Mercyhurst University - North East. Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Enter one of today’s most rapidly growing and rewarding careers through the physical therapist assistant associate degree program at Mercyhurst North East. Our PTA program will prepare you to become an important member of a health care team, where you will work under a physical therapist to provide hands-on care that helps improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Through both classroom and clinical work, you will gain knowledge and skills in services ranging from the use of physical agents such as therapeutic heat and cold, electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound; application and instruction of therapeutic exercise techniques; functional mobility training; and data collection skills to monitor strength, range of motion, sensation, and reflexes.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to complete the National Physical Therapy Examination for the physical therapist assistant, which is required by most states to become certified / licensed as a PTA. Additional information about the field of physical therapy can be accessed through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Admission Requirements for PTA:
In addition to Mercyhurst North East's standard requirements for admission, which include a high school diploma, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and either an ACT, SAT or MNE Placement Test score, individuals applying for admission to the physical therapist assistant program are subject the following standards:

Applicant must be a high school graduate or GED recipient with minimum overall C+ average
Applicant must have completed high school courses in algebra, biology AND chemistry, with a minimum grade of C in each course.
Preference will be given to applicants with SAT scores at or above 900 (two section total) or a 20 composite score on the ACT test.
Applicant may be required to take the MNE Placement Test (COMPASS) to determine placement in appropriate English and math courses.
The skills test is required for students who achieved below 900 on their SATs (two section total), students who achieved below a 20 on sections of their ACTs, or have never taken the SATs or ACTs, as well as those who have been out of school for several years.
If an applicant does not meet the required scores to enter into College Writing I and/or Elementary Algebra, he or she must take preparatory classes. Placement into College Writing I and Elementary Algebra will enable the student to enter into the two-year track program of study. If preparatory English or Math are required, a three-year track will be recommended.
Drug testing may be required based on clinical facility placement.
All students enrolled in the program will submit a criminal record check prior to the start of clinical rotations in the second fall term.
Applicant must complete a total of 20 hours of documented work or volunteer experience in two different physical therapy settings under the supervision of a licensed PT or PTA prior to the start of classes. Download a clinical observation form here, which you must take with you to the observation.
Applicants must also must submit two recommendation forms from a teacher, employer or other reference.
Official, final transcripts are required before the start of classes.
Transferring in from another college? Transfers are welcome in this program, assuming we get a final, official college transcript from each college you have attended. If you still owe another college money, and cannot get a transcript, you will not be permitted to start classes. Check out our credit transfer policies to get an idea of what credits may transfer in.

If you should have any questions regarding your admission into the program, please contact this program's admissions counselor, Adam Grady, for more information by calling (814) 725-6279 or by email (agrady@mercyhurst.edu).