Physical Therapist Assistant

This program prepares students for a profession as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The Physical Therapist Assistant program at State Technical College of Missouri 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: www.capteonline.org.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is designed to equip the graduate with the necessary skills and training to become employed in various physical therapy settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long term care facilities, home healthcare, clinics, or school systems. The program is both physically and mentally challenging. To be successful, students should possess good communication skills and have a good background in science and math.

State Technical College of Missouri is a member of the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) and in partnership with other member colleges is part of an initiative to expand access to physical therapist assistant education for rural Missourians. Member colleges can be found at https://mhpc.sfccmo.edu/campus-finder/. All two-year colleges in the MHPC offer and enroll students in the first-year general education and prerequisite coursework. The second-year professional PTA lecture and lab coursework is delivered solely by State Technical College of Missouri at the Health Science Center in Linn, MO. Instructional delivery includes traditional face-to-face and hybrid education.

Students interested in earning this degree must apply to State Technical College of Missouri to be considered for admission into the second-year professional PTA portion of the program. Enrollment in the Physical Therapist Assistant program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis. Program admission reuirements can be found by selecting this link. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information about the specific application requirements, forms, and deadline. Informational sessions are held periodically and are required as a part of the application process. Register online or contact the Office of Admissions to register for the next available session.

Once accepted into the PTA professional courses, students must earn a grade of “C” or above in all PTA courses including 632 clock hours of supervised internship in aproved clinical facilities. Students who are accepted to the Physical Therapist Assistant program should also be aware that they will be subject to drug screening. Students are responsible for attaining CPR certification prior to clinical education. Criminal background checks will be required prior to clinical placement. Per Missouri law, persons who have been convicted of or pled guilty to certain felony offenses may be prohibited from holding any direct patient care positions. This could prevent placement in and completion of clinical education courses that are required to complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science degree earned by graduates of the program.

To view program outcome data, visit https://statetechmo.edu/pta-program-facts/.

Program Mission

The physical therapist assistant program prepares competent physical therapist assistants to improve the health of society.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

Behaviors and skills sought by employers.
Entry-level skills consitent with contemporary physical therapy practice necessary to work as a physical therapist assistant under the supervision of licensed physical therapists in a variety of clinical settings.
Communication, professionalism, critical thinking, and leadership skills that will enhance job performance.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 51.0806

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
PTA	101	Introduction to PTA	1
PTA	115	Basic Patient Care Lab	1
PTA	116	Basic Patient Care	2
PTA	117	Documentation for the PTA	1
PTA	118	Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology	3
PTA	119	Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Lab	1
PTA	121	Physical Agents and Modalities Lab	1
PTA	125	Principles of Therapeutic Exercise Lab	1
PTA	127	Physical Agents and Modalities	1
PTA	129	Health and Disease I	4
PTA	135	Clinical Practice I	2
PTA	201	PTA as a Profession	1
PTA	202	Health and Disease II	1
PTA	204	Electrotherapeutic Modalities	1
PTA	205	Electrotherapeutic Modalities Lab	1
PTA	208	Orthopedics for the PTA	2
PTA	211	Orthopedics Lab for the PTA	1
PTA	223	Neurological Therapeutic Exercise	3
PTA	224	Neurological Therapeutic Exercise Lab	2
PTA	220	Comprehensive Review and Licensure Requirements for the PTA	2
PTA	235	Clinical Practice II	4
PTA	245	Clinical Practice III	4
PTA	289	Research in Physical Therapy	2
SUB-TOTAL			42

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
General Education Requirements			19
Must Include:
ASC	104	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I	4
MAT	119	Elementary Statistics	3
May Not Include:
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
NST	101	Network Fundamentals	3
SUB-TOTAL			19

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
PTA	102	Advanced Musculoskeletal and Nervous System Anatomy	2
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
ASC	110	Medical Terminology	1
PSY	161	Health Psychology	3
SUB-TOTAL			10

