Pre-Reqs and PTCAS

[CSB68940]

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I have a question concerning Pre-Reqs and PTCAS. I was looking around on the PTCAS website and know that different programs will accept different courses as pre-reqs. I have done fairly well in all my pre-reqs, thus far. However, I received a B in a gen. biology lab my freshman year ( A in lecture) and I took Zoology with lab, and got an A in both lab and lecture. Could the Zoology be used in place of that gen. biology class? Does PTCAS allow you to select the courses you want to be applicable for that pre-req requirement? Also, I can begin the application process next July/Aug for schools, can I start recording observation hours and such on PTCAS? I thought I read somewhere that they erase data entered when the new application cycle begins, or something of that nature.

 

[PTHopeful12]

Hello, I may be able to answer some questions as I just sent in my applications. When entering your PTCAS courses one by one, you will select which courses are your prereqs such as bio lec I and bio lab I etc. I believe, ( I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong) If you are applying to ALL schools that DO accept zoology in place of bio than you can put your zoology down. But I have to say while doing my research I noticed many schools do not accept it. So if you are applying to ALL schools that accept it than it shouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, you are not able to send different prereqs to different schools so if you apply to schools that DO NOT accept zoology than you would have to put down your bio lab since all will accept that. (I know for my psych classes I was able to choose which ones I wanted to count as my prereqs since I took several. )
As for observation hours, it is great to get started early! Unfortunately you have to start a whole new application each cycle so the observation hours would not carry over. So hold off on starting an application. I have to say though, I made an account last year and it was very helpful just to look at the application itself to see what it was looking for. It made applying this year much easier knowing how it was set up.

I hope I didn't confuse you too much and I hope I was able to help. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with! Good Luck!

 

[CSB68940]

Thank you, you answered all my questions. I have well over 1,000 hours in acute care ( cardiovascular, pulmonary, geriatric, orthopedic, neuro and long -term critical care) and just have 16 hrs in outpatient ortho and 9 hours in home health pt. I am working on building up my outpatient and looking to get some pediatric experience ( although that is hard to come by where I live at). Is there any other environment that I am not thinking of?

 

[RunnerGirl30]

CSB, you have PLENTY of hours in my opinion...I bet Admissions will be very impressed with the number and variety of settings and populations. Don't stress too much about adding more hours.

 

[CSB68940]

Thanks! It is just one of those things that I feel I will never be prepared for. Applying to schools is quite scary! I am working on landing a summer internship at Vanderbilt Medical Center through the Vanderbilt clinic ( outpatient ortho.) and Stallworth Rehab Hospital. I personally love volunteering because I enjoy the PT career so much. It gives me motivation to get through school because, lets face it, classes can sometimes get you down! It helps me to keep my eyes on the "prize."

 

[SB06]

I am a little confused as to how PTCAS works, and how I can best track my observation hours. I am planning on applying next summer (2012) so I do not think I can start my application yet (correct me if I'm wrong! 🙂) But I wanted to get started on hours. I have a job that should account for a lot of hours, but I am doing some days in hospitals too to get different settings. Is there any paperwork I should take with me to have the therapists sign off on now, or do I just have to wait until I can apply with PTCAS? Thanks for any advice!
Shannon

 

[Litlwarrior08]

SB06
I created my own spead sheet to track hours, for each place I observed. I noted who my contacts were, addresses, phone etc. PTCAS will also wants the PT lisc. number and email. You will want to be aware if your PT changes facilities. I had one change jobs but I keep in touch via email and facebook. When PTCAS opens next summer you just post total hours and can post hrs in progress as well. Some school programs have dead lines for completion of obs hrs. I think you can register now but not submit an app -don't pay- and get into the system to see how it works. there is also a link to download directions with out registering. go to their main page. PTCAS.org click on left link instructions-general-then you will see the downloadable instruction link, power pt,etc. Observations can be tracked by paper or electronic.....PTCAS has a form but it is highly recommended that you do electron if you are required to have hours "verified". You are correct you should not apply until 2012 if matriculating in 2013. Hope this heads you in the right direction. It is good that you are looking into this ahead of time. Good luck.