AAS in Physical Therapist Assistant

How to Apply

All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester in which application occurs. If prerequisite courses are not completed by the end of the spring semester, the applicant must wait until the following spring to apply.

Download the application and follow the directions on the application. The application should be submitted by March 1st of each year at our main physical therapy office on the first floor of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, room 102, or emailed to:

Becky Keith, PTA Program Director
beckeith@astate.edu

PTA - A.A.S. Application

Scoring Applicants

After applications are received, cumulative GPA and prerequisite GPAs are calculated and each volunteer and observation form is scored. This information is used to rank applicants.

The top applicants will then be assessed relative to their ability to read and comprehend by completing a standardized test. Those students demonstrating the ability to read and comprehend at a college sophomore level will proceed to the interview process. Following the interview, scores from the interview are added to previous scores and applicants are again ranked. The top applicants (up to 30) are offered positions in the next cohort of PTA students.

Scored Criteria

• Cumulative GPA (10%)
• Prerequisite GPA (25%)
• Volunteer & Observation Forms (20%)
• Reading Comprehension (25%)
• Interview (20%)

Transfers

Many of our students come from other colleges and universities. Applicants must gain admission to A-STATE by contacting A-STATE Admissions at 870-972-3024 or admissions@astate.edu. Applicants can download the prerequisite checklist form (above, under Degree Plan), obtain a copy of their transcripts, and contact an advisor by emailing beckeith@astate.edu or ssloas@astate.edu.

Typically, most of the PTA prerequisite courses are offered at any community college or university with the exception of PTA 1013 Making Connections in Rehab Services, which is only offered at Arkansas State University.

Applicants can check to see if their courses are transferable to A-STATE by contacting the Registrar Office at 870-972-2031 or registrar@astate.edu or by visiting their website.

Background Checks

Based on recent legislation in Arkansas, students will be required to complete a background check AFTER they receive conditional admission into the program.

Arkansas State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions works with Verified Credentials, Inc. to establish an acceptable screening procedure. The cost of the background check is between $50 and $100.

The program is designed so that one year (26 hours) of general education courses and prerequisites are completed prior to being accepted into the PTA program. Once accepted into the program, students complete one year of professional courses (38 hours). The professional coursework is offered on the Jonesboro campus.

Prerequisite Courses

• Making Connections in Rehab Services (3 credits) - waived for transfer students
• Composition I (3 credits)
• Composition II (3 credits)
• College Algebra or higher math (3 credits)
• Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits – must include lab)
• US History (3 credits)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• Physical Science and lab (4 credits)

Core Values of the A-State PTA Program

The faculty members of the PTA Program embrace the professional core values set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association and strive continually to model these values.  Graduates of the Program are expected to demonstrate a commitment to these core values. 

Accountability

Accountability is active acceptance of the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist assistant including self-regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient/client outcomes, the profession and the health needs of society. 

Altruism

Altruism is the primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients/clients, thus assuming the fiduciary responsibility of placing the needs of the patient/client ahead of the physical therapist assistant’s self interest. 

Compassion / Caring

Compassion is the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience; a precursor of caring.  Caring is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others. 

Excellence

Excellence is physical therapy practice that consistently uses current knowledge and theory while understanding personal limits, integrates judgment and the patient/client perspective, embraces advancement, challenges mediocrity, and works toward development of new knowledge.

Integrity

Integrity is steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or professional standards; truthfulness, fairness, doing what you say you will do, and “speaking forth” about why you do what you do. 

Professional Duty

Professional duty is the commitment to meeting one’s obligations to provide effective physical therapy services to patients/clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society. 

Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness. 

Expected Student Outcomes

Graduates of the A-STATE PTA Program should possess the following qualities: 

Communication

Communicate verbally and nonverbally (including in writing) with those diverse groups of people with whom a physical therapist assistant has routine contact and assess the outcome of such communication in order to determine and improve its overall effectiveness. 

Individual and Cultural Differences

Demonstrate an awareness of the existence of individual and cultural differences, an understanding of the impact of individual and cultural differences on health care delivery, and the ability to alter one’s actions appropriately in response to identified individual and cultural differences. 

Behavior and Conduct 

Demonstrate behaviors that indicate an awareness, understanding and acceptance of the physical therapist assistant’s roles and responsibilities in the profession of physical therapy. 

Plan of Care

Competently administer physical therapy plans of care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. 

Education

Effectively design, implement and assess programs of instruction intended to accomplish pre-established goals for patients, family members, caregivers, other healthcare providers, or members of the public. 

Administration

Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the physical therapist assistant’s role in a health care organization and a commitment to fulfill that role.

Social Responsibility 

Demonstrate awareness and understanding of a physical therapist assistant’s obligation to promote and protect the profession of physical therapy and the health care needs of the public and a commitment to fulfill that obligation. 