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

Courses

PTA 101: Introduction to PTA

This course provides an introduction to the role and scope of practice for the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA). Students begin to learn legal and ethical concepts guiding professional behavior and conduct, develop an awareness of the healthcare delivery system, cultural diversity, evidence-based practice, stress management, work performance and expectations. Students are introduced to the history and role of the American Physical Therapy Association. Students develop skills in using professional terminology for oral and written communications as well as collaboration with peers in a variety of formats. Integration of learning experiences with concurrent technical courses is used to apply and reinforce knowledge.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 102: Advanced Musculoskeletal and Nervous System Anatomy

This course includes additional study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems beyond the concepts from general anatomy and physiology. Focus will be on the skeletal system, joint articulations and motions, muscular system, surface anatomy, and peripheral and central nervous systems. This course provides foundational knowledge necessary to prepare to be a physical therapist assistant.

Requisite:
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade B

Credit Hours: 2

PTA 115: Basic Patient Care Lab

This lab course provides an introduction to basic physical therapy intervention skills and procedures and provides an opportunity to practice professional behaviors in a lab setting. Principles and concepts pertaining to positioning and draping; body mechanics; transfers; range-of-motion (ROM); aseptic techniques and wound care; bandaging and dressing; vital signs; wheelchairs and patient transporting; gait training; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and massage are included.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C
Concurrent PTA 116

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 116: Basic Patient Care

This lecture course provides an introduction to professional behaviors and basic physical therapy intervention skills procedures, and documentation. Principles and concepts pertaining to positioning, transfers, range-of-motion (ROM), aseptic technique, wound care, bandaging and dressing, vital signs, wheelchairs, gait training, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), documentation and massage are included.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C
Concurrent PTA 115

Credit Hours: 2

PTA 117: Documentation for the PTA

This course examines the purposes of documentation and includes the basic skills needed for a physical therapist assistant (PTA) to document patient care. The relationship between documentation and the patient/client management process is examined with emphasis on the role of the PTA in reading the initial documentation and following the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist and documenting on the care provided. The focus is on problem based medical records with integration of medical terminology and abbreviations to enhance clarity and brevity.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 118: Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology

This lecture course includes an in-depth study of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system emphasizing functional aspects of human motion and the biomechanical principles involved. The course also investigates the theoretical basis of various data collection methods including manual muscle testing, goniometric measurements, muscle length, gait and postural assessments, among others. The course incorporates concepts related to the roles of the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA), use of professional behaviors, and use of appropriate medical language through written and verbal communications.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C
Concurrent PTA 119

Credit Hours: 3

PTA 119: Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Lab

This lab course provides an introduction to basic physical therapy data collection methods and gives the student the opportunity to practice professional behaviors as well as clinical skills in a lab setting. The student learns principles and procedures related to manual muscle testing, goniometry, muscle length assessment, posture and gait analysis. The application of various concepts related to biomechanics, Newton's laws of motion, joint structure, the nervous system, and analysis of human motion are also included. The course emphasizes concepts related to the roles of the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA), use of professional behaviors, and use of appropriate medical language through written and verbal communications.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C
Concurrent PTA 118

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 121: Physical Agents and Modalities Lab

This lab course provides the physical therapist assistant (PTA) student with opportunities to practice clinical application skills needed to perform thermal and mechanical treatment modalities used in physical therapy. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving to assure that the modality is applied according to the physical therapist's plan of care and to maximize treatment effectiveness. Safety procedures, indications, contraindications, and precautions are learned and applied for each modality. The student learns to use professional and understandable terminology in written and verbal communication and patient education relative to physical agents.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 101 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 115 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 116 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 117 minimum grade C
Concurrent PTA 127

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 125: Principles of Therapeutic Exercise Lab

This course introduces the student to the use of exercise as a preventive and treatment mechanism for pathological conditions which influence strength, endurance and flexibility. Students apply principles, design and techniques of therapeutic exercise and functional training. Students will learn to: describe the principles of therapeutic exercise, formulate rationale for the application of and modification of therapeutic exercise, safely and effectively implement therapeutic exercise interventions based on a plan of care established by a physical therapist, measure response to exercise interventions and respond accordingly, demonstrate patient education, and communicate the outcomes of the intervention. Students will learn and practice many types of exercise prior to learning how to apply exercise to specific pathologies.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 101 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 115 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 116 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 117 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 127: Physical Agents and Modalities

