Program Admissions

The HESI is an aptitude exam used in the application process for the PTA program. This is a 3½-hour test with multiple sections, used to compare our applicants to other healthcare program applicants nationwide. Applicants will be scored in five areas on the HESI A2 exam:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biology
• Grammar
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary and Knowledge

This test can be taken at the Utah Tech Professional Testing Center by appointment (435-652-7667). This exam is also used for other health science programs, so be sure to indicate that you are taking it for the PTA program. The results must be uploaded as part of your online application. The results you submit must be from a test taken within one year, and applicants are limited to three retakes.

When students take the exam at The Professional Testing Center they create an account with Elsevier (My Evolve). After students are finished with their tests their results are uploaded in their account. Results are typically available between 24-48 hours.

There are many different study guides/resources available for the HESI A2 exam. Here are two study resources other students have recommended:

• HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, 5th Edition, available for purchase at the campus bookstore.
• https://nursehub.com/
• https://www.pocketprep.com/

Utah Tech Testing Center

A completed Physical Therapist Assistant Program Job Shadowing/Observation Form is required, verifying a minimum of 16 hours of physical therapy observation or job shadowing. The completed form must be signed by the facility.

Please Note: A completed Job Shadowing/Observation Form will be required to apply to the program.

Job Shadowing/Observation Form

This form must be completed and submitted with your application in order for you to qualify for bonus points on your application for employment and/or volunteer experience in healthcare settings. This experience must be direct patient care-related. Each position listed must be verified by the supervisor.

Healthcare Work History Form

This form must be completed and submitted with your application if you have ever been admitted to, attended or completed any other Health Sciences program.

Prior Program Information Form

For students accepted into the Physical Therapist Assistant program, there will be a mandatory one-day program orientation held in early August 2025 here at Utah Tech University.

• Orientation will run from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
• The orientation will cover program policies and expected behaviors, as well as an introduction to leadership and communication based on the book The 7 Habits for Highly Successful College Students, by Sean Covey.
• This orientation will set the tone and expectations for students, faculty, and the program.  All students accepted into the program are required to attend.