Physical Therapy Assistant Program Applying and Selective Admission Points System
The Physical Therapy Assistant Program admits one class of up to 16 students once a year. The application period runs from March to Oct 1 of each year. Accepted students start the program each January as a class and complete the 4 semesters of the program together. To apply to the program you must complete the steps below by October 1 to be considered by the Physical Therapist Assistant Selective Admissions Committee for entrance into the Physical Therapy Assistant program in January of the following year.
Applications for the Physical Therapy Assistant Program are completed at the Information Sessions.
- Physical Therapy Assistant Program Applications are completed at one of our information sessions. Students are encouraged to attend the early sessions to get more help. If a hardship exists, individual conferences or remote conferences may be offered.
- Once you apply, you will receive a letter from the Admissions Coordinator either saying your file is complete (which means it WILL be reviewed in October by the admissions committee) or your file is incomplete. An incomplete file will NOT be reviewed in October by the admissions committee UNLESS you submit needed documentation by October 1st.
- If your letter indicates that your file is incomplete, submit needed paperwork to the Admissions Coordinator (listed below) as quickly as possible. Then, follow up to verify that your file is complete.
- All Applicants should monitor their mail and email closely and make sure the address in our system matches an address where you regularly get your mail.
- Students are encouraged to carefully review their own selective admission points and identify ways they can maximize their points prior to the October 1st deadline.
- Submit transcripts and ACT or SAT scores to WKCTC Records Office
- ACT now allows you to send your ACT “SuperScore”. This is the score that has the highest score in each category. It is up to the student to have this score sent specifically if they wish to.
- Submit all Physical Therapy Assistant Specific Paperwork to:
Mary Ann Bradbury, Admissions Coordinator
WKCTC Physical Therapy Assistant Program
4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 534-3471
wkctc.alliedhealthsa@kctcs.edu
Spirit of Bankruptcy
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Admissions Committee utilizes the “spirit of bankruptcy” policy in determining GPAs. If a student has a previous GPA that does not reflect current achievement and would like to begin a new average, the following must be met:
- Not enrolled in college for a minimum period of two years (4 semesters, excluding summer)
- Returned to college and earned 12 graded non-developmental credit hours from the Physical Therapy Assistant academic plan list with a combined cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Committee will automatically refigure for GPA using this policy if it can be applied and if it improves your GPA.
This is not official and does not change your transcript. If you would like this to be officially demonstrated on your transcript, you must request this in the Records Office.
- The Physical Therapy Assistant Program admits one class of up to 16 students once per year.
- Students who achieve 100 points or more in our point system will be offered a position following the review and approval of their competed application and paperwork. These students must maintain an ongoing score of 100 points to keep their position. All other candidate's information will be reviewed at the Physical Therapy Assistant Admissions Committee in October.
- Student files that are complete will be reviewed in early to mid-October by the Physical Therapy Assistant Admissions Committee and points will be assigned. Points will be considered for anything COMPLETED by Oct. 1st of this year.
- The only exception to the Oct 1 deadline is for completion of a 6 week KCTCS “short session” fall course provided it begins on the first day of fall classes. Students occasionally take a short session class in an effort to increase Physical Therapy Assistant points. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the admissions coordinator about the class so the new grade can be added to their admission points.
- Letters with the committee's decision are typically mailed around the 3rd week in October.
- Based on the selective admission scores, up to 16 students will receive a letter of acceptance (total number admitted each year may vary). They will also receive an acceptance form that MUST be signed and RETURNED by the due date listed.
- Accepted students will need to complete a provider level CPR course (if not already certified), Castlebranch drug screen and background check prior to the mandatory orientation meeting in December.
- Students who have scores below the accepted group will get a letter indicating they are on the alternate list. Some alternates are accepted on most years, so monitor your mail and email closely.
- If there are fewer than 16 students who meet the minimum requirements, students may be given a provisional offer. They would be able to start in the program if all requirements are met before the start of spring classes.
- Students whose scores are below the alternate level will receive a letter indicating they were not accepted. We strongly encourage this group to meet with the Program Coordinator to see what can be done to increase points for the next application period.
- The accepted students start the program in January and complete the next 4 semesters together following the Physical Therapy Assistant academic plan.
How to Apply
- Attend an Information Session
- All meeting are held in the Barbara M. Veazey Health Sciences Building, Room E105 at 4:00 p.m.
- Dates:
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Thursday, May 7, 2026
- Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Apply for Admission - Apply for admission to West Kentucky Community and Technical College unless you are already a student at one of the KCTCS colleges.
- Submit official transcripts - Submit official transcripts for all previous college work not completed at a KCTCS college.
- Submit ACT or SAT scores - Submit ACT or SAT score report.
- Register or take required course(s) - Register for or have already completed BIO 137, Anatomy and Physiology I. This course must be completed with a C or higher prior to entering the first semester of Physical Therapy Assistant program courses.
Selective Points System
This point system effective January 1, 2026
Points are given to applicants for their ACT or SAT score and GPA in the classes required for the program. To earn additional points toward program admission you can:
- Earn an A or B in Anatomy and Physiology I or II, and/or Math 150 (College Algebra) or higher, including STA 151
- Kentucky Resident or applicants who are residents of these contiguous counties: Illinois-Pope, Massac, Pulaski, Alexander, Hardin; Tennessee-Lake, Obion, Weakley, Henry, Stewart.
