PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) treat patients
under the direction of a Physical Therapist. PTAs use
therapeutic modalities such as exercise, joint and soft
tissue mobilization, endurance training, neuromuscular
re-education, and therapeutic application of heat, cold,
ultrasound and electrical stimulation to assist patients to
move and perform functional activities with the greatest
amount of independence possible. Work as a PTA might
include teaching patients how to use orthotics, crutches,
canes, walkers or other devices to increase independence.
Physical Therapist Assistants are employed by hospitals,
schools, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and
home care agencies.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered at
the Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center through
a partnership with Mineral Area College. Cape CTC is a non-degree granting institution therefore the Associate of Applied Science degree is conferred through MAC once all degree requirements are met. The core PTA
courses, taught by CTC faculty, are 12 months beginning in September each year. Core
classes meet from 8:00 to 4:00 daily at Cape CTC with clinical rotations
including 8-10 hour shifts at healthcare facilities.
In addition to the core PTA courses, students must also complete a
total of 24 – 26 credit hours of general education courses which may be taken online or at any MAC location. Upon successful completion of all degree requirements from the accredited PTA program, students may sit for the national board exam and pursue licensure in the state of their choosing.
To apply for the PTA program:
• Complete an application with the $20 processing fee
• Achieve a minimum score of 55% on the pre-entrance
test (TEAS)
• Complete the pre-requisite courses
• Submit official educational transcripts
• Provide three work references
• Schedule interview with selection committee
Admission Process:
The Admission Committee reviews the applicant’s folder
using a standard scoring guide. Higher pre-entrance
test scores and positive work references increase the
applicant’s probability of being selected for the program.
FINAL ACCEPTANCE is contingent upon a criminal
background check.
Pre-requisite general education courses:
A grade of C or above is required.
• Medical Terminology/Intro to Pathology
• General Biology with a lab
• English Composition
• Intermediate Algebra
Additional general education course requirements:
• Oral Communications course
• Human Development/Psychology course
• History/Political Science course
• Computer Literacy course
Information on specific Mineral Area College courses or
acceptable substitutions available upon request.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete ALL general
education courses before beginning the 12 month PTA
core curriculum.
COST TO ATTEND