Registration for NSCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is CLOSED for Fall 2025. All information sessions for Fall 2025 admissions have concluded.
Fall 2025 Admissions
Priority Application Deadline: Passed
Application Inquiries: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
Checklist: Download the Application Checklist
Step 1: Attend a Mandatory Information Session
Before applying, all students must attend an Information Session 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 (10+ minutes) will not be admitted and must attend
a future session. Info sessions will be recorded.
No Upcoming Sessions
For information or concerns about this program's info sessions, please email hpadmin@northshore.edu.
Step 2: Take the ATI TEAS Exam
Exam Requirements:
- Must be taken at NSCC (online TEAS exams not accepted)
- ATI TEAS Version 7 required
- Max 3 attempts per academic year (Sept 1 - Aug 31)
- 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 order to apply to the PTA Program.
TEAS Exam Exemption
If you hold a Bachelor of Science degree and have completed Anatomy & Physiology I & II with a C or better, the TEAS requirement is waived.
For information or concerns about the ATI TEAS Exam, please contact TEAS@northshore.edu.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Submit the Selective Admissions Application for the year you are applying (previous applications do not count).
Required Documents
- Completed application
- Essay (see Step 4)
- TEAS scores (if taken at NSCC, these will be attached automatically)
- Other supporting materials (see below)
Step 4: Write & Submit Your Essay
Upload your word-processed essay with your application. The essay should be typed, approximately 1-2 pages in length, and must answer all questions.
Prompt: Why do you want to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?
- What qualities make you a strong candidate for the program?
- What steps will you take to ensure success?
Step 5: Submit 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
- Email: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
- Mail:
NSCC Admissions Office
1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923
Transfer Students Requirements
Transfer students from an accredited Physical Therapy 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.
Additional documents can be emailed to: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu.
Note: An informational meeting with the Department Chairperson may be required as part of the transfer evaluation process. 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.
Step 6: 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 >
Step 7: 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.
Additional Requirements
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+)
- AP Biology Test (score 3+)
Program Questions
dcaruso@northshore.edu
978-762-4165
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.