Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Health Sciences Division

Program Code: PTAS2

Office: Curtice-Mott Complex CM2313

Phone: (810) 762-0317

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students for entry level practice as Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA); provision of physical therapy services under the supervision and direction of the physical therapist (PT). This includes collecting of data and/or patient interventions; making appropriate judgements; modifying interventions within the PT’s established plan of care; participating in discharge planning and follow up care; documenting the care provided; educating and interacting with PT and PTA students, aides, volunteers, patients, families and caregivers, and demonstrating an understanding of the significance and impact of cultural and individual differences. Physical Therapist Assistants contribute to society and the profession through the provision of PT services, teaching and administration.

Accreditation Status

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program was granted accreditation in 2011 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education/APTA, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1488, (703) 684-2782.

1. To be placed on the PTA Eligibility List complete the following four requirements:
   1. Demonstrate College level reading comprehension on the ACCUPLACER placement test within the last 5 years, OR a minimum score of 20 on the reading portion of the ACT within the last 5 years. A satisfactory grade in RDNG 030  or ENGL 100  will also meet this requirement.
   2. Students must demonstrate MATH 130  competency by the MCC Placement Test OR successfully complete a 100 level Mathematics course with a 2.0 or higher.
   3. Complete Verification of Physical Therapy Observation Form (*minimum eight hours of observation of physical therapy). Form available in the Health Sciences Office, Advising Office and at the SLBC office.
   4. Submit a PTA Program Supplemental Application Form available in the Health Sciences Office, Advising Office and at the SLBC office.
      
      NOTE: Placement on the PTA Eligibility List does not  guarantee admission into the PTA program (see section below). A maximum of 24 students are admitted to the program each year. Deadline dates for receipt of Supplemental Application and Verification of Physical Therapy Observation are January 15th, May 15th and Sept. 15th of each year. Students are added to the eligibility list three times per year in the order of matriculation date (semester first attended courses) at MCC.
2. Those on the eligibility list will be accepted into the PTA Program based upon:
   1. Their number on the waiting list and
   2. Attendance at a mandatory PTA orientation session during the summer prior to start of each fall semester.
3. Requirements after admission to the PTA Program:
   1. Submit complete documentation of a recent physical exam (no older than 6 months) taken at own expense. This form is available in the Division of Health Sciences office or at the PTA program office (Room 1502 “D”) at SLBC and must be completed and turned in to the Health Science Division Office on the second floor of the Curtice Mott Building (Room 2313) by date indicated in the PTA Student Handbook (received at orientation).
   2. All students must have an acceptable criminal background check for the purpose of identifying any student who could not continue in the program due to a felony conviction (within the last 15 years) or misdemeanor conviction (within the last 1, 3, 5, or 10 years) in accordance with State statutes and laws. Students may be required to have additional checks prior to the start of the clinical sequence of the program and at the request of specific clinical facilities. The cost of the criminal background check is the responsibility of the student. Must be completed with results returned to Health Science Division by date indicated in the PTA Student Handbook.
   3. To progress in the professional program students must have at least a 2.0 in all Occupational Specialty/Related Courses and all General Education required courses: ENGL 101  or ENGL 103;  ENGL 102  or ENGL 104;  BIOL 151,  BIOL 152;  AHLT 113,  160; PSYC 281;  OTPT 100,  114; PTA. 102,  PTA. 104,  PTA. 202,  PTA. 204,  PTA. 205,  PTA. 208,  PTA. 210,  PTA. 212,  PTA. 270,  PTA. 271,  PTA. 280,  PTA. 290.  
   4. Complete with a 2.0 or better OTPT-113 Applied Anatomy.  The student will be contacted by OTA Program Coordinator approximately 6 months prior to the start date and instructed to complete OTPT 113.  

Dual Tract:

Students may have the option of receiving a degree in both OTA and PTA. This may be accomplished in three years if the student:

1. meets eligibility requirements for both programs
2. is accepted into both programs