Physical Therapist Assisting / Get Started Today

Step 2: Complete Your College Admissions Application

If you’re new to GateWay or the Maricopa Community Colleges, or if you need to reapply, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete your admissions application:

Become a Student

• New Students: Click "Join Now" to create an account.
• Returning Students: Click "Log In" and enter your MEID and password. If you do not
  remember your MEID or password, select “Forgot your Username?” and/or “Forgot your
  Password?” for assistance.

What to Enter on Your Application:

Duo Two-Factor Authentication 

After completing your admission application, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication. Click on the link to set up your Duo two-factor authentication account.  

For further assistance, contact Enrollment Services at (602) 238-4350 or visit the Enrollment Services department at our Washington Campus  campus in person at 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Step 3: Prerequisites 

A. Work / Observation Hours

Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of work or observation in physical therapy settings before applying to the PTA Program. At least 10 of those hours must be in an inpatient facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility, or rehabilitation hospital).
This requirement ensures applicants fully understand the PTA profession and are committed to the career.

• Most facilities allow observation only, not hands-on experience.
• Hours may be completed in hospitals, rehab centers, private practices, schools, or community agencies.
• Students are responsible for arranging their own observation hours, which may involve contacting multiple facilities and completing orientation.
• A licensed Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) must verify hours using the Work/Observation Hours Verification and Assessment Form.
• Personal physical therapy experience does not count toward this requirement.

B. Admissions Exam

Submit HESI A2 or TEAS scores with a minimum score of 70% or higher on each section, completed within the last two years.

Learning Center Additional Resources

HESI and NCLEX study guide

HESI Practice Test

Scheduling for HESI A2 Physical Therapy Assisting Program 

C. Required Coursework

Complete the following college-level courses with a grade of A or B:

D. Official Transcripts

Submit your official transcripts for all previous college coursework to the Admissions, Records, and Registration Office.

Transfer Course Credits

Step 4: Selective Annual Admission Process

Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at GateWay Community College is competitive and point-based. Applicants are ranked on a point system, and seats are offered to the highest-scoring candidates.

Application Windows

Late applications may be considered if space is still available after the initial selection process.

Applicants who are not accepted must reapply during the next application cycle to be reconsidered.

Point-Based Selection Criteria

1. Grade in BIO160 or BIO201 — must earn at least 2 points

• A = 4 points
• B = 2 points
• C, D, or F = application not considered

2. Grade in ENG101 or ENG102 — must earn at least 1 point

• A = 2 points
• B = 1 point
• C, D, or F = application not considered

3. HESI A2 or TEAS (within last 2 years) — must earn at least 21 points

• 10% of each section score is added as points
  • Example: Math 89.5% = 8.95 points
• Scores below 70% may be considered only if just one section is below 70% AND space is still available one month before classes begin

4. Work / Observation Experience in Physical Therapy — minimum 1 point required

• 2080+ hours as PT aide/tech = 3 points
• 1040–2079 hours = 2 points
• 40+ observation hours OR 40–1039 aide hours = 1 point
• At least 10 hours must be from an inpatient setting

5. General Education Coursework Completed (min. grade C)

• 7 courses = 3 points
• 3–6 courses = 2 points
• 1–2 courses = 1 point
  (Courses may include ENG102, MAT, COM, HCC146/145, PSY101, Humanities, CRE, etc.)

6. Work / Volunteer Recommendation Rating

• Average 9.5 – 10.0 = 3 points
• Average 8.5 – 9.49 = 2 points
• Average 7.5 – 8.49 = 1 point
• Average below 7.49 = 0 points

7. AA Degree or Higher — 1 point

Step 5: Program Application and Checklist

Please Click Here to view and apply to the program.

Email your completed documents to [email protected] using your official Maricopa student email address.

Step 6: Background Check & Fingerprint Clearance

After you are accepted into the program, you will receive instructions on how to complete the MCCCD Background Check and apply for a Level-One Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC).

To begin the program, you must:

• Obtain a valid Level-One AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Pass the MCCCD Background Check

Important Notes:

• Students cannot be placed in clinical experiences without meeting these requirements.
• You are responsible for all associated costs.
• The AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid for six years from the date of issue.

