Physical therapist assistants help people regain their mobility and well-being after health struggles.
Traumatic injuries, prolonged recoveries, or aging are only some of the reasons why people seek a physical therapist assistant in Missouri, home to over 2% of the PTAs in the United States.
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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Missouri: Step-by-Step
Becoming a PTA in Missouri requires a degree and state licensing subject to examination.
The education programs are under the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Join A Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Program
As of 2023, most schools in Missouri offer Associate’s Degrees rather than Bachelor’s or Master’s programs for aspiring physical therapist assistants.
The difference between an Associate and an Associate of Applied Science degree is that the AS degree aims to prepare you to further your education.
The AAS is designed for those hitting the job market immediately upon completion.
Aspiring PTAs looking to keep their options for future schooling open are typically better off with an Associate’s Degree certified by CAPTE.
Physical Therapy Assistant degrees typically take two years to achieve.
Complete the Clinical Experience Period
To earn a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant, you must complete a clinical experience period.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the integrated clinical experience typically runs for 16 weeks of full-time work.
Most students describe this as the most rewarding part of the course as it allows them to apply the skills learned during the course while getting acquainted with the work environment they will be a part of upon graduating.
Apply for a Physical Therapist Assistant License Based on Examination
Before being allowed to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), holders of a valid Physical Therapy Assistant degree in Missouri must apply for a license conditional on examination.
The application form contains a list of the extensive documentation required, including a jurisprudence exam.
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration takes four to six weeks to process applications, with another two to four to receive a final say.
Take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs
After receiving a green light from the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, applicants must sign up for the PTA version of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
The exam comprises 180 questions on PT interventions, tools, diseases you may find in the field, types of therapy, safety, and patient data management, on top of the effects of physical therapy on different systems of the body.
The final grade is issued to both the applicant and the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, which then issues a Physical Therapist Assistant’s license to those who get a passing grade.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Missouri
According to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), many institutions offer accredited Physical Therapy Assistant degrees in Missouri.
Only the Central Methodist University, the Concorde Career College, and the Mineral Area College offer Associate of Science degrees.
These are the most recommended options in Missouri.
Central Methodist University
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $32749
Location: Fayette, MO
The Central Methodist University Physical Therapist Assistant Program confers an Associate of Science degree.
CMU dates back to 1854 and is one of the most prestigious names in Missouri for aspiring PTAs.
There is a 2+2 option where students, after four years, receive two degrees: Associate of Applied Science in PTA and Bachelor of Science in OTA.
Concorde Career College
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $35008
Location: Kansas City, MO
A popular option for PTAs in Missouri is the Kansas City campus of Concorde Career College.
Completion of the course confers an Associate of Science degree.
Concorde Kansas boasts modern training facilities specializing in healthcare areas, which makes for engaging hands-on learning in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Jefferson College
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $16737
Location: Hillsboro, MO
The PTA program at Jefferson College is an affordable option around an hour’s drive from downtown St. Louis.
The more remote location helps lower costs without sacrificing the quality of the education.
Metropolitan Community College
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $10402 to $22900
Location: Kansas City, MO
Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City is another affordable option for local students, with total fees starting as low as $10402 for students from the district.
A highlight of the PTA Associate of Applied Science degree at Metropolitan is the interactive nature of the program and the flexibility for working students.
MCC has a Distance Education option where students attend lectures from home, attending morning laboratory segments once or twice a week.
Missouri Western State University
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $26777
Location: St. Joseph, MO
The PTA program at Missouri Western is one of the most competitive ones in the state, requiring multiple tests, recommendations, and a live trial observed by a physiotherapist.
The hoops are worth it: numbers from 2023 show that 93.35% of graduates pass their license exam the first time, and 100% are employed within the first year of finishing the course.
Top 5 Schools in Missouri
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Methodist University | 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248, United States |
| Concorde Career College | 4393 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, United States |
| Jefferson College | 1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050, United States |
| Metropolitan Community College | 5300 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111, United States |
| Missouri Western State University | 4525 Downs Dr, St Joseph, MO 64507, United States |
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Missouri
According to Salary.com, the average salary of a licensed physical therapist assistant in Missouri is $62250.
This figure rises slightly to $64070 and $64324 in Kansas City and St. Louis, respectively, in line with the national average of $65401.
A Composite Cost of Living Index study, using data from Q3 2023, places Missouri as the 6th most affordable state in the country, making an average salary much more competitive than in other areas.
Entry-level PTA salaries in Missouri average $60320 per year, based on data from Talent.com.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Missouri
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $34,600 |
| St. Louis | $33,000 |
| Springfield | $34,500 |
| Independence | $34,300 |
| Columbia | $34,200 |
| St. Joseph | $34,400 |
| Lee's Summit | $34,500 |
| St. Charles | $34,500 |
| St. Peters | $34,500 |
| Florissant | $34,700 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 80 | $55,710 | $26.79 | $75,530 | $27,350 |
| Columbia, MO | 110 | $62,570 | $30.08 | $80,120 | $47,460 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 40 | $64,450 | $30.98 | $84,690 | $43,920 |
| Joplin, MO | 60 | $67,840 | $32.62 | $104,010 | $44,470 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 860 | $64,770 | $31.14 | $80,150 | $46,800 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 40 | $61,530 | $29.58 | $76,650 | $46,680 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 1,170 | $62,560 | $30.08 | $76,360 | $48,260 |
| Springfield, MO | 140 | $61,350 | $29.49 | $93,950 | $44,320 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the career outlooks for graduating Physical Therapy Assistants?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 24% growth in job openings for PTAs between 2021 and 2031, with similar outlooks for Missouri, especially in St. Louis and Kansas City.
How do you earn a license as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Missouri?
After earning an accredited PTA degree, you must register with the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and pass an examination by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Is there demand for Physical Therapy Assistants in Missouri?
Yes.
Missouri is home to over 2% of all licensed PTAs in the United States, with the majority concentrated around St. Louis and Kansas City.