Career Development 

Assess one’s current level of career development, identify needs and opportunities to meet those needs, establish goals and monitor progress toward those goals, and direct learning efforts leading to the accomplishment of those goals.

Goals of the A-State PTA Program

Based on the definition of the “Ideal” Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate and the missions of the university, college and program, the PTA Program seeks to achieve the following goals: 

1. Students will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to function safely, efficiently and effectively as entry-level physical therapist assistants under the direction and supervision of physical therapists and will demonstrate evidence of professionalism by following all legal and ethical guidelines including seeking opportunities to serve those in need in their communities. 

2. Graduates will demonstrate clinical competence as entry-level physical therapist assistants under the direction and supervision of physical therapists in the Mississippi Delta region and beyond, work in a manner consistent with their state practice act and APTAs Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant and will pursue lifelong learning and/or service to the profession of physical therapy.

3. Faculty will demonstrate a commitment to the physical therapy profession through activities of professional membership, contributions to the body of physical therapy knowledge, and service and advocacy for the clients and patients that are served. 

4. The program will contribute to the development of faculty, alumni and the professional community by providing opportunities for professional growth.

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Applications received

Applications accepted

Acceptance Rate: 30/56=54% (2024)

Graduation Rates
(National Accreditation Standard: 60% over 2 years)

Ultimate Licensure Pass Rates

(National Accreditation Standard: 85% over 2 years)

1st Time Licensure Pass Rates

Employment Rates

(National Accreditation Standard: 90% over 2 years)

* Rates are gathered by self-report by those graduates licensed & seeking employment within 1 year of graduation.

FRESHMEN STUDENTS

Freshmen applicants who meet one of the following criteria will receive automatic admission to Arkansas State. While you have to meet minimum criteria, test scores are still required:

• 3.00 cumulative high school grade point average (or GED test score equivalent)
• 19 minimum ACT super score or minimum 990 combined SAT super score
• Class rank in the top 20% of applicant's graduating class
• A holistic application review process

Admitted freshmen who require remediation (based on entrance exam scores) or who have less than a 3.00 cumulative high school GPA will be required to participate in the Transition Studies leadership based support program throughout their enrollment at Arkansas State University

ADMISSION APPEALS

Freshmen applicants who do not meet automatic admission standards may be admitted to the university upon approval of the Undergraduate Admissions Appeal Committee. Freshmen approved by the Undergraduate Admissions Appeal Committee will participate in the Transition Studies leadership-based support program. In addition to an official high school transcript and official entrance exam scores, submit to the committee:

• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose answering the following prompts:
  • Why is A-State a good fit for you and your educational goals?
  • What are your academic and personal strengths and how do you plan to grow as a student at A-State?
  • What experiences outside of the classroom impact or had an impact on your academic performance.

Documents must be submitted at least two weeks before the start of classes for the semester.

FRESHMAN ADMISSION CHECKLIST:

• Completed Online Application
• $30 Application Fee
• Official High School Transcript
• Official ACT/SAT Score
• Immunization Record (2 MMRs)

TRANSFER STUDENTS

ADMISSION CRITERIA:
Transfer students are encouraged to apply for admissions the semester prior to enrolling in classes. You must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA on ALL transfer work. Students still in high school who have earned college credit should apply as a freshman.

TRANSFER ADMISSION CHECKLIST:

• Completed Online Application
• $30 Application Fee
• Official college transcript(s) from all colleges attended (emailed attachments and faxes will not be accepted)
• Completion of English Comp I and College Algebra OR official entrance exam scores
• Immunization Record (2 MMRs)

NON-DEGREE STUDENTS

ADMISSION CRITERIA:
Individuals who wish to pursue courses of special interest without submitting academic credentials may register for a maximum of six hours per semester (or three per summer term) accumulating up to 12 semester hours of undergraduate non-degree credit. Thereafter, non-degree students must comply with university admissions requirements or obtain a written waiver from the Registrar.

CAUTION: Non-degree students should not enroll in courses that are required in the general education program. Courses taken for non-degree credit are not acceptable toward a degree unless validated later by the student's meeting all conditions for admission to the university, including remediation requirements.

Non-degree students are required to meet the same course prerequisites as other students. Non-degree students are generally not eligible to participate in financial aid programs. Due to specific enrollment limitations, non-degree students may not register through the university's web registration system.

NON-DEGREE ADMISSION CHECKLIST:

• Completed Online Application
• $30 Application Fee
• Immunization Record (2 MMRs)

POST-DEGREE STUDENTS

ADMISSION CRITERIA:
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree and plan to enroll in additional undergraduate coursework should apply as a post-degree student. This includes students who earned a bachelor's degree at A-State.

