Overview
About the Program
Two-year, full time degree schedule; and, mixture of core technical courses along with science, health terminology, computer and general classes. PTA students complete varied clinical experiences. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become licensed as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Licensed PTAs have a wide variety of employment opportunities.
Licensed physical therapist assistants function under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist to facilitate patient treatment plans that address various limitations stemming from illness and/or injury; educate patients about the various treatment modalities; and motivate clients as part of their “recovery team.”
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
- Perform selected measurement procedures in consultation with the evaluating physical therapist.
- Use appropriate modalities that include but are not limited to heat, cold, light, water, sound, and electricity, as well as therapeutic exercise and exercise equipment.
- Modify or adjust treatment within the limits of the plan of care based on the patient’s reactions and seek guidance when necessary.
- Complete any and all required written documentation accurately and legibly.
- Recognize abnormal physiological changes and report them to the evaluating physical therapist and other appropriate personnel.
- Maintain working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the profession.
Once new applicants have met the MTC requirements to qualify for admission to the PTA program, an admission point system will be used to admit each year’s class. Class size is limited no more than 24 candidates having the highest admission point totals. Please note that the PTA program at MTC reserves the right to make additions or changes to the admission criteria. It is recommended that you contact the PTA program staff for the most recent admission criteria and application before applying. Only completed applications submitted by the application deadline will be considered. It is the applicants’ responsibility to provide all documentation to the PTA program prior to the application deadline. Applicants will be notified of their status in the program by mail approximately 6 weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are not selected into the program but would like to be considered for a future class will be required to complete a new program application.
Drug Screening
Students admitted into the PTA program will be required to submit to a drug screening prior to their clinical rotation. Positive drug screenings will result in forfeiture of the clinical rotation and dismissal from any course with a laboratory component. All PTA students may be subject to periodic drug screens for cause during the program. Any student who refuses/fails to cooperate or complete any required drug screening will be considered “positive” and dismissed from the program.
Licensure
Upon completion of the MTC PTA program graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure by examination. Section 4755.70 of the Ohio Revised Code requires all individuals applying for a license issued by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board to submit fingerprints for a criminal records check completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The BCI and FBI records checks are both required for initial licensure. By law, the Board cannot complete the processing of any application until it receives the background check reports from BCI and FBI. The graduate is responsible for the cost of the BCI and FBI records checks. The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board may refuse to grant a license to any individual with a felony conviction, including but not limited to the habitual indulgence in or use of a controlled substance, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol. More information can be obtained from the Ohio Revised Code - see the PTA program director for details.
Application Requirements – Limited Enrollment
- Successful completion of four years of high school, or a standard equivalency test, or certification of equivalent education by an organization recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Ed.
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale) or equivalent from either high school or college. If a college GPA is used to meet this requirement, it must be based upon a minimum of 12 semester or 12 quarter hours earned at one institution.
- Completion of high school or college statistics or algebra, chemistry, and biology with a minimum grade of ‘‘C’’ and/or placement into college level math and science.
- Submission of a total of TWO (2) Physical Therapy Observation Verification and Recommendation Forms reflecting a total of 50 or more clinical hours completed under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) or licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). (The Observation Verification and Recommendation forms must be signed by a supervising licensed PT or PTA).
- Submission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application including a signed copy of the MTC Health Programs Agreement to Respect Confidentiality form.
- Completion of all MTC general admission requirements, including MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable application fee.
- Completion of successful criminal background check. Students admitted into the program are required to submit to a criminal background check facilitated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification. Students with certain felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related arrests will be ineligible for admission into the program.
- The ACCUPLACER (Basic Skills Assessment) may be required, as might the Technology Skills Test. The ACCUPLACER may be taken in the Student Resource Center at Marion Technical College. Students who obtain scores lower than established minimums on the ACCUPLACER must successfully complete the corresponding College foundation course. Students with college credit in these areas may have the ACCUPLACER waived by the Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Contact the PTA program director to determine if this testing is required in your particular situation.
- It is recommended that candidates complete the American College Test (ACT) and indicate on the test application that scores be submitted to MTC. The ACT should be completed far enough in advance to ensure that test scores reach MTC prior to the PTA program application deadline. It is also recommended that candidates complete some required coursework in advance of application when possible. Recommended classes include Anatomy and Physiology I (SCI1200) and II (SCI 1250), and Statistics (MTH 1240).
- Transfer credit from other colleges will be evaluated after receipt of official transcripts.
Career Opportunities
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
Curriculum
The following is a typical course sequence for completing this program. The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
| PTA2221 | PTA Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PTA2223 | Rehabilitation for Specific Populations | 4 |
| PTA2224 | Neurological Rehabilitation | 4 |
| ENG1100 | English Composition II | 3 |
Fifth Semester
Total Credit Hours: 65