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Small class sizes allow you to build strong relationships with your instructors.
Instructors
Learn from instructors with experience navigating the challenges of the field.
Hands-On Training for Healing
Help clients regain strength and mobility as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). As a PTA you can support patients as restore movement, manage pain and improve physical function.
PTAs work under the direction of a physical therapist to guide patients through treatment. You may assist by:
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Helping patients follow the treatment plan designed by the physical therapist
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Guiding patients and families through safe and effective treatment plans
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Measuring and tracking progress to show improvement
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Documenting each session to record treatment and results
At Ozarks Tech, you build practical skills through your classes, lab work and clinical experiences. These experiences help you prepare for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE-PTA), which you must pass to earn your license.
Ozarks Tech graduates have earned a 100% pass rate on the exam for the past two years. This strong record shows you can feel confident as you prepare for the exam and begin your career.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Ozarks Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply for the program.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a selective admission program.
Application Requirements and Information
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Niki Wallen
PTA Program Director
417-447-7973
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Ozarks Technical 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: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 417-447-7873 or email [email protected].
Ozarks Technical Community College PTA Program — Academic Year Ending 2025
| Year | 1st time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 94.7% | 100% | 82.61% | 100% |
| 2024 | 90% | 100% | 89.47% | 100% |
| 2 Year Avg. | 92.35% | 100% | 86.04% | 100% |
Ozarks Technical Community College PTA Program — Academic Year Ending 2024
| Year | 1st time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 90% | 100% | 89.47% | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% | 100% | 77.3% | 100% |
| 2 Year Avg. | 95% | 100% | 83.38% | 100% |
Ozarks Technical Community College PTA Program — Academic Year Ending 2023
| Year | 1st time Pass Rate | Ultimate Pass Rate | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 100% | 100% | 77.3% | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% | 100% | 77.27% | 100% |
| 2 Year Avg. | 100% | 100% | 80.73% | 100% |
Licensure Exam Pass Rate:
1st Attempt Rate: This is the 1st attempt pass rate as published by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Ultimate Pass Rate: This rate is the ultimate pass rate as published by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Graduation Rate: This rate is calculated according to the CAPTE formula required in the AAR.
Employment Rate: This rate is the % of graduates who were employed as PTAs within twelve months of passing the licensure examination and is current as of 9/30/2025.
Interested in learning more?
Join us for an informational session! Ask questions and learn more about the program. Sessions are offered in an online format.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 72 Hours
Location: Richwood Valley Campus
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to serve as an essential member of a PT/PTA team in a variety of health care settings. A new class of 24 students begins each spring semester and graduates in May (17 months later). A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program.
The limited and selective admission phase of the program begins in Semester III after successful completion of the required general education courses. Through didactic, laboratory, and clinical education components, students will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to function in the health care delivery system under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Students may enroll in the “Program Specific Courses” (those labeled as PTA) only if they have been admitted into the program. Students admitted into the PTA program are required to adhere to strict program attendance and professional behavior standards in order to participate, progress, and graduate from the PTA program.
Graduates of this accredited PTA program are eligible to apply to sit for the national licensing examination. After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA).
A grade of “C” or better is required for all PTA Program required courses.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Ozarks Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 800-999-2782; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 417-447-7873 or email [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
No, we do not maintain a waiting list for qualified applicants.
The PTA program is very rigorous. Students should plan to study a minimum of 2 to 3 hours per week for every credit hour taken.
It is difficult to work while in the PTA program. The program is a full-time, daytime program with both morning and afternoon courses held Monday through Friday. The program conducts the courses in a seated format.
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Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.