Program Length: 4 semesters
Credential: Associate of Applied Science
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
THE PROGRAM
After admission, the “Professional Phase” of Physical Therapist Assistant is a two-year (four-semester) program. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. The program offers one class per year beginning each fall. This program requires prerequisite courses, and no minimum ACT score is required. The prerequisites are located under the Program Admission Information and Procedures document below under the resources tab.
THE PROFESSION
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. PTAs help patients and clients who have movement difficulties due to injury or disease by assisting the PT with therapies designed to improve mobility, relieve pain, prevent or limit permanent physical disability and promote overall fitness and wellness. Patients may include accident victims and individuals with short- and long-term disabling conditions, such as low back pain, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease and cerebral palsy. Physical Therapist Assistants primarily work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and home health agencies.
THE PAY
The median annual wage for Physical Therapist Assistants is $53,970.
THE FUTURE
Employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow 26 percent from 2022 to 2032.
PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Itawamba Community 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: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, call 662.620.5025 or email cbware@iccms.edu.
RESOURCES
Mission/Purpose/Vision Statements (.pdf)
Goals and Objectives (.pdf)
Outcomes and Effectiveness (.pdf)
Program Admission Information and Procedures (.pdf)
Program Curriculum (.pdf)
Criminal Background Policy (.pdf)
Health Science Program Admission Application (Online)
Estimated Fees (.pdf)
Financial Fact Sheet (.pdf)