- Submit documentation: employment as a PT Aide or Technician, or in a related health care position with direct patient care; or completion of direct patient care education such as NAA 100 or comparable course.
Students who are accepted to the Physical Therapy Assistant program are required to be certified in CPR at healthcare provider level, obtain the required immunizations, complete a background check, and complete the required drug screen.
Students must have al least 80 points in this Physical Therapy Assistant selective admission point system and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to be considered for a position in the program.
ACT/SAT Score
Applicants must have taken the ACT or SAT to be eligible for acceptance into the Physical Therapy Assistant program. The writing section of the ACT is not required.
| ACT Score | SAT Score | Physical Therapy Assistant Program Points |
|---|---|---|
| 0-18 | Less than 1010 | 0 |
| 19 | 1010 | 30 |
| 20 | 1040 | 33 |
| 21 | 1080 | 36 |
| 22 | 1110 | 39 |
| 23 | 1140 | 42 |
| 24 | 1180 | 45 |
| 25 | 1210 | 48 |
| 26 and up | 1240 and up | 50 |
If students have retaken the ACT or SAT, we accept the highest composite score.
If students have taken both the ACT and SAT we will use the score that yields the
highest points.
ACT SuperScores: Students are allowed to specifically request an official copy of their ACT SuperScore and submit it directly to the Physical Therapy Assistant Admission Coordinator to be used to calculate ACT Score points
Grade Point Average (GPA) From Classes on the Physical Therapy Assistant Academic Plan
Cumulative GPA for all graded courses taken from the General Education courses listed on the Physical Therapy Assistant Academic Plan (does not include digital literacy which is a college requirement).
- Student must have taken 12 graded credit hours in the approved Physical Therapy Assistant curriculum to earn GPA points.
- Courses must be taken from a regionally accredited college.
- Remedial or developmental coursework is not included in graded credit hours.
| GPA | Physical Therapy Assistant Program Points |
|---|---|
| 3.00 - 3.09 | 30 |
| 3.10 - 3.19 | 32 |
| 3.20 - 3.29 | 34 |
| 3.30 - 3.39 | 36 |
| 3.40 - 3.49 | 38 |
| 3.50 - 3.59 | 40 |
| 3.60 - 3.69 | 42 |
| 3.70 - 3.79 | 44 |
| 3.80 - 3.89 | 46 |
| 3.90 - 3.99 | 48 |
| 4.00 | 50 |
Bonus Math and Science Points
These points are awarded for the following classes and corresponding grades.
| Course | Grade of A | Grade of B |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 137 | 8 | 4 |
| BIO 139 | 8 | 4 |
| MAT 150 or higher (STA 151 meets this requirement) | 8 | 4 |
Kentucky Residents
Kentucky residents (or applicants who are residents of the approved contiguous counties) may be awarded 2 points.
Completion of Physical Therapy Assistant Program Interactive Online Video
The link to this video is on the Physical Therapy Assistant webpage. The video is interactive and when you complete it along with your information, you are awarded 1 point on your application. Every applicant must complete the video page as part of the application process. We hope it will help you understand the profession and the role of the Physical Therapy Assistant as you move forward with your application.
Documented Work, Internship, and Shadowing Experience
Applicants can be awarded up to a total 4 points if documentation of the following is provided:
| Years Worked | Physical Therapy Assistant Program Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 months | 1 |
| 3-6 months to one year | 2 |
| 6 months or more | 3 |
| Contact Hours | Physical Therapy Assistant Program Points |
|---|---|
| 150 (must be at PT clinic) | 2 |
| Time Shadowing | Physical Therapy Assistant Program Points |
|---|---|
| Up to 8 hours in one TYPE of PT site | 1 |
| Total of 16 hours across 2 different TYPES of PT sites | 2 |
| Total of 24 hours across 3 different TYPES of PT sites | 3 |
Candidates with possible points for employment experience need to submit the following to the admissions coordinator written by their employer:
- Beginning and ending dates of employment
- Supervisor's name and title
- Specific list of patient care duties
- Brief summary of this candidates' performance in this position
All components must be present on the letter for points to be considered. The admission Committee will review letters submitted by employers and assign points as appropriate.
Candidates who have completed the Exercise Science Internship need to send their transcript & documentation of their PT clinical assignment.
Candidates who complete shadow hours need to submit a brief note indicating clinic name, PT/PTA observed, date, hours, & signature of person observed.
Completion of Direct Patient Care Education
Completion of direct patient care education such as the NAA 100 course at WKCTC or a comparable course may be awarded 2 points.
Candidates with possible points in this area need to submit their transcript and/or certification to the Admissions Coordinator for review.
Attend a SPRING Information Session
Prior to August start of class - 2 points
Other Notes
- In the event of a tie in the total number points, the calculated GPA for courses on the Physical Therapy Assistant Academic plan is used to rank order to determine admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program. This is the same GPA calculation used for GPA points in that category above.
- When transfer classes have different credit hours than the WKCTC equivalent, points will be calculated with the number of credits on the WKCTC equivalent, so all student points are assessed in the same manner.