Application Requirements

Step 1:

Mandatory Information Session Attendance

Applicants must attend a Mandatory Information Session during the academic year prior to admission (after August, 2023). Upcoming dates are available by visiting: https://www.northshore.edu/academics/programs/pta/mandatory-information-sessions.html. Attendance will be recorded.

 

Step 2: 

ATI TEAS Exam

The ATI TEAS exam is preferred to be taken in person at NSCC. Students whose score reports reflect that they have tested more than three times or at another location other than NSCC must also submit an official TEAS transcript from ATI: https://atitesting.com/ati_store/ Additional charges may apply. TEAS inquiries may be directed to: TEAS@northshore.edu

 

Applicants must take the ATI TEAS Version 7. There is no remote option. 

 

Applicants are limited to three attempts within a year (September 1 - August 31), regardless of the testing site and program to which they are applying.

 

Each of the following sections are required to be taken: Reading; Math; Science; and English - and all scores will be included in the review process. A minimum overall academic preparedness of 60 percent (Proficient) score must be achieved in order to apply to the PTA Program.  

 

*Applicants who have a Bachelor’s Degree from an institution recognized by the US Department of Higher Education are not required to take the TEAS and will have this requirement waived .

Step 3: 

NSCC Online Application for Admission

Submit the online application for the year for which you are applying; regardless of whether you are a new or current student (a previously submitted application does not count). Once you submit your application, the remaining required documents (below) may be uploaded to your account.

 

High School Transcript or GED score report

Upload a copy of your high school transcript or GED score report.  If you previously submitted the transcript or score report and attended classes within the past 5 years, then Enrollment likely has it on file.  You can confirm by emailing: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu

 

Biology Requirement

Complete ONE of the following options:

• BIO211 with a grade of C or higher 
• BIO101 or BIO105 with a grade of C or higher (no time limit)
• TEAS - Science section score of 50% or higher (no time limit)
• LPN Certificate (no time limit)
• Bachelor of Science in Biological Science (no time limit)
• One of the following within the past 5 calendar years:
  • High School Biology with a C or higher
  • CLEP test with a score of 50 or higher
  • AP Biology Test with a 3 or higher

 

Communications Proficiency

There are many ways to demonstrate this. (See link below.) If you have demonstrated proficiency with your SAT scores or Accuplacer testing from another institution, please upload that document to your application. If you have demonstrated proficiency with your high school GPA or with college level courses, this will be updated upon review of your submitted materials. 

http://www.northshore.edu/academics/proficiency/communications-proficiency.html

 

Math Proficiency

There are many ways to demonstrate this. (See link below.) If you have demonstrated proficiency with your SAT scores or Accuplacer testing from another institution, please upload that document to your application. If you have demonstrated proficiency with your high school GPA or with college level courses, this will be updated upon review of your submitted materials.

http://www.northshore.edu/academics/proficiency/math-proficiency.html

 

Essay

A word-processed essay written in the English language must be uploaded for the year in which you are applying. (Essay must be typed. Grammar and spelling are considered in addition to content and quality of your essay.)

- Please state why you would like to pursue a Physical Therapist Assistant career and describe qualities that you possess that would make you a good candidate for our program. Identify strategies that you will use to ensure success in the program. The essay should be 1-2 pages in length and must answer both questions. 

 

Official transcripts from all Colleges/ Universities previously attended

All official college transcripts from previously attended Colleges/Universities must be submitted directly to NSCC and uploaded by Admissions staff. If you have previously submitted transcripts and have since completed courses or are currently registered for courses, then you need to submit an updated transcript. Transcripts may be sent electronically from your college(s) to NSCC at: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu or mailed to: North Shore Community College, Attn: Admissions/Health Programs, 1 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers, MA 01923

Students seeking credit for previously completed courses from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program and/or Physical Therapy related courses must provide:

• an official transcript indicating enrollment in courses within the last 2 years
• 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 
• course description and syllabi. Additional documents can be emailed to: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu 

NOTE: an informational meeting may be required by the Department Chairperson.  Previous PTA/ PT courses may not align with the NSCC curriculum and therefore may not transfer.