Step 7: Payment Options / Funding

You must have Financial Aid or a payment plan set up before your program start date.

Students who do not arrange payment in advance may be dropped from their classes for non-payment.

Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Scholarship Opportunities

Veterans Services

Important Reminders: 

★ Regularly check your Maricopa student email and Student Center for updates on payment balances and deadlines. 

★ If you’ve applied for financial aid, check for any pending "To Do List" items that may delay your award. 

★ Your seat in the program is not secured until your funding is confirmed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in being dropped from the program.

Essential Functions

Students in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program must be able to perform the following physical, cognitive, and communication functions, with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Visual and auditory ability to assess patient condition and provide safe care
• Manual dexterity, coordination, and motor skills to carry out treatment tasks as directed by a physical therapist
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for clinical decision-making
• Ability to safely maneuver equipment in patient rooms and clinical settings
• Ability to function in stressful environments requiring quick thinking and multitasking
• Physical agility to respond to patient needs and sudden status changes
• Ability to assist patients with ambulation, positioning, and transfers (bed, wheelchair, car, etc.)
• Use of proper body mechanics when lifting patients or equipment
• Ability to lift over 100 pounds with assistance, and frequently lift/carry 50+ pounds
• Tolerance for prolonged physical activity, including standing, bending, squatting, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare staff

Students who cannot safely perform these essential functions — with or without reasonable accommodations — may be unable to meet clinical requirements and may be unsuccessful in the program.

Health and Safety Requirements

Maricopa Community Colleges requires all Physical Therapist Assistant students to meet the Health and Safety standards set by our most stringent clinical partner.
This ensures that students are eligible for immediate and flexible placement at any assigned clinical site.

Health and Safety Requirements

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

Pathway Map Options

HUG Clinic

SaPHE Lab

Simulation

University Transfer Partners

University Transfer Program

How many students are admitted into the program each year?

24 students are admitted into the traditional day program each August, and 20 students are admitted into the weekend/hybrid program each May.
The number of students may vary depending on employment market demand and the availability of clinical training sites.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program takes five semesters to complete. Many students choose to spend an additional year beforehand to complete prerequisite and general education courses required for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

When are the classes scheduled?

Day Program

• Lecture and lab classes may be scheduled Monday through Friday
• Classes may run as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 5:30 p.m.
• Depending on the semester, students are typically in class 3–6 hours per day, 3–4 days per week

Weekend/Hybrid Program

• Lecture courses are online with periodic on-campus testing
• Lab classes are in person on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Lab times typically run 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 or 5:30 p.m.
• Labs are held on-site at GateWay Community College
• There are approximately 20 required on-campus weekends for lab attendance

Clinical Practicum (PTA 206, PTA 280, and PTA 290)

• Typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week for six consecutive weeks
• Some clinical sites may require weekend attendance
• Clinical rotations take place in hospitals, extended care facilities, and outpatient practices

Does the weekend or hybrid program have different requirements?

Yes. Students in the weekend/hybrid education program must meet the following requirements:

• Reliable access to a computer with high-speed internet is required for online coursework
• Reliable personal transportation is essential, as students must travel to GateWay on scheduled weekends
• Students traveling from outside the Phoenix area are responsible for arranging their own lodging for on-campus lab weekends
• Every effort is made to place students in local clinical sites, but travel may still be required depending on availability
• Only Arizona residents are eligible to take online classes in the weekend/hybrid program — please contact Admissions and Records for residency requirements

Can I switch between the hybrid and day program after I start?

Transfer requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. However, a transfer is not guaranteed and may not be possible due to space limitations, clinical placement availability, or curriculum sequencing differences between the two program formats.

Are the PTA courses transferable if I pursue a bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Some bachelor’s degree programs may accept up to 90 credits from this program. Transfer policies vary by institution, so students are encouraged to contact an academic advisor to review specific transfer options and requirements.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

Students are advised that the PTA Program is highly rigorous in both the day and hybrid/weekend formats. Working is possible, but faculty strongly recommend limiting work hours as much as possible. Each student should carefully assess their ability to manage both work and academic responsibilities to ensure satisfactory academic progress.

