The Physical Therapist Assistant program integrates classroom theory with clinical lab practice. It is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field as physical therapist assistants. The physical therapist assistant is an educated health care provider who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist and assists in the provision of physical therapy. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specially prescribed treatments and exercises through a plan of care developed by the physical therapist that are aimed at improving mobility, relieving pain or preventing and /or limiting physical disability.

Students are advised that the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) is strenuous in nature.  Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the PTA Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility). The PTA Program is intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the PTA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

 

OverviewFinancing Your EducationCareer OptionsAcademic Information

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

• PTA skills laboratory activities on both real and simulated patients
• Provide physical therapy services for up to 40 hours per week under the supervision of a clinical instructor various healthcare settings during Clinical Experiences
• Community service projects

Skills You Will Learn

• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Documentation
• Communication
• Clinical Problem Solving
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Data Collection
• Home and Community Accessibility
• Balance and Functional Mobility Assessments
• Intervention Techniques
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Basic Wound Care
• Transfer Skills and Gait Training
• Wheelchair Mobility and Measurements

Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.

The AR Futures grant could cover your expenses for this credential. Check credential eligibility. 

Calculate Tuition

You could work as a(n):

• PTA at an extended care facility
• PTA at an outpatient clinic
• PTA at a hospital

Alumni of our program work at:

• Coulter Physical Therapy
• Holly Street Physical Therapy
• Johnson Regional Medical Center
• Ozark Physical Therapy in Clinton, AR

View the links below to better understand the courses, the course timeline, and who your faculty will be when you enroll as an ATU student.

• Academic Catalog
• Learning Outcomes

Credentials that stack with this degree:

• Certificate of Proficiency in Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Applied Science
• Bachelor of Professional Studies
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Ph.D. in Physical Therapy

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Additional Program Information

Program applications accepted between October 1 and March 1

March 1: pta program application deadline!

ONLINE PROGRAM APPLICATION

IMPORTANT: Additional Documents Required for Online Application

PROGRAM APPLICATION- PAPER

 

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Mission & Philosophy

STUDENT DATA

 

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation

CONTACT

(479) 508-8500 ext. 6503
alliedhealth@atu.edu

TEAS TEST INFORMATION
 

Upcoming Atu- ozark campus TEAS test dates

*Click the TEAS Test Information button above for more info. TEAS tests will be held in the Health Sciences and Wellness building, room 117.
*Open TEAS tests are available for anyone to take; Closed TEAS tests reserve one spot each for programapplicants only.
*Program applicants will receive an email with information regarding the Closed TEAS test after the application deadline.

No Open TEAS Tests are scheduled at this time.
Spring Open TEAS tests will be posted closer to the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester.

How to Create a Student Account for the TEAS Test
How to Register for the TEAS Test

Program Faculty

Dr. Amanda Overbey PT, DPT Program Director Health Sciences and  Wellness Building 1700 Helberg Lane Ozark, AR 72949 (479) 508-3354 ext 6251 aoverbey1@atu.edu

Jonathan Brown Instructor Health Sciences and Wellness Building 1700 Helberg Lane Ozark, AR 72949 (479) 508-8500 ext. 6250 jbrown87@atu.edu