Fall 2026 Physical Therapist Assistant Admissions
Priority Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
Application Inquiries: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
Checklist: Download the Application Checklist
Attend a Mandatory Information Session
Applicants must attend a Physical Therapist Assistant Information Session (between August 2025 - May 2026) to learn about admission requirements, curriculum, clinical experiences, and the application process.
Location: Virtual (Zoom) & In-Person (Danvers Campus)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Attendance: Arrive on time! Late arrivals (5+ minutes) will not be admitted and must attend a
future session. Attendance will be recorded.
Take the ATI TEAS Exam
Exam Requirements:
- Preferred that TEAS are taken at NSCC (online TEAS exams not accepted)
- Exams taken in testing locations other than NSCC must adhere to the proctoring requirements with a secured browser.
- ATI TEAS Version 7 required.
- Max 3 attempts per academic year (Sept 1 - Aug 31) regardless of the testing site and program to which they are applying.
- Tests from other locations require an official transcript from ATI (Order Here)
Minimum TEAS Scores
A minimum overall academic preparedness of 60 percent (Proficient) score must be achieved in the following sections:
- Reading
- Math
- Science
- English
TEAS Exam Exemption
- If you hold a Bachelor's degree from an institution recognized by the US Department of Higher Education, the TEAS requirement is waived.
For information or concerns about the ATI TEAS Exam, please contact TEAS@northshore.edu.
Complete the Application
Submit the Selective Admissions Application regardless of whether you are a new or current student.
Required Documents
- Completed application
- Essay
- TEAS scores
- Other supporting materials (see below)
Write & Submit Your Essay
A word-processed essay, written in the English language, must be attached for the year in which you are applying. The essay should be approximately 1-2 pages in length and must answer all questions.
Prompt: Why you would like to pursue a Physical Therapist Assistant career?
- What qualities that you possess that would make you a good candidate our program?
- What strategies will you take to ensure success?
Submit all previous College/University Transcripts
All official transcripts from previous colleges/universities must be sent directly to NSCC. If you’ve already submitted transcripts, you must send updated ones if you’ve completed additional coursework.
How to Submit
May be sent from your College(s) to NSCC:
1. Email: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
2. Mail:
NSCC Admissions Office
1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923
Transfer Students Requirements
Transfer students from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program must submit the following:
-
- Official transcript verifying enrollment in Physical Therapy courses within the last two years.
- Course syllabi from all previously completed Physical Therapy courses.
- A grade of "B" or better in a comparable PTA/ PT course is required for transfer credit.
Transfer credits are not guaranteed
and will be evaluated upon acceptance into the program. Previous PTA/ PT courses may not align with the NSCC curriculum and therefore may not transfer.
Additional documents can be emailed to: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu.
Note: An informational meeting with the Department Chairperson is required as part of the
transfer evaluation process.
Review all Physical Therapist Assistant Policies >
Demonstrate Proficiency
Upload documentation to your application. Communications & Mathematics Proficiency can be demonstrated in multiple ways:
- SAT scores
- Accuplacer tests
- High school GPA
- College coursework
More on Communications Proficiency >
More on Math Proficiency >
Submit High School Transcript or GED
Upload your high school transcript or GED score report. If you submitted this within the last 5 years, confirm with SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu.
Biology Requirement
Applicants must meet ONE of the following:
- BIO211 (grade C or higher)
- BIO101 or BIO105 (grade C or higher, no time limit)
- TEAS - Science Section (50% or higher, no time limit)
- LPN Certificate (no time limit)
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Science (no time limit)
- Within the last 5 years:
-
- High School Biology (C or higher)
- CLEP test (score 50 or higher)
- AP Biology Test (score 3 or higher)
-
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.
Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
The PTA program at North Shore Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please email or call Diane Caruso at dcaruso@northshore.edu or 978-762-4165.