Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Our Program    How and When to Apply    Background Preparation    
Clinical Work Experience    Faculty     Job Outlook

Become a Physical Therapist Assistant. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) uses a variety of equipment and exercise to help people with conditions limiting their ability to move and perform activities. As a PTA, you’ll work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Our Program

Your five-semester PTA program includes classroom instruction, practice in skills lab and clinical experience. You’ll learn the art and science of therapy treatment. You’ll have the knowledge, skill, and attitudes needed to help physical therapists provide treatment to improve patient mobility, relieve pain and prevent or lessen physical disabilities.

MCHS has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone : 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.

Once you successfully complete this program, you have the opportunity to advance into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Completion or Health Care Administration degree programs at Mercy College.

How and When to Apply

We accept 10 students into the PTA program each fall semester. Because your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, early application is encouraged. Application deadline is July 20.

Background Preparation

You need to complete high school (or college equivalent) English, biology, algebra I and physics coursework before admission.

Clinical Work Experience

You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center. You will also work at many other leading health care providers in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study.

Faculty

Our PTA team includes a full-time program chair and an instructor as well as many medical professionals in the clinical setting. As a student, you will receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.

Job Outlook

Once you have completed your PTA degree, you’ll have the knowledge and experience needed to become qualified for employment as an entry-level physical therapist assistant. Job prospects for physical therapist assistants are expected to be very good as consumer demand increases. For more details and statistics about specific roles and job opportunities go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.