Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Physical Therapist Assistants are skilled personnel who provide services that help improve mobility and relieve pain of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, you'll train patients in the activities of daily living, use special equipment, and evaluate the patient's progress. You might use exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound to in working with your client.
The physical therapist assistant associate degree program at Mountain State University prepares students with the knowledge and skills required to assist physical therapists in meeting the physical therapy needs of the public.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and graduates are eligible to apply for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination leading to licensure as a physical therapist assistant. Persons with a felony conviction are eligible for licensure based on terms and conditions of the state in which they intend to apply.
Why MSU for PTA?
- Program format. MSU's PTA program is competency based. Each class is taught and tested in units. At the conclusion of each unit, when applicable, students are required to demonstrate ability to perform key concepts or techniques in a safe and competent manner. The ability to demonstrate competency is essential to progression through the program, as our goal is to assure safety for both the patient and the student.
- Clinical education. The program includes a series of three off-campus clinical education experiences. Students are required to work during the days and hours of operation of their assigned facility. Every effort is made to place students in facilities that disrupt their domestic arrangements as little as possible, but the primary purpose of the clinical affiliation is to ensure that each student gains the variety of experience required to become a competent entry-level physical therapist assistant.
- Employment. Over the past 3 years, graduates of the PTA program who pass the licensure exam and actively seek employment have enjoyed 100% graduate employment rate.
- Student Physical Therapist Assistant Association. The SPTAA provides student interaction and discussion of professional issues among its members. The organization gives PTA students the opportunity to participate in and recognize the importance of community service projects and also provides campus and community representation of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Career Opportunities
Physical therapist assistants work in a broad range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing, extended care, education or research centers, schools, hospices, fitness centers, and other sports training facilities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average growth in employment for PTAs.