Mar 28, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)

Location(s): Richwood Valley Campus


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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: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 417-447-7873 or email wallenn@otc.edu

Selective Admission Program:


The information below shows the courses and requirements you need to graduate from this program. Some courses may need to be completed before you can enter the program and may have extra rules, like a required minimum grade. Please contact the Health Sciences office or visit the program page for more information on how to apply. 

Physical Therapist Assistant Requirements - 46 Credit Hours


A grade of ‘C’ or higher is required for all PTA prefix courses.

General Education Requirements - 26 Credit Hours


Mathematical Sciences - 3 Credit Hours


Any higher level MTH course will satisfy this requirement. 

Written Communication - 3 Credit Hours


Oral Communication - 3 Credit Hours


Bioclinical Sciences - 11 Credit Hours


Social & Behavioral Sciences - 6 Credit Hours


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