Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapy is a health care discipline that specializes in the care of individuals with impairments, functional limitations, and/or disabilities.  Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants (PTAs), under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, are the only providers of physical therapy services.  PTAs must complete an intensive education culminating in an associate degree. 

JSCC's PTA Program:

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at JSCC began in 1990.  The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  The program combines general education, lectures and laboratory classes in physical therapy and clinical education. Clinical education affiliates include hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing centers and home health agencies. Physical Therapist Assistant students cover subject areas including anatomy and physiology, physical science, kinesiology, disease process, physical therapy modalities, and therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation techniques. Students preparing to enter an educational program in physical therapy should have a strong math and science background, including courses in algebra, biology, chemistry and physics.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.  Students who are interested in becoming a physical therapist should refer to the Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway.

Graduates of Jackson State's Physical Therapist Assistant Program are eligible to apply for licensure in any state and, if approved by that state, sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).  The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for PTA licensure or certification in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based upon the following: 

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.   

Student Outcomes Data

Year Graduation Rates NPTE First-Time Pass Rates/
Ultimate Pass Rates

Employment Rates

2023 86% 83.3%/88.9% 100%
2022 75% 93.3%/100% 94%
2021 90% 88.9%/88.9% 100%
2020 96%  82.6%/95.6%  93%

 

Average Two-Year, First-Time/Ultimate NPTE Pass Rates

2022 and 2023 = 90.6%/93.9%

2021 and 2022 =90.9%/93.9%

2020 and 2021 =85.8%/92.4%

(NPTE pass rate data source:  FSPBT, 2022)

Average Two-Year Graduation Rates

2022 and 2023 = 80.5%

2021 and 2022 = 82.5%

2020 and 2021 = 95%

2019 and 2020 = 95.9%

Average Two-Year Employment Rates

2022 and 2023 = 97%

2021 and 2022 = 94%

2020 and 2021 = 100%

2019 and 2020 = 97.5%