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Physical Therapist Assistant - Associate of Applied Science

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students to serve as an essential member of the PT team in a variety of health care settings. PTAs help PTs assess a client’s physical abilities, work with them to create a treatment plan and guide clients through rehabilitative exercises. PTAs might also perform routine data collection, organize clients’ records or instruct clients’ families on how to care for their loved ones. The required coursework features lecture, laboratory and clinical education units. Clinical experience gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to function in the health care delivery system under the supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA Program requires a separate application in addition to the application for general admission to OTC. A new class begins each spring semester and graduates in May of the following year. To view application details, visit otc.edu/healthsciences. Graduates can immediately seek licensure and apply to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

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Program At a Glance

For those who want to:

Help their clients overcome debilitating injuries
Help develop treatment plans
Provide clients with professional, hands-on care

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Program Snapshot

In-district Tuition: $11,333
Out-of-district Tuition: $15,301
Credits: 71*
Average Salary: $64,620*
Graduation Retention Rate: 95%*

More About Costs

Possible Careers

Physical therapist assistant
In-home healthcare worker
Extended care worker
Rehabilitation manager
Athletic trainer

More Careers

*Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Please visit the tuition and fees details page for precise details or call 417-447-7500. Degree time/credits vary with students' enrollment and course completion. Graduation retention varies by case. For program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates visit Student Outcomes/Student Right-to-Know. Salary information is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.

Degree Requirements

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Program Required Courses
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Pre-Admission Requirements

For the full program requirements, see curriculum. For the full list of courses, see the catalog.

Program Details

Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 72 Hours

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to serve as an essential member of a PT/PTA team in a variety of health care settings.  A new class of 24 students begins each spring semester and graduates in May (17 months later). A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. 

The limited and selective admission phase of the program begins in Semester III after successful completion of the required general education courses. Through didactic, laboratory, and clinical education components, students will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to function in the health care delivery system under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Students may enroll in the "Program Specific Courses" (those labeled as PTA) only if they have been admitted into the program. Students admitted into the PTA program are required to adhere to strict program attendance and professional behavior standards in order to participate, progress, and graduate from the PTA program.

Graduates of this accredited PTA program are eligible to apply to sit for the national licensing examination. After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA). 

A grade of "C" or better is required for all PTA Program required courses.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Ozarks Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 800-999-2782; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 417-447-7873 or email [email protected]

Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.) Suggested Course Sequence - Spring Start - 72 Hours

A suggested course sequence is a semester-by-semester list of courses suggested for successful and timely completion of a degree. This course sequence is designed for full-time students beginning in the fall or spring semester, however part-time students can utilize the same sequence at a part-time pace.  Students should follow the suggested course sequence appropriate to their catalog year.  The Physical Therapist Assistant program is selective admission. Please see your navigator with any questions you may have or contact the Health Sciences Office at 417-447-8803 or [email protected].   To view the catalog page and full list of courses for this program, please see the Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.) link or see the program welcome page for additional information.

The pre-admission courses must be completed prior to applying to thePhysical Therapist Assistant Program.  

Students are advised to complete BCS 210 before beginning PTA program-specific courses.

Program Contact

Niki Wallen
PTA Program Director
417-447-7973

Admissions

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

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