Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Overview

About the program

Two-year, full-time degree schedule; and a 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.”

Degree option

Two-year, full-time degree schedule; and a 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.

License/Credentialing Eligibility

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.

Occupational Certification Opportunities

Simultaneous Certifications

Marion Tech’s PTA program is designed to allow you to simultaneously complete your PTA degree PLUS these additional certifications at the same time, including:
- Exercise Science Certificate
- HealthCare Management Certificate
- or both!

By earning additional certifications within MTC’s program, you’ll increase your employability and the number of career opportunities available to you after earning your degree.

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.

Expected Learning Outcomes

As a technical health care provider, the physical therapist assistant will be able to:

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, including but not limited to heat, cold, light, water, sound, and electricity, as well as therapeutic exercises 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.
Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication that reflects caring, concern and interest for patients and their families.
Complete any 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 in order to provide safe, ethical and legal practice.
Educate patients and/or community members on measures to promote optimal health
Provide a platform for students to explore personal and professional growth.

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.

Career Opportunities

Physical Therapy Aides
Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical Therapist via Bridge Programs

Application Requirements - Limited Enrollment

Beginning with students applying to start Fall 2025: Th following courses mustbe completed PRIOR to application to the PTA program (and passed with a "C" or better):

BIO1240 - Anatomy and Physiology I

MTH1240 - Statistics

ENG1000 - English Composition I

HLT1100 - Health Terminology (Medical Terminology may be substituted)

PSY1100 - Introduction to Psychology

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 college level Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I and Health OR Medical Terminology (**appropriate placement or co-req work may be required) with a minimum grade of ‘‘C’’.
Submission of a total of TWO (2)Physical Therapy Observation Verification and Recommendation Forms reflecting a total of 40 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.
Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc. 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 (BIO1240) and II (BIO1250), and Statistics (MTH 1240).
Transfer credit from other colleges will be evaluated after receipt of official transcripts.

Total Credit Hours: 65

Program Accreditation

The PTA program at Marion Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 740-386-4185 or email zaebstj@mtc.edu.