Physical Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)

About the role

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at MCC-Penn Valley provides comprehensive training for individuals interested in providing direct client care under the supervision of a physical therapist. The program includes both interactive classroom experiences and 720 hours of supervised clinical rotations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct client care under the supervision of a physical therapist
• Help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities due to injury or disease
• Interact directly with clients to provide care, requiring qualities such as personability, empathy, motivation, and education
• Engage in essential functions including physical strength, agility, quick reactions, strong verbal and written communication skills

Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of prerequisite courses (details available upon request)
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a drug screening

Qualifications

PTA graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensure examination through the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. They also meet the educational requirements for national board certification and licensure for Missouri and Kansas.

Skills

PTAs should possess qualities such as personability, empathy, motivation, and education, as well as essential functions like physical strength, agility, quick reactions, and strong verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

Graduates of the PTA program may find employment opportunities in various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended-care facilities, and schools. The program offers a bright outlook with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2022 to 2032 and a median average wage of $61,310 in Missouri as of 2023.

Pay

Upon successful completion of the PTA program, graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensure examination through the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. They are also eligible for national board certification and licensure for Missouri and Kansas.

Schedule

The PTA program at MCC-Penn Valley operates with a traditional classroom lecture program with labs beginning each fall semester, lasting 4 semesters. Alternatively, there is a web-based program where "lecture" materials are learned in a distance education format, with students spending 1-2 mornings a week in the lab for learning and examinations.

Contact Information

Randy Leighton, MSPT, Ph.D.
816.604.4808
randy.leighton@mcckc.edu