Physical Therapist Assitant

Physical Therapy Technician / Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) pathway is designed to prepare individuals to perform interventions under the supervision of physical therapists (PTs) in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner. The individuals enhance the delivery of physical therapy services by providing delegated interventions, assisting the PT with data collection, communicating with other members of the health-care delivery team, interacting with members of the patient’s family and caregivers, and working cooperatively with other health care providers.

Program Description

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, is a 2-yr program of study that prepares a physical therapist assistant to perform interventions under the direction and supervision of physical therapists (PTs) in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner. These professionals enhance the delivery of physical therapy services by performing selected data collection skills and providing selected interventions, assisting the PT with data collection, communicating with other members of the health-care delivery team, interacting with members of the patient’s family and caregivers, and working cooperatively with other health care providers. Physical therapist assistants participate with the PT in teaching other