Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are in high demand, and that demand continues to grow faster than most occupations. Our students gain meaningful employment shortly after graduation.
- Our PTA Program has a 100% employment rate for our licensed graduates!
- PTAs earn roughly $58,040/year (National median).
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Student Outcomes (Mid PTA) Program
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate | First-Time Licensure Pass Rate | Ultimate Licensure Pass Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 81.8% | 55.6% | 100% | 100% |
| 2021 | 77% | 90% | 90% | 100% |
| Combined 2-year average | 79.2% | 73.7% | 94.7% | 100% |
*Graduation Rate: The percentage of students who are matriculated in the first technical course in the program after the add/drop period and who complete the program.
*Employment Rate: The percentage of graduates who sought employment that were employed (full-time or part-time) as a physical therapist assistant within 1 year following graduation who are licensed.
*Ultimate Licensure Pass Rate: The percentage of graduates who take and successfully pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Rates are considered to be stabilized one year after graduation. Data from NPTE provided by Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). www.fsbpt.org
*CHART UPDATED MAY 2023
Career Overview
Role Of A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort.
PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
PTAs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and licensure or certification is required in most states in which a PTA works.
Our students develop the essential student knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary to provide compassionate, quality physical therapy care. After demonstrating competence in didactic and lab skills, students will practice in a clinical setting under the direction of a physical therapist (PT) or a PTA with supervision of a PT and strive to be competent members of the health care team. Graduates will continue to seek continuing education and community service opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Learn more about a career in PTA:
(courtesy of the APTA.org)
Job/Career Outlook
Earnings*
2021 Median Pay: About $61,180/year.
Employment Outlook (2020-2030)*: 15% - Much faster than average.
* Information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 figures.
Research Careers
O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development, HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!
Accreditation Information
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mid Michigan College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305 - 3085; telephone: 703-684-2782; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 989-317-4609 or email pta@midmich.edu.
Campus Safety, Security, and Non Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Information
In its commitment to providing a safe environment, Mid Michigan College actively endeavors to broaden our diversity, promote equal opportunity and prohibits any form of discrimination in its programs, activities, and conditions of admission or employment. Learn more about these efforts and policies by visiting www.midmich.edu/eeo , www.midmich.edu/titleix, www.midmich.edu/security.
Mid strongly encourages anyone who observes or experiences any acts of harassment, discrimination, inequitable treatment, or sexual misconduct to report the incident and seek assistance from the College’s Title IX/Civil Rights Coordinator as follows:
Martricia (Tricia) Farrell, Director of College Compliance & Ethics, Title IX/Civil Rights Coordinator; 1375 S. Clare Ave., Harrison, MI 48625, Office: Business Services & Payroll, Room 205; 2600 S. Summerton Rd., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. Office: Center for Liberal Arts & Business, Room 168C (located inside Library and Learning Services) ; (989) 386-6622 x394; mfarrell@midmich.edu
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