Platinum Program Membership
American Physical Therapy Association
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Allied Health
Associate of Applied Science • 75 Credit Hours
Physical Therapist Assistants will find employment opportunities in home health care settings, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing units and outpatient departments.
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are educated, skilled healthcare workers who work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). PTAs assist in implementing physical therapy interventions in accordance with an established plan of care. Physical Therapist Assistants perform various treatment procedures which may involve the therapeutic use of water, massage, ultrasound and the thermal properties of light and electricity to promote healing and relieve pain. The assistant also implements exercise programs designed for the restoration of strength, endurance, coordination, relaxation and range of motion.
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
The program enables the mission of the College by preparing students for employment as physical therapist assistants in the community by the following:
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) since 1997. High program outcomes (licensure exam pass rate, employment after graduation both at 100% for 2018-19).
Once admitted to the program, 14 months to complete the degree requirements
Visit the One Stop Center on the 1st floor for assistance in getting your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant started at Mountwest!
No, the PTA courses are not considered as Pre-PT equivalent…. however the general education prerequisite coursework may be transferable depending on degree you are seeking outside of physical therapy.
1.) Plan ahead to be able to dedicate your time toward the program.
2.) As the program schedule includes 15-21 hrs per semester….take a full load of courses (12-15 hrs) each semester prior to applying for admission.
3.) Minimize working as much as possible while enrolled in the program. These three areas tend to be the biggest obstacles to success.
Program applications are available beginning Nov. 15th. Complete a separate program application and pay the fee of $45 by March 15th annually. Program accepts students each spring and classes begin in May. Application form can be downloaded at the top of the page.
Contact the program with any questions at carltont@mctc.edu or odell8@mctc.edu
Employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average. Physical Therapist Assistants will find employment opportunities in home health care settings, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing unites and outpatient departments.
Employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of physical therapist aides is projected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the health needs of an aging population, particularly the large baby-boom generation. This group is staying more active later in life than previous generations did. However, many baby boomers also are entering the prime age for heart attacks, strokes, and mobility-related injuries, increasing the demand for physical therapy needed for rehabilitation.
Physical Therapists Assistants & Aids
2019 Median Pay
$48,990 per year
Number of Jobs
148,200 in 2018
Job Outlook
2018-2028 26%
Much faster than average employment.
For the most current salary information, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” found online at bls.gov/ooh/.
