Twin Districts Region MS

CAREER TYPE

Physical Therapist Assistant

The PTA graduate will work with a variety of patient diagnoses such as orthopedic, neurological, wounds, and trauma to a varied patient population including pediatrics, geriatrics, pre and post-partum patients, athletes, post-operative patients, as well as many others under the supervision of a physical therapist.

CAREER TYPE KEY FACTS:

Salary Range Potential: $40,000 - $52,000

Class Types:

TRAINING CENTER PROGRAMS

Physical Therapist Assistant-Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a two-year integrated program taught over five semesters. During the program, students are given the opportunity to master the theories and principles of treatment to work with patients to relieve impairments, overcome disability, and restore movement, skills, and function. Classes include lecture and laboratory sessions to develop knowledge, skills, and the attitudes required of an entry-level physical therapist assistant. Upon completion of the curriculum plan the student will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.  As a licensed physical therapist assistant, graduates are eligible to work under the direction of a physical therapist in a variety of health care settings providing physical therapy service to patients.

Example of Class Types

Classroom Lecture, Laboratory, Simulations, and Clinical Assignments

  Day and Night Classes:

Day only

Pre-requisites required:
There are no prerequisites program entrance. However, students are granted admission committee points for ACT score, overall GPA, GPA obtained relating to program specific courses, and identified college courses: English Composition 1, Psychology, Speech, Humanities, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physical Science, and Algebra. Tabulated scores are used to formulate a decision on admission for incoming students.

Length of Program
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements
There are no prerequisites program entrance. However, students are granted admission committee points for ACT score, overall GPA, GPA obtained relating to program specific courses, and identified college courses: English Composition 1, Psychology, Speech, Humanities, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physical Science, and Algebra. Tabulated scores are used to formulate a decision on admission for incoming students.

Skills Needed
Skills Required: Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. Interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with co-workers, members of the rehab team as well as patients and their families from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, educational, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Communication skills sufficient for interaction with others verbally, non-verbally and by writing. Physical ability to move from one area of the facility to another and maneuver in small space. Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to administer physical therapy treatments safely and effectively. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs. Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment essential to physical therapy Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment. Accountability and responsibility.
Meridian Community College


Contact
Tommy Winston
601.484.8613
twinsto1@meridiancc.edu



 
Physical Therapist Assistant-Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a two-year program of study that prepares students to work within the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies and other health care settings. Admission to the program is selective and competitive. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students earn the Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible for state licensing.

Example of Class Types

  Day and Night Classes:

Pre-requisites required:
The graduate must be able to multi-task, demonstrate high energy for a fast paced work environment, communicate well, and display a superior level of ethics to provide quality health care.

Length of Program
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements
The graduate must be able to multi-task, demonstrate high energy for a fast paced work environment, communicate well, and display a superior level of ethics to provide quality health care.

Skills Needed
Pearl River Community College
Forrest County Center

Contact
Karinna Lee
601.554.5488
kklee@prcc.edu