete all internships close to home, we have a limited number of facilities that will take students for the internships. A lottery system is used for choosing internship sites, and choice of internship sites is based on the number you draw in the lottery. To be fair to all students, no special exceptions are made for student who have jobs in the area, family, or financial considerations, although we do our best to find acceptable sites for all students. Students entering the PTA program should prepare for the possibility that they may need to travel to one or more of their internship sites. For more information, contact Brenda Martin at (218) 733-5920.

Q. Can I go on to become a physical therapist after completing the PTA program?

A. Yes. Lake Superior College has an agreement with the College of St. Scholastica that helps bridge the gap between the PTA program and the PT program. At least nine (9) additional courses are necessary prior to starting the PT program; these course can be taken at Lake Superior College.

Q. Where do physical therapist assistants work?

A. PTAs can work in the following settings: outpatient clinics, sports medicine centers, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, school systems, home health care, education (teaching), and sales.

Q. What is the starting salary for a physical therapist assistant in the Duluth/Superior area?

A. The starting salary for a new graduate in this area ranges from about $14.50 to $19.00 an hour, with some higher salaries seen in long-term care settings.

Q. What is the job market like for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants?

A. Currently there are multiple jobs in the region available to our graduates, and many more available nationwide. Most of our program graduates (typically 95% or greater of those available to work) find employment in PT within 6 months of graduation. 

Q. I want to become licensed as a PTA. What are the steps I need to take?

A. The first step is to apply for licensure in a state that licenses PTAs. Go to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy web site to find contact information. In many cases, you can download application materials from the web site for the state. You can also pay for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the FSBPT web site. You will not be able to make an appointment to take the licensure exam until after you have received an “Authorization to Test” letter.

Web site for the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

Web site for the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing

Q. How much does it cost to take the national board exam?

A. The total cost, including application for state licensure, exam fee, and fee to FSBPT, varies by state but runs between $500 and $600.

Q. Where and when do I take the national board exam?

A. The test is computerized and administered by Prometric. Appointments can be scheduled with Prometric after the “Authorization to Test” letter is received. Prometric has locations throughout the country, including Duluth, MN. To find a test site near you, click here.

Q. How should I study for the exam??

A. You should study well! This is not an easy exam! Nationally, 75% of students who take the exam for the first time pass (meaning 25% do not pass). Taking a licensure preparation course and/or purchasing home-study materials are highly recommended. Having a well-developed study plan is also very important. It is very helpful to use an assessment tool to determine strong and weak areas. The LSC PTA Program recommends taking multiple, full-length practice exams on a computer prior to taking the actual exam. If scores on the practice exams are not passing scores, students should study more and consider seeking test-taking help prior to taking the NPTE.

LSC has other resources for studying; please click on the link below for more details.

Other Tips for Preparing for the NPTE

Q. When is Minnesota going to license its PTAs?

A. Licensure for physical therapist assistants is required effective July 1, 2008! Visit the MN Board of Physical Therapy Web site for application forms and information.