A.A.S. Degree: 71 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 application deadline for the program is September 1. Contact the Allied Health office (417)447-8954 or visit http://academics.otc.edu/alliedhealth/ for an application packet.
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).
The Physical Therapist Assistant Education Program at Ozarks Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