POST-DEGREE ADMISSION CHECKLIST:

• Completed Online Application
• $30 Application Fee
• Official college transcript where the bachelor's degree was received
• Immunization Record (2 MMRs)

RETURNING (READMIT) STUDENTS

ADMISSION CRITERIA:
Students who have previously attended A-State but have not completed a bachelor's degree should apply as a readmit student. If you earned credit at A-State while still in high school, you should apply as a freshman or transfer student. Students who attended A-State and then attended another college should apply as a readmit student and submit the transcript from another institution.

RETURNING ADMISSION CHECKLIST:

• Completed Online Application
• $30 Application Fee
• Completion of English Comp I and College Algebra OR entrance exam scores
• Official College Transcript (If attended another institution after you attended A-State)
• Immunization Record (2 MMRs)

TRANSIENT STUDENTS

ADMISSION CRITERIA:
Students who have not earned a bachelor's degree who are enrolled at another institution and plan to transfer coursework back to their home institution should apply as a transient student. Transient students are required to meet the same course prerequisites as other students. Transient students are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

TRANSIENT ADMISSION CHECKLIST:

• Completed Online Application
• $30 Application Fee
• Official college transcript from currently enrolled college or letter of good standing
• Immunization Record (2 MMRs)

CONCURRENT STUDENTS

The A-State Concurrent Program is a partnership between the university and high schools to offer qualified high school students the opportunity to satisfy both high school and university credit requirements simultaneously through specific concurrent credit courses.

1. TAKE A CAMPUS TOUR

Learn about all A-State has to offer while visiting campus! We have a great team of student Chancellor's Ambassadors who love showing future students around the place they call home. To schedule a campus visit, click the link below and select the type of tour, date, and time that works best for you.

Schedule a tour online >>

2. COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Please complete an online admissions application. Click the link "Create an account" under the First-Time User heading. You will be emailed a temporary PIN number for your initial log in. Then you can set a new password. This will allow you to log in at any time and check your application status. For more detailed instructions, please check our UG application guide.

Go to the online application >>

3. SUBMIT A $30 NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE

You will pay the application fee online when completing your application. To apply for an application fee waiver, please submit the Undergraduate Application Fee Waiver Request Form.

4. REQUEST OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

Once you've applied, have your high school send us your transcript. This is typically handled through your high school counseling office. Also, if you've taken any concurrent enrollment college courses, have those official transcripts sent as well.

Official transcripts can be sent electronically through school-verified sites or mailed to:

Office of Admissions, Records and Registration - Arkansas State University
P.O. Box 1800
State University, AR 72467

5. SEND OFFICIAL TEST SCORES

Prospective students may use the following submission methods:

• High School Transcripts and Test Scores:
  All high school transcripts, ACT scores, and SAT scores must be sent directly from the high school or issuing institution, either via mail or electronically, to be considered official.
  Examples of school-verified electronic sources:
  • TRIAND
  • EDI
  • eScript
  • Scoir
  • Slate.org
  • Parchment
  Alternatively, these documents can be mailed directly from the high school to:
  Office of Admissions - Arkansas State University
  P.O. Box 1800 | State University, AR 72467
  If a student hand-delivers a transcript or test scores, they must be in a sealed envelope from the institution to be considered official.
• College Transcripts and Test Scores:
  All college transcripts must be sent directly from the institution via mail or electronically to be considered official.
  Accuplacer scores must come directly from the institution or College Board to be considered official.
  If a student hand-delivers transcripts or test scores, they must be in a sealed envelope from the institution to be considered official.
• Documents Received by A-State Admissions Counselors:
  Transcripts, test scores and shot records received by A-State Admissions Counselors during school visits should be uploaded directly into Slate. These documents are considered official if:
  • They are received directly from a school official.
  • They are received from the student in a sealed, school-branded envelope.
  • The Admissions Counselor who receives these documents must attest to their authenticity.
• Proof of MMR Immunization:
  Students may submit proof of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization directly. These documents are not required to be in a sealed envelope.
• Official Test Scores:
  ACT Scores:
  ACT scores can be sent directly to Arkansas State University via the high school or through Encoura. For more information on how to send ACT scores, visit ACT Score Sending.
  
  SAT Scores:
  SAT scores can be sent directly via the high school or through the College Board. For details on sending SAT scores, please refer to SAT Score Sending.
  
  Accuplacer Scores:
  Accuplacer scores can be sent directly by the testing administrator at the testing site, the College Board, or through the A-State Testing Center. For more information, visit Accuplacer Score Information.

6. SUBMIT TWO MMR (MUMPS, RUBELLA & RUBEOLA/MEASLES) RECORDS

MMR records are not required for admissions but must be submitted to enroll in on-campus courses.

Upload a copy of your MMR records to your application or have MMR records sent to:

Office of Admissions, Records and Registration - Arkansas State University
P.O. Box 1800