Apply to the PTA Program

Admission Requirements

Middle Geogia State University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on November 1, 2025. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program (start of PTA classes); therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional (PTA) courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation. Pending CAPTE accreditation, the following information should be used for prospective students who wish to apply to the PTA Program.

The PTA Program admits one cohort of 15 students in the Fall semester only. In order to be considered for admission to the PTA Program you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be fully admitted to Middle Georgia State University by May 15th (this will require submission of all official academic transcripts). Apply to MGA and ensure that you are a current student for the fall semester.
  • Successfully complete any required university placement tests and learning support courses.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
  • Complete of Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab with a grade of C or better.
  • Complete of at least 18 additional semester credit hours from the required core classes (see below)
  •  Have no more than one prior unsuccessful attempt in any health science program in the past two years.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from recent professors or current/recent employers (within the last year). These must be sent from the professional’s email address. No letters will be accepted through the mail or from the student’s email.
  • Submit TEAS exam scores. A minimum score of 58.7% is required.
    • All applicants must submit scores from the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), Version 7, in order to be considered for admission. Only Version 7 scores will be accepted.
    • Deadline: TEAS scores must be received by the May 15th deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
    • Electronic Submission: If the TEAS exam is taken at another institution, official score reports must be sent electronically to MGA through ATI. Paper copies will not be accepted.
    • Testing Format: MGA accepts only in-person, proctored TEAS exams administered at an approved institution or testing center. “At-home” TEAS exams will not be accepted.
    • On-Campus Testing: MGA offers in-person TEAS testing by appointment. For details and scheduling, visit: https://www.mga.edu/testing-services/index.php
  • Provide a personal statement that addresses the following:
    • Motivation: Why do you want to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
    • Inspiration: What experiences or influences sparked your interest in the field of physical therapy?
    • Qualities: What personal qualities or characteristics do you believe are essential for success as a PTA, and how do you see those qualities reflected in yourself?

Required core classes:

  • English 1101 and 1102
  • A math elective (ie. 1101, 1111, or 1113)
  • Psychology 1101 and 2103
  • History 2111 or 2112
  • US Government
  • A literature elective
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II

If taking courses at another institution, a final transcript must be received by MGA no later than May 31st that indicates successful completion of required core courses with a letter grade of “C” or higher and a minimum GPA of 2.75.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Students must demonstrate certain essential abilities and skills to participate in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Middle Georgia State University. While reasonable accommodations may be made through the Department of Accessibility Services, students must be capable of performing tasks in a reasonably independent manner without compromising patient safety. The following represent key domains of essential functions. Additional skills may be required in specific clinical environments.

  1. Critical Thinking
    Ability to process information, make sound clinical judgments, solve problems, and prioritize multiple tasks on a daily basis.
    Examples: Identifying contraindications to treatment, modifying positioning based on patient response, prioritizing care needs, recognizing safety risks, and reporting relevant observations to the supervising PT.
  2. Communication
    Effective communication skills in verbal, nonverbal, and written formats with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
    Examples: Explaining physical therapy procedures to patients, documenting interventions and responses, following instructions from the supervising PT, and using appropriate medical terminology.
  3. Interpersonal Skills
    Emotional stability and interpersonal abilities to interact compassionately with diverse populations and function effectively within a healthcare team.
    Examples: Demonstrating respect for individual differences, providing emotional support, managing stress in fast-paced settings, and accepting feedback from faculty and clinical instructors.
  4. Mobility and Motor Skills
    Physical ability to perform gross and fine motor skills, functional mobility and stamina needed for safe and effective patient care across various settings. Demonstrate manual dexterity for handling equipment and providing patient care. Examples: Assisting with transfers and gait training, lift and carry up to 50 lbs, positioning patients, lifting and transporting equipment, and performing therapeutic exercises and physical agent modalities.
  5. Visual Acuity
    Sufficient vision to observe, assess, and respond to clinical situations safely and accurately.
    Examples: Monitoring patient posture and gait, detecting changes in skin integrity, reading medical records and equipment settings.
  6. Hearing Ability
    Auditory ability to interact effectively with patients and respond to environmental cues and communication from the healthcare team.
    Examples: Responding to alarms, hearing patient feedback, following verbal instructions, and participating in team discussions.
  7. Tactile Sensation
    Tactile ability sufficient for palpation, manual therapy techniques, and assessing patient responses during interventions.
    Examples: Assessing muscle tone, locating anatomical landmarks, and applying appropriate manual pressure during treatment.