This lecture course provides the physical therapist assistant (PTA) student with theoretical knowledge and practical information about physical agents in rehabilitation. The basic scientific and physiological principles underlying the application of physical agents are explored. Indications, contraindications, and precautions are learned for each modality.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 101 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 115 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 116 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 117 minimum grade C
Concurrent PTA 121

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 129: Health and Disease I

This course is an investigation of disease processes, pharmacology and medical management of cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, autoimmune, lymphatic, and endocrine systems, including geriatric diagnoses commonly seen in physical therapy. The process of inflammation and repair are emphasized. Content includes peripheral vascular disease and amputation, cardiac and pulmonary disorders, arthritis, and diabetes. As each system is examined, clinical manifestations and the possible physical therapy interventions are reviewed.

Requisites:
Prerequisite Acceptance into the PTA Program
and
Prerequisite PTA 102 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

PTA 135: Clinical Practice I

This is a four week (40 hours per week) clinical experience that provides the student with his/her first opportunity for hands-on patient care. The student will apply basic skills learned in the classroom to the clinical setting making the connection between theory and practice. The student will work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapy professional in an assigned/approved facility. This clinical experience provides opportunities for development of appropriate professional behaviors related to the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA).

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 118 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 119 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 121 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 125 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 127 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 129 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

PTA 201: PTA as a Profession

This course provides an introduction to the profession of a physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA) practice. Students learn case-based legal and ethical concepts guiding professional behavior and conduct in the clinical setting and develop an awareness of professional duty, responsibility, and advocacy. Students are introduced to billing and reimbursement methods and issues in various healthcare settings. Students are introduced to the Missouri State Practice Act. Students are directed toward lifelong learning, productivity, and career development planning. Integration of learning experiences with concurrent technical courses is used to apply and reinforce knowledge as well as educate others about the profession of physical therapist assistant (PTA).

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 202: Health and Disease II

This course is an investigation of disease processes, pharmacology and medical management of integumentary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, obstetrics, and oncology diagnoses commonly seen in physical therapy. The disease process and treatment are emphasized. Content includes burns, pregnancy, cancer, obesity, and pediatric conditions. As each system is examined, clinical manifestations and the possible physical therapy interventions are reviewed.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 118 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 119 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 121 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 125 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 127 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 129 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 204: Electrotherapeutic Modalities

This lecture course addresses the basic principles of electricity and electrotherapy. It investigates the basic physical science, the electrophysiology, and the clinical use of physical therapy electrical modalities. Students will learn to recognize common indications, contraindications, and special precautions to the application of electrotherapeutic modalities. Application of electrotherapeutic agents for pain, neuromuscular stimulation, and tissue/wound healing will be studied.

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 205: Electrotherapeutic Modalities Lab

This lab course enables the student to gain competency in the safe and effective application of electrical stimulation modalities currently used in physical therapy practice. Indications, contraindications, and precautions are examined and students have opportunities to problem-solve clinical applications to maximize the benefit of the modality.

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 208: Orthopedics for the PTA

This lecture course involves an in-depth study of orthopedic conditions, physical therapy data collection, and interventions for orthopedic and cardiopulmonary clients. Previously learned therapeutic exercise techniques are applied to orthopedic and cardiopulmonary conditions, and the relationship between interventions and anatomical structure, function, and pathophysiology are examined. The student reviews the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) as a part of the rehabilitation team related to development and delivery of orthopedic therapeutic exercise.

Credit Hours: 2

PTA 211: Orthopedics Lab for the PTA

This lab course provides students with opportunities to create and implement therapeutic exercise programs following the physical therapist (PT) plan of care. Students will apply previously learned therapeutic exercise techniques to orthopedic and cardiopulmonary conditions. The student portrays the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) as a part of the rehabilitation team related to development and delivery of orthopedic therapeutic exercise with the instructor and/or lab assistant serving as the supervising physical therapist (PT).

