Physical Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at State Tech equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to help patients restore movement, manage pain, and improve physical function. Through a curriculum that combines science, hands-on practice, and real-world clinical experiences, students are prepared to become skilled healthcare professionals who make a difference in patients’ lives every day.
Students study Anatomy, Orthopedics, Kinesiology, Neurological Therapeutic Exercise, and Electrotherapeutic Modalities, gaining a deep understanding of how the body moves and heals. In addition to classroom and lab instruction, students complete clinical training at one of nearly 175 sites across Missouri, applying their skills under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.
The program also features ST² (State Tech Student Therapy), a pro bono on-campus clinic where students gain real-world treatment experience while serving the community.
With a 100% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE-PTA) for the past two years, State Tech graduates enter the workforce ready to excel. Passing the NPTE is required for licensure, and our students are prepared to succeed.
At State Tech, you won’t just learn to assist in therapy, you’ll learn to transform lives.
Program Facts
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Why Study Physical Therapist Assistant at State Tech
Job Demand
Graduates from State Tech’s Physical Therapist Assistant program enter a field with exceptional growth prospects: employment of PTAs and aides is projected to increase 16 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than average.
Hands-on Education
Students undergo clinical training at sites available throughout the state of Missouri; there are close to 175 different sites to choose from. The program also offers a pro bono clinic called ST2 (State Tech Student Therapy).
Graduate Job-Ready
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.
What you'll learn
This program prepares students to become Physical Therapist Assistants by instruction in
- Anatomy
- Orthopedics
- Kinesiology
- Neurological Therapeutic Exercise
- Electrotherapeutic Modalities
Program Details
Highlights
- Improve the overall health of society by helping return patients to improved functional abilities at home, work, and play; manage pain; and improve or maintain strength and mobility.
- Curriculum is updated annually to include the latest trends and technologies.
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Interesting Courses
By combining theory with hands-on work in our state-of-the-art lab, you’ll learn the fundamentals of transfers, therapeutic exercise, gait training, modalities such as ultrasound and e-stim, and manual therapy, as well as how to assist physical therapists with a wide range of diagnoses for people of all ages. The program will prepare you to pass the licensure exam in order to open a broad range of career opportunities. State Tech is a member of the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC).
Concentrations
Movement is mobility, and mobility is massively important. Whether through injury, surgery, or the unexpected, many people need the help of a physical therapist to regain function and mobility to be active in their daily lives. You can play a vital role in getting patients back to satisfying and independent lives through our Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Career Possibilities
- Inpatient Hospitals
- Skilled Nursing Centers
- Outpatient Clinics
- Schools
- Rehabilitation center
Truly hands-on education
We believe time-on-task has to be part of your education. That means time spent learning from experienced instructors in real-world environments and real-world situations. That’s why the State Tech campus is home to more than 50 labs, an automotive bay, aviation hangar, and 40+ acres of land dedicated to our heavy equipment operations program.
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