Program Information

The PT Assistant program at Missouri Western State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program is an integrated program of study. Lecture, laboratory and clinical components provide a base of preparation for successfully passing the state licensing examination, achieving success at work and contributing to the physical therapy profession.

The program is four semesters and two summer sessions in length, consisting of fifteen hours of general education and fifty-seven hours of PTA core classes. The courses beginning with the PTA designation must be taken in sequence. The remaining courses can be taken in sequence or prior to initiation of the PTA course sequence.

Seventy percent of qualified applicants are admitted to the program. Students are accepted into the program in the fall semester. Clinical internships take place for three weeks in the summer between the first and second year, and again for twelve weeks, from March to June of the second year. Ninety-one percent of admitted students graduate from the program. Three year pass rate on the board exam is 93%.

In addition to university tuition, housing and books, students should plan on approximately $150.00 per year for lab fees and dues, as well as expenses associated with clinical internships including annual health examinations/vaccinations and travel and meal costs.