Applying to the PTA Program

The PTA program is a competitive entrance program. Application to the program is made separately from application for admission to Missouri Western. The PTA program accepts one cohort per year, which begins in the Fall semester. The annual deadline for standard application to the program is March 1st.  

Application to the PTA program is open to current MWSU 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:

  • Completed online application form and $20 application fee:
    • If you are a current MWSU student, access the online application form here. 
    • If you are NOT currently a MWSU student (including transfer students and first-time freshmen) click here to access the online application form. 
  • High school and any college transcripts: These may be official or unofficial, and should be uploaded to the application form where indicated. 
    • 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.  
  • ACT composite (or ATI-TEAS) score report: 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. 
  • At least 24 hours of observation of a PT or PTA: Applicants should download and print this form to take with them to the site of observation. The PT/PTA observed must complete the form and then mail or email it directly to the PTA program (pta@missouriwestern.edu). Information related to observation should also be entered into the application where indicated. 
  • Up to 3 letters of recommendation: Applicants should enter the name and email of three references on their application form. Once the application form is received, the PTA program will contact these three references by email to have them complete a standardized recommendation form. References can submit a letter of recommendation directly to the program by mail or email in addition to completing the standardized form. 

PTA Early Acceptance Pathway (EAP):

Any applicant may apply for the “Early Acceptance Pathway” (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 1st and February 1st  prior to the semester in which they intend to start the program.  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. 

Criteria for Early Acceptance are:

  • Completed online application form and $20 application fee:
    • If you are a current MWSU student, click here to access the online application form. 
    • If you are NOT currently a MWSU student (including transfer students and first-time freshmen) click here to access the online application form. 
  • ACT composite score of 20 or above, OR ATI-TEAS overall score of 55.5% or above
  • GPA of at least 2.7, which must be maintained in order to remain eligible for early acceptance. If an EAP student’s GPA drops below 2.7 prior to the start of the program, their application will be switched to the “Standard Application” pathway, and will be reviewed for consideration with all other standard applications. They are not guaranteed a seat in the cohort.  
  • Successful completion (grade of C or better) of BIO 101, BIO 250, and ALH 106 (or equivalent transfer credit).

Any questions regarding eligibility for the PTA program EAP, application requirements, or application status may be directed to pta@missouriwestern.edu.