Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Admission Requirements

The successful applicant for admission to the associate of science program must meet the general college requirements for admission to Mercy College and the criteria listed below:

1. High School Students:

   1. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.7

   2. Minimum ACT composite score of 20 or better

2. Transfer Students:

   1. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the last college attended (minimum of 9 credits)

   2. Complete nine college credit hours specific to the Mercy College ASPTA curriculum, achieve a grade of “C” or above (not “C-“) in each course.

3. Have earned a grade of “C” or above (not “C-) in each of the high school (or college equivalent) courses:

   1. English

   2. Biology

   3. Algebra I

   4. Physics

4. Provide documentation of a 40-hour observation in a Physical Therapy department at two levels of care (e.g. acute hospital, skilled nursing facility, school setting, out-patient physical therapy clinic) is required. Equivalent work experience in rehabilitation will be accepted to fulfill one of the two levels of care experience required. The program chair reviews completed files and sends information and forms for the observation experience. The observation must be completed prior to the applicant being scheduled for an interview.

5. Achieve an interview score of 80% or higher with the Selection Committee. This interview is scheduled when all other admissions requirements have been met.

MCHS is seeking accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org).  The program has submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage.  Submission of the document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status nor does it assure that the program will be granted Accreditation.  Contact the admissions office for further information on the status of our application.