Credit Hours: 1

PTA 220: Comprehensive Review and Licensure Requirements for the PTA

This course is designed to assist students in preparation to apply and sit for licensure as a physical therapist assistant. Content, scope, and format of the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTAE) will be addressed. A licensure exam prep course will be provided as a part of this course. This course will include test-taking skills, study skills, content review, and self-assessment exercises to facilitate preparation for the examination.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 201 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 202 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 204 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 205 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 208 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 211 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 223 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 224 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

PTA 223: Neurological Therapeutic Exercise

This lecture course provides an introduction to the pathology, pathophysiology, medical interventions, testing, and treatments of neurological disease and dysfunction. A general overview of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system as well as adult and pediatric neurologic diseases and dysfunctions signs and symptoms, medical interventions, and specialized testing are included in this course. Principles and concepts pertaining to sensation, perception, motor control, posture, balance, coordination, functional mobility, and ambulation are also included. The student examines theories and techniques of therapeutic intervention commonly used in the treatment of neurologic disease and dysfunction. The course incorporates concepts related to the roles of the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant (PT/PTA), professional behaviors, and the use of appropriate medical language through verbal and written communications.

Credit Hours: 3

PTA 224: Neurological Therapeutic Exercise Lab

This lab course provides an introduction to the pathophysiology, medical intervention, and rehabilitation treatment of adult and pediatric neurological disease and dysfunction. Students have the opportunity to practice clinical skills and professional behaviors in a lab setting. Principles and procedures related to motor control, sensation, perception, therapeutic exercise, posture, balance, gait analysis, and gait training are studied using a case-based format. The student explores the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) in the treatment of neurological dysfunction, develops effective communication skills for patient/client and family education, and utilizes appropriate medical language through written and verbal communications.

Credit Hours: 2

PTA 235: Clinical Practice II

This is a six week (40 hours per week) clinical experience that provides the student with opportunities to provide patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapy professional in an assigned/approved facility. The student will apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to the clinical setting, strengthening the connection between theoretical and foundational knowledge. The student will work with a variety of patients to develop competence in clinical skills and exhibit appropriate professional behaviors related to the role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) as part of the healthcare team.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PTA 135 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 201 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 202 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 204 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 205 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 208 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 211 minimum grade C
Prerequisite PTA 223 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PTA 224 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

PTA 245: Clinical Practice III

Credit Hours: 4

PTA 289: Research in Physical Therapy

Students explore types and methods of research as well as sources and means of literature review. A thesis statement is developed and students access and analyze evidence-based research to support their thesis. Other methods of acquiring information may entail book review, medical case study, clinical observation, and discussion with physical therapy practitioners.

Credit Hours: 2

I AM A...

Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Mission

Program Goals The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 51.0806

Core Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Courses

PTA 101: Introduction to PTA

PTA 102: Advanced Musculoskeletal and Nervous System Anatomy

PTA 115: Basic Patient Care Lab

PTA 116: Basic Patient Care

PTA 117: Documentation for the PTA

PTA 118: Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology

PTA 119: Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Lab

PTA 121: Physical Agents and Modalities Lab

PTA 125: Principles of Therapeutic Exercise Lab

PTA 127: Physical Agents and Modalities

PTA 129: Health and Disease I

PTA 135: Clinical Practice I

PTA 201: PTA as a Profession

PTA 202: Health and Disease II

PTA 204: Electrotherapeutic Modalities

PTA 205: Electrotherapeutic Modalities Lab

PTA 208: Orthopedics for the PTA

PTA 211: Orthopedics Lab for the PTA

PTA 220: Comprehensive Review and Licensure Requirements for the PTA

PTA 223: Neurological Therapeutic Exercise

PTA 224: Neurological Therapeutic Exercise Lab

PTA 235: Clinical Practice II

PTA 245: Clinical Practice III

PTA 289: Research in Physical Therapy

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop: