Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree
(Curriculum changes to program approved by BOR May, 2008)

Advisor: Andrea Johnson

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The formal portion of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program begins fall semester with a limited enrollment of 16 students. There may be up to 4 alternates for the program. There are 32 credits of pre-requisite courses which may take one year or longer to complete. All pre-requisite coursework must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher. The student must apply for acceptance into the formal portion of the PTA program and be accepted. A grade of “C-” or “pass” is required for all coursework within the PTA program after formal acceptance.

The formal portion of the PTA program is challenging and consists of fall, spring, and summer semesters; taking one full year. This time includes built-in clinical experiences which may or may not be in the Great Falls area. Upon completion of the PTA program, the graduate is prepared to take the national board examination for physical therapist assistants provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and must receive a passing score in order to become a licensed PTA. Licensure is required to practice as a physical therapist assistant in Montana and is overseen by the State of Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

The PTA program is designed to graduate individuals who are knowledgeable, competent, self-assured, adaptable, and service-oriented patient/client care providers performing their duties within the ethical and legal guidelines of the physical therapy profession as an entry-level PTA having successfully passed the NPTAE. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings including acute care, outpatient, rehabilitation, and extended care.

The Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Outcomes - Graduates are prepared to:

• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge, patient care skills, ethical guidelines, and affective qualities related to physical therapy practice;
  
  
• Demonstrate safe, effective, moral, and ethical behavior in the realm of physical therapy practice;

• Skillfully integrate related concepts and theories of liberal arts and basic science in the realm of physical therapy practice;
  
  
• Utilize effective communication skills, critical thinking, and planning skills in the realm of physical therapy practice; and
  
  
• Display a commitment to lifelong learning, ongoing professional development, and excellence in the realm of physical therapy practice.
  
  
  

Background in basic sciences and proficiency in computer skills are essential to success in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Prior to fall admission into the PTA program students must:

• Students applying to get into these programs, must apply and be accepted by the College for general admission;
  
  
• Have completed high school physics AND chemistry (students without high school coursework in these areas should consult the PTA Program Director as to the appropriate college courses needed to meet this requirement);
  
  
• Have completed a minimum of 40 hours of observation at physical therapy clinics/facilities with a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in at least 2 different settings; observation forms are available at www.msugf.edu;
  
  
• Show proof of computer literacy (students without high school coursework in this areas should consult the PTA Program Director as to the appropriate college courses needed to meet this requirement);
  
  
• Earn a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher on pre-requisite courses;
  
  
• Earn a grade of “C-” or higher in all pre-requisite courses;
  
  
• Provide three completed “Recommendation Forms” with PTA Application Provide completed “Application Packet Cover & Check-off Sheet” with PTA Application;
  
  
• Provide completed “Application Self-Evaluation Form” with PTA Application;
  
  
• Potential applicants should ensure immunizations and CPR training requirements are met. Submission of proof of immunizations, 2 PPDs, and CPR certification is required after formal acceptance to the PTA Program.
  
  
  

Estimated Resident Program Cost:

Tuition and Fees	$6973
Application Fee	$30
Lab Fees	$340
Books/Supplies	$2000
TOTAL:	$9343

 

Prerequisite Courses

Course	No.	Title	Credits
AH	185	Basic Medical Terminology	3+
SOC	111	Introduction to Sociology	3+
BIO	213	Anatomy & Phys I Lecture/Lab	4+
BIO	214*	Anatomy & Phys II Lecture/Lab	4+
COMM	135	Interpersonal Communication	3+
ENGL	121**	Composition I	3+
MATH	161**	Algebra w/ Science Applications	3+
PSY	101	General Psychology	3+
PSY	109	Lifespan Development	3+
PTA	105	Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting	3+
		SUBTOTAL	32

Program Course Requirements After Formal Acceptance

Fall Semester

Course	No.	Title	Credits
PTA	101*	Physical Therapist Assisting I/Lab	5+
PTA	205*	Anatomy and Kinesiology for the PTA/Lab	6+
PTA	206*	Pathophysiology for the PTA	3+
PTA	210*	Clinical Experience I (4-week)	3+
PTA	207*	Nutrition and Wellness for the PTA	1+
		SUBTOTAL	18

 

Spring Semester

Course	No.	Title	Credits
PTA	201*	Physical Therapist Assisting II/Lab	5+
PTA	213*	Neurorehabilitation for the PTA/Lab	7+
PTA	215*	Introduction to Orthopedics/Lab	4+
PTA	220*	Clinical Experience II (4-week)	3+
		SUBTOTAL	19

 

Summer Semester

Course	No.	Title	Credits
PTA	225*	Physical Therapist Assisting Seminar	3+
PTA	230*	Clinical Experience III (8-week)	5+
		SUBTOTAL	8

Total Program Credits: 77~

~Many students need preliminary Math and English courses before enrolling in the pre-requisite PTA program required courses. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their Math and English placement scores as well as high school transcripts with an advisor.  High school or college equivalent courses/challenge exam are required in Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Literacy skills. + A grade of “C” or above required for graduation | * Indicates prerequisites needed | **   Placement in course(s) is determined by admissions assessment.