Announcement: The PTA Program is currently undergoing curriculum restructuring. View proposed changes to the program's admission requirements and curriculum.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares you to become a physical therapist assistant (PTA) and perform selected components of interventions and data collection under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The curriculum combines general education and physical therapy courses. Various facilities are utilized for clinical experiences. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the national licensing examination for the physical therapist assistant. Enrollment in this program is limited; therefore, a selective admissions process is followed. Students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each required general education course; a minimum grade of “C” in each required PTA didactic course; and a grade of pass in each clinical practicum course to complete the program.
Available Credentials
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Physical Therapist Assistant: 64-67 credit hours
For program course requirements, consult the Madisonville Advising Plan.
Employment Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that this field is expected to grow at a very fast pace (greater than 36%) through the year 2010 due to the rapid growth in the number of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Employment opportunities median annual earnings in 2006 $41,410, and the employment growth rate from 2006-2016 is 25%.
Physical Therapist Assistants are among the top 10 fastest growing jobs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky according to the Kentucky Department for Employment Services, Research and Statistics Branch. The projected employment growth rate from 1998-2008 is 47.5%. Jobs in physical therapy and other fields can be found through Madisonville Community College's Career Services Listings.
Admission Requirements
PTA is a selective admission program. In addition to MCC’s general admission requirements, candidates to the program must:
- Complete all pre-requisite course work (ENG 101, MT 150, BIO 137, BIO 139, PSY 110, and AHS 105) with a grade of “C” or higher by the end of the semester of application.
- Verify attendance at a PreAdmission Conference, including a face-to-face meeting with a PTA Faculty advisor. To schedule a meeting call (270) 824-1805. (See a list of dates)
- Complete the online application process described below
Preference may be given to applicants who:
- Have a cumulative (overall) Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. (Overall GPA is calculated based on all previous college coursework completed through the summer semester preceding the date of application. Mid-term grades for classes in which the applicant is enrolled during the semester of application will not be used in the calculation of an applicant’s overall GPA.)
- Have a cumulative key GPA of 3.0 or higher (includes grades in BIO 137, Human Anatomy & Physiology I, MT 150, College Algebra, and AHS 105, Introduction to Allied Health Occupations). Mid-term grades will be used for key GPA calculation if enrolled in any of these courses at the time of application.
- Have an ACT (SAT equivalent) composite score of 19 or higher (must be no more than 5 years old);
- Have completed 12 or more credit hours in higher education
- Are Kentucky residents
- Have documented 16 or more clock hours of volunteer/work experience
- Have documented volunteer and/or work experience in more than one clinical setting
Other factors that may be considered by the admissions committee are:
- Information regarding an applicant’s likelihood of success in the program
- Information regarding an applicant’s ability to make a positive contribution to the profession and/or abide by the legal and ethical guidelines of physical therapy practice
- Letters of recommendation
- An applicant’s personal letter of application.
As of 2010, the PTA program will utilize an online application process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the items listed below are submitted through the online application process and/or are on file in the PTA office no later than the deadline of October 1.
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Application to Madisonville Community College
- Official transcripts of all previously attended colleges
- ACT/SAT score (no more than 5 years old)
- Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application for Admission
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Documentation of clinical experience (8 hours of volunteer experience in the physical therapy setting is required. A minimum of 4 hours must be in a hospital setting.)
- Mid‐Term Grade Form (relevant courses only)
- Academic Plan
- Personal Letter of Application
- Recommendation Request Form
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Disclosure Survey
- Overall GPA Consideration (if applicable)
Application and admissions procedures are documented in the PTA Program Guide and Point System for Admission.
Length of Program
You can obtain an associate in applied science degree in two years. Following the completion of required general education coursework and successful admission to the program, you will complete the technical component of the curriculum after three consecutive semesters.
For more information
Angie Moser
(270) 824-1746
angie.moser@kctcs.edu
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.