Allied Health
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
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.
Become a PTA.
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.
Early Assurance Program
The Mountwest Community and Technical College PTA Early Assurance Program allows high school seniors to apply for conditional acceptance into the PTA program. Successful applicants will have a guaranteed seat pending maintenance of all prerequisite requirements.
Why Early Assurance?
- Successful applicants will not have to take the aptitude test nor complete the interview that is normally part of the application process.
- PTA program faculty will assist in arranging needed volunteer hours.
- Successful applicants will have opportunities for regular contact with PTA core faculty and second-year students during their first year of study.
- The PTA Program will provide the successful applicant with their program scrubs, polo and lab supplies.
Complete an application here .
Open for Applications: September 15, 2023
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Letters of Recommendation/Official Transcript/ACT Score Report Deadline: January 15, 2024 Official Transcripts can be emailed to Mountwest at: admissions@mctc.edu
Letters of Recommendation should be mailed to:
Mountwest Community and Technical College
ATTN: Dr. Kelly Terry Room # 451
1 Mountwest Way
Huntington, WV 25701
Interviews for the Program: February 2024 (exact date TBA)
The program is designed for motivated graduating seniors who meet the following criteria:
- Minimum composite ACT of 19 and a Science Score of 19 or SAT score of 980.
- Overall High School GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 Scale.
- Two letters of reference/recommendation from STEM teachers, that should state why they think you will be a good candidate for the program. These must be completed and sealed in an envelope with the teacher’s signature across the seal.
- In-person interview with PTA Program Admission Committee.
*Number of applicants accepted each year is limited. *
- Complete and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the first-year courses according to the Program Sheet.
- Science GPA must be maintained at a 2.75 GPA.
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation in at least 2 different locations (PTA Program Faculty will assist in arrangement of these hours).
PTA Program Links
Admission Requirements
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.
Potential Employers
- Genesis Rehabilitation Services
- Encompass Healthcare
- Generations Physical Therapy
- Huntington Physical Therapy
- Premier Physical Therapy
- Riverside Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
The program aligns with the mission of the College by preparing students for employment as Physical Therapist Assistants in the community, as the program seeks to:
- The Program will graduate Physical Therapist Assistants qualified as generalists to practice under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
- The Program will enhance availability of physical therapy services throughout the state of WV.
- The Program will provide adequate resources to support student learning-including equipment, classroom space, laboratory space, clinical facilities, faculty, and technology.
- The faculty will remain current in the areas in which they teach.
- The faculty will model and provide opportunities to grow in the core values.
- Students will correctly apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge related to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Students will communicate effectively and professionally using verbal, written, and non-verbal communication with other healthcare providers and family members.
- Graduates will exhibit a commitment to community service and lifelong learning.
- Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce and practice as an entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant.
Frequently asked questions
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
Platinum Program Membership
Career Outlook: projected to grow 32 percent from 2018 to 2028
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.
QUICK FACTS
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/.
Want to learn more about this program?
Interested in learning more about the PTA program? Send us a message and talk to our program coordinator.
