PTA Program Admission Requirements

The first step to admission is to attend an information session. 
These informal seminars discuss admission requirements, the application and selection process and curriculum and career opportunities. Click here for information session dates and times.

NOTE: Students from Anne Arundel County should contact Anne Arundel Community College for information and admissions requirements. Students from Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties should contact Chesapeake College for information and admissions requirements. Students from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties should contact College of Southern Maryland for more information and admissions requirements.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program Guidelines

• The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program only accepts students in the fall of each academic year. 
• Admission to the PTA program is separate from regular admission to the college.
• Since clinical space is limited, prospective students must complete all academic and admission requirements by the PTA application deadline. For each fall admission, applications will be available in November online and at your home college. If application deadline falls on a weekend, then applications will be accepted until the close of business on the next business day.
• Chesapeake College and College of Southern Maryland give first consideration for selection to candidates whose resident address is in the service areas of their home colleges. AACC no longer gives selection preference to Anne Arundel County residents.
• Students who are conditionally accepted into the PTA program must submit proof of CPR, a complete health examination record and criminal background check.

Admission / Academic Requirements
Please note: Selection criteria have been revised! Please review the admissions information carefully.
To view each college’s admissions requirements, please click on your home college below:

• Anne Arundel Community College
• Chesapeake College
• College of Southern Maryland

Applications

Applications for the Fall 2025 class is as follows:

November 15, 2023 – March 30, 2025 - for College of Southern Maryland.

January 2024 – April 30, 2025 - for Anne Arundel Community College and Chesapeake College.

Only one application to the CACHE PTA program can be submitted.

• Anne Arundel Community College
• Chesapeake College
• College of Southern Maryland

CPR Certification

• Conditionally accepted students must successfully complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR for Health Care Providers course. CPR certification must be valid through graduation. Potential applicants should check with their home colleges for CPR opportunities or with the American Heart Association for class locations.