Physical Therapist Assistant (Associate of Applied Science, A.A.S.)
The physical therapist assistant performs patient rehabilitation under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs treat neurologic, orthopedic, and cardiopulmonary dysfunctions; provide pediatric, athletic, and geriatric rehabilitation; and assist in the treatment of wounds, burns, and post-operative conditions.
The PTA program includes didactic and laboratory preparation, as well as extended opportunities to practice and apply learned skills in affiliated clinical settings. Graduates of the PTA program are able to sit for required state licensing examinations and to function competently as entry-level practitioners.
The program is comprised of four semesters and two summer sessions. Upon graduation, students receive the Associate of Applied Science degree. PTA students are encouraged to consider the advantages of obtaining a bachelor's degree from Missouri Western as well.
Admission to the program is limited to one cohort of twenty students. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the program. Selection is competitive and is based on applicants' grades, ACT (or TEAS or SAT) scores, completion of the Missouri high school core program or equivalent, science and math preparation, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and observation of physical therapy in practice. Application information is available online at www.missouriwestern.edu/pta.
Missouri Western’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The PTA program is a competitive entrance program. Application to the program is made separately from the application for admission to Missouri Western. One cohort of 20 is accepted every year. Application requirement information, including application deadlines, fees, and requirements can be found at www.missouriwestern.edu/pta.
Students who choose this associate degree program will have no more than 6 years from admission or subsequent declaration to meet the requirements listed below. If certification, accreditation or statutory requirements change and additional requirements become effective during this time, the new requirements take precedence.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 15-19 | |
| Students must complete General Studies courses | ||
| Major Requirements | 63 | |
| ALH 106 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| BIO 101 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| BIO 250 | Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| EXS 304 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PTA 100 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | 1 |
| PTA 110 | Patient Care Skills | 3 |
| PTA 120 | Modalities | 3 |
| PTA 130 | Functional Anatomy | 2 |
| PTA 140 | Measurements and Procedures | 3 |
| PTA 165 | Principles of Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| PTA 185 | Clinical Education I | 3 |
| PTA 210 | Professional Issues | 2 |
| PTA 251 | Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation | 2 |
| PTA 255 | Clinical Orthopedics | 3 |
| PTA 260 | Clinical Neurology | 3 |
| PTA 265 | Diseases and Dysfunctions | 3 |
| PTA 270 | Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy | 1 |
| PTA 280 | Clinical Rehabilitation | 3 |
| PTA 285 | Clinical Education II | 5 |
| PTA 290 | Clinical Education III | 5 |
| PTA 295 | Clinical Seminar | 1 |
NOTE: The above is expanded upon in the Physical Therapist Assistant handbook that has been developed for use by students.
Program Graduation Requirements
- Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.
University Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum of 62 credit hours (100 level and above, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
- Earn 20 of the last 30 credit hours at MWSU in institutional course work (exclusive of credit by examination).
- Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments.
- Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
- Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.