Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered at the Richwood Valley campus, located on Highway 14, approximately 1.5 miles west of Highway 65, at 3369 W. Jackson St., Ozark, MO 65721.
The program planning began in 1995. It was given a full five-year accreditation in April, 1998. The limited and selective admission phase of the program begins in the Spring semester after successful completion of the required general education courses. The selective admission phase of the program will include didactic and laboratory coursework, as well as supervised clinical education experiences, to prepare graduates to function in the health care delivery system under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to meet state requirements to practice as an assistant to a Physical Therapist in a variety of healthcare settings. The program is accredited from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Physical Therapist Assistants have the rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people with healthcare problems arising from injury or disease. Working under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, the assistant participates in the client's recovery and return to a more functional lifestyle.
As a respected member of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, and social workers, the Physical Therapist Assistant works primarily with individuals with loss of movement or function arising from such conditions as: stroke, head and spinal cord injury, arthritis, birth defects, amputation, bone and joint injuries, muscle and tendon injuries, and heart and lung disease. Clients range in age from infants to the oldest members of society and the healthcare services can be provided in a variety of locations.
The following information will help get you started. Before you begin the application process, please read the Admissions Checklist.
Important Links
Specific Program Documents
- Admission Application
- Preferred Course Sequence
- Reference for Academic
- Reference for Health Care
- Reference for Work Performance
- Program Costs Estimated cost sheet