Physical Therapist Assistant Application Information

APPLY TO KC

Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a separate process from general admission to Kilgore College.

Before applying to the PTA Program, applicants must meet KC’s general admission requirements. If you are not currently admitted to KC for the appropriate term, complete the Kilgore College admission process before submitting your PTA application.

After applying to KC, be sure to complete any additional admission requirements and submit any documents requested through the college’s admissions process.

APPLICATION TIMELINE
Applications Open
Sept. 1, 2026
Application Deadline
May 3, 2027
Applications will be processed as received. If selected for an interview opportunity, prospective students will be contacted after the application deadline.
Important
Applications and all required materials must be submitted by the application deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO APPLY TO the kc PTA program

STEP 1: View applicant checklist & Apply to Kilgore College

Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a separate process from general admission to Kilgore College.

Before applying to the PTA Program, complete the Kilgore College admission process and any general admission requirements that apply to you.

Already admitted to Kilgore College? Continue to Step 2.

APPLY TO KILGORE COLLEGE

Applicant Success Checklist

  • Apply for admission to Kilgore College.
  • Verify TSI requirements have been met.
  • Complete at least 48 total observation/work hours (16 hours in each of three different PT settings).
  • Request official transcripts early.
  • Obtain two sealed reference forms.
  • Complete personal essay.
  • Prepare résumé/work history.
  • Submit hard copies of references and hours verification to the PTA Program office by May 3.
  • Monitor email and phone messages for interview invitations.
  • Be prepared to complete drug screening and background check if conditionally accepted.
DOWNLOAD/PRINT APPLICANT SUCCESS CHECKLIST
Plan Ahead: Observation hours, transcripts and references often take longer to obtain than expected. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their application materials at least six months before the application deadline.

PTA Program Application Timeline

Date Applicant Action
October-March Complete observation/work hours in physical therapy settings. Request transcripts and references. Begin application essays.
Last week of April Complete application requirements. Documents with hours and verification are due in the PTA Office (HSC 105). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Mail must be received by May 3.
May Application packets reviewed and scored. Eligible applicants invited to interview and test.
Mid-June Reading comprehension/critical thinking testing and applicant interviews. Interviews are typically scheduled on a Friday or Saturday.
Early July Applicants are notified of conditional acceptance, alternate status or non-acceptance.
Mid-July Conditionally accepted students complete criminal background check and drug screening requirements.
Late July Final acceptance confirmed after successful completion of all admission requirements.
Early August PTA Program orientation.
Late August Begin classes.
STEP 2: Complete Your Physical Therapy Observation Hours

Applicants must complete a minimum of 48 hours of observation in physical therapy settings.

Observation Requirements

  • Complete at least 16 hours in each setting.
  • Complete observation hours in at least three different physical therapy settings.
  • Complete at least 48 total observation hours.
  • Observation must be supervised by a licensed physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA).

Interview Essay

If selected for an interview, you will be asked to write a short essay in person that asks you to reflect on the following:

  • Relevant work, volunteer or observation experiences that have increased your understanding of physical therapy.
  • Your understanding of the PTA role within the healthcare team.
  • Observations from the physical therapy settings you visited, including:
    • Types of facilities and patient populations encountered
    • Roles of the PT, PTA and support personnel
    • Similarities and differences among practice settings
    • Which setting or patient population interested you most and why

Examples of Physical Therapy Settings

  • Acute care hospital
  • Inpatient rehabilitation
  • Outpatient orthopedic
  • Skilled nursing facility
  • Home health
  • Pediatric therapy
  • Sports medicine
  • Other physical therapy settings

Applicants are responsible for documenting completed observation hours and obtaining the required supervisor verification.

DOWNLOAD OBSERVATION LOG
STEP 3: Have Your Observation/Volunteer Evaluation Completed

Give the Observation/Volunteer Evaluation Form to the licensed physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) who supervised your observation or work experience.

Instructions to Clinician

Thank you for allowing this applicant to observe or work in your facility. Please evaluate the applicant's professional behavior during the observation/work experience.

The evaluation includes the following:

  • The applicant was courteous and professional when contacting you/your facility for this observation/work experience.
  • The applicant was consistently punctual and arrived as scheduled.
  • The applicant was appropriately attentive and demonstrated a commitment to learning about the field.
  • The applicant showed concern and respect for patients/clients being observed or worked with.
  • The applicant was appropriately dressed and projected a professional image during this observation or work experience.
  • The applicant demonstrated respect for authority and complied with the decisions of those in authority during this observation or work experience.

Return Instructions

After completing the evaluation, the clinician must place the completed form in a sealed envelope, sign across the seal and return it to the applicant.

Important: Do not open the sealed envelope. The completed Observation/Volunteer Evaluation Form must be submitted separately.

Hand deliver to:

Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Kilgore College
1100 Broadway
Kilgore, TX 75662

**Approach from Dudley Road entrance

Only the PTA Admissions Committee will have access to this evaluation.

DOWNLOAD OBSERVATION/VOLUNTEER EVALUATION
STEP 4: Obtain an Employer Reference

As part of the PTA admissions process, you must provide an Employer Reference Form completed by a professional reference who can evaluate your qualifications and work-related behaviors.

Before Giving the Form to Your Reference

Complete the applicant information and Waiver of Right to Examine section on the form before providing it to your reference.

Who May Serve as Your Reference?

The Employer Reference Form allows you to identify your relationship with the reference as:

  • Current employer
  • Former employer
  • Supervisor
  • Manager
  • Teacher or instructor
  • Other

What Will Be Evaluated?

