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

Advisor: Andrea Johnson

View Our Website

The formal portion of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program begins fall semester with a limited enrollment of 16 students. There are 29 credits of pre-requisite coursework which may take one year or longer to complete. All pre-requisite coursework must be completed with a “C-” or better. 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 courswork 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 Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) 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 PTA 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 accrediated 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.
  
  
  

Prior to fall admission into the PTA program students must:

• 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 course(s) needed to meet this requirement);
  
  
• Have completed a minimum of 40 hours of observation at physical therapy clinics/ facilities with a licensed PT or PTA in at least 2 different settings (observation forms available from Program Director);
  
  
• Write and submit a short reflective paper detailing their experiences at clinical observations (criteria and rubric for this paper is provided to the student);
  
  
• Show proof of computer literacy (students without high school coursework should consult Program Director as to the appropriate college course(s) needed to meet this requirement);
  
  
• Earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 high on pre-requisite coursework.
  
  
• Earn a grade of “C-” or higher in all pre-requisite coursework; and
  
  
• Provide three letters of reference (sources of each reference is specified, rubric provided to the student, consult the Program Director).
  
  
  

Estimated Resident Program Cost:

Tuition and Fees	$5999
Application Fee	$30
Lab Fees	$340
Books/Supplies	$2000
TOTAL:	$8369

 

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**	College 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.