What facilities do I contact to complete my volunteer or work experience?

Applicants are encouraged to contact local hospitals, nursing homes, and private physical therapy offices to arrange their observation experience.

The program requires a total of 40 hours of observation or work experience to be completed before entering the program, including:

• A minimum of 10 hours at an inpatient facility (such as a hospital or skilled nursing care center)
• The remaining hours may be completed at outpatient or private practice settings

For volunteer experiences, students will typically observe physical therapy sessions without direct patient interaction. Please note that receiving physical therapy for a personal injury or medical condition does not count toward the observation requirement.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study employment, or student loans. Aid may come from one source or a combination of multiple sources as part of a financial aid package.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 602.286.8300 or [email protected], or visit their website at
http://www.gatewaycc.edu/financial-aid

What is Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare profession that helps people recover movement, strength, and function after injury, illness, or physical limitations. Physical therapists work with patients who may have pain, difficulty walking, reduced mobility, weakness, or other challenges that affect daily life.

The goal of physical therapy is to help patients move better, reduce pain, restore function, and improve overall quality of life. Physical therapists work with people of all ages — from infants to older adults — in a wide variety of settings.

Who Provides Physical Therapy (PT vs. PTA)?

Physical Therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who evaluate patients, create treatment plans, and determine the best course of care. They perform advanced skilled interventions and are responsible for clinical decision-making.

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of a PT to carry out the treatment plan, helping patients perform exercises, mobility training, and other therapeutic activities.

Both PTs and PTAs are essential members of the healthcare team, but PTs design the treatment — PTAs help deliver it.

Why Should I Consider a Career in Physical Therapy?

A career in physical therapy is highly rewarding because you directly help people improve their quality of life. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants work one-on-one with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions, helping them regain movement, independence, and confidence.

Physical therapy professionals are an essential part of the healthcare team, and their work makes a meaningful difference in every patient’s progress.

If you enjoy helping others, solving problems, and working in a hands-on healthcare environment, physical therapy can be a fulfilling and impactful career path.

Where Do Physical Therapists and PTAs Work?

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can work in a wide range of healthcare and community settings, including:

• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
• Outpatient physical therapy clinics and private practices
• Home health care services
• Schools and pediatric therapy centers
• Sports medicine and athletic performance facilities

This flexibility allows PTs and PTAs to choose environments that match their interests — from fast-paced hospital care to long-term patient relationships in outpatient or home settings.

What Education or Training Is Required?

Physical Therapists (PTs) must first complete a bachelor’s degree, then apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which typically takes three additional years to complete.

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) attend an accredited community or technical college to earn an associate degree, which usually takes 4–5 semesters (about 2 years) to complete.

Do I Need to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant First to Become a PT?

No. You do not need to become a PTA before becoming a Physical Therapist (PT).
Students can apply directly to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after completing a bachelor’s degree and required prerequisites.

However, some students choose to become a PTA first to gain experience and work in the field while continuing toward a PT degree — but it is not required.

Do I Need to Pass an Exam to Become a PT or PTA?

Yes. In Arizona, both Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) at their respective education level to become licensed.

The NPTE is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Estimated cost for the exam and licensure/certification is approximately $650.

How Much Do PTs and PTAs Earn?

You can explore current wage and salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Physical Therapists (PTs): Visit the BLS page for Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs): Visit the BLS page for Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

These sources provide the most up-to-date information on median salaries, job outlook, and employment trends across the United States and in Arizona specifically.

What Is the Job Market Like for PTAs?

The job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants is very strong.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,

“Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

This growth is driven by the increasing healthcare needs of older adults and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Graduates of the PTA Program at GateWay Community College are currently in high demand and frequently secure employment soon after graduation.

If I Have a Criminal Record, Can I Still Work in This Field?

Admission and clinical placement in the PTA Program require students to meet strict background and legal clearance standards.

To participate in clinical training, you must have:

• A Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• A cleared background check through American DataBank
• No record on the Federal Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List

If you cannot meet any of these requirements, you will not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences and cannot continue in any healthcare education program at GateWay.

For full details, visit the Health and Safety Requirements page.