Your reference will be asked to evaluate you in the following areas:

  • Dependability
  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Professionalism
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork
  • Initiative and motivation
  • Maturity
  • Ability to accept feedback
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Time management
  • Overall work ethic
  • Potential for success in the PTA Program

Your reference will also provide an overall recommendation and may include additional comments regarding your character, professionalism, work ethic, communication skills, leadership or potential for success in the PTA Program.

Return Instructions

After completing the form, your reference must place it in a sealed envelope, sign across the envelope seal and return it directly to you.

Important: Do not open the sealed envelope. The completed Employer Reference Form must be submitted separately.

Hand deliver to:

Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Kilgore College
1100 Broadway
Kilgore, TX 75662

**Approach from Dudley Road entrance

All evaluations will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by the PTA Admissions Committee.

DOWNLOAD REFERENCE FORM
STEP 5: Review the Essential Job Functions

The following essential job functions have been identified for the Physical Therapist Assistant profession. Applicants must be able to perform these functions, with or without reasonable accommodations, in order to participate in the PTA Program.

Visual Acuity

  • Maintain visual acuity from 1-100 feet.
  • Operate equipment safely.
  • Read documents, computer screens and measurement devices at close range.

Hearing Acuity

  • Interpret verbal communication.
  • Hear patient voices, alarms, timers, heart/breath sounds and blood pressure sounds.
  • Receive and retain instructions.

Communication Ability

  • Communicate effectively through speaking, reading, writing and nonverbal methods.
  • Interact appropriately with patients, families, instructors, classmates and healthcare professionals.

Digital Dexterity

  • Perform repetitive hand and finger movements.
  • Demonstrate eye-hand coordination.
  • Reach in all directions.
  • Perform both light and firm grasping activities.

Physical Ability

  • Stand for prolonged periods.
  • Move throughout clinical environments.
  • Maintain balance and mobility.
  • Push, pull, lift, carry and transfer up to 50 pounds.
  • Bend, stoop, crawl, kneel and return to standing.

Adaptive Ability

  • Meet deadlines.
  • Function under stress.
  • Multi-task effectively.
  • Work independently.
  • Interact appropriately with diverse personalities.
Application Acknowledgment: Review these Essential Job Functions carefully. You will be asked to formally acknowledge them as part of the online PTA application. No separate form is required for this step.
STEP 6: Prepare Your PTA Essay

Submit a typed one-page essay that demonstrates your understanding of the physical therapy profession and your motivation for pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).

You will provide one online and one at your interview.

Your Essay Should Address

  • Why you want to become a Physical Therapist Assistant.
  • Experiences that influenced your decision to pursue the PTA profession.
  • Relevant work, volunteer or observation experiences that have increased your understanding of physical therapy.
  • Your understanding of the PTA role within the healthcare team.
  • Observations from the physical therapy settings you visited, including:
    • Types of facilities and patient populations encountered
    • Roles of the PT, PTA and support personnel
    • Similarities and differences among practice settings
    • Which setting or patient population interested you most and why
  • How completion of the PTA Program and PTA licensure will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Essay Format Requirements

  • One page
  • Typed
  • Readable 12-point font
  • 1-inch margins
  • 1.5-line spacing
  • Proper spelling, grammar and organization are expected and will be evaluated.

How Your Essay Will Be Evaluated

Essays will be evaluated on:

  • Content and depth of reflection
  • Demonstrated understanding of the PTA profession
  • Integration of observation experiences
  • Writing quality, organization, grammar and spelling
  • Professionalism and clarity of career goals
Before You Apply: Prepare and save your completed essay before beginning the online PTA application. You will be asked to upload your essay as part of the application process.
STEP 7: Submit Required Transcripts and Gather Application Materials

Before beginning the online PTA application, make sure you have completed the required steps above and have all required supporting materials ready.

Transcripts

Official copies of all transcripts must be submitted, with the exception of high school transcripts.

You will also be asked to provide information about the schools you have attended as part of the PTA application.

Have These Materials Ready

  • Completed Physical Therapy Observation Log and verification of observation hours
  • Completed Observation/Volunteer Evaluation Form in a sealed envelope signed across the seal
  • Completed Employer Reference Form in a sealed envelope signed across the seal
  • Completed One-page PTA essay
  • Required Official transcripts
  • Physical forms may be mailed or hand-delivered. Items must be received by the due date; a postmark by the due date is insufficient.
Important: The sealed Observation/Volunteer Evaluation and Employer Reference forms are not uploaded with the online PTA application. Do not open either sealed envelope.

Hand deliver to:

Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Kilgore College
1100 Broadway
Kilgore, TX 75662

**Approach from Dudley Road entrance
STEP 8: Complete and Submit Your PTA Application

Once you have completed the steps above and gathered all required materials, you are ready to complete the online Kilgore College Physical Therapist Assistant Program application.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have your required information and supporting materials available. The online application will ask you to provide and complete items such as:

  • Applicant and contact information
  • Education and school history
  • Required program eligibility and background information
  • Physical therapy observation information
  • Required acknowledgments and certifications
  • Your completed PTA essay
  • Required supporting documentation
  • Electronic signature and date

Review Before Submitting

Carefully review your application before submitting it. By signing the application, you will certify that the information you provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Application Deadline: Your online application and all required application materials must be received by the application deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Remember: The sealed Observation/Volunteer Evaluation and Employer Reference forms are submitted separately to the PTA Program and are not uploaded with the online application.
Hand-deliver both to:

Torrence Health Science Education Program - Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Kilgore College
1612 S. Henderson Blvd. Broadway
Kilgore, TX 75662

**Approach from Dudley Road entrance
START PTA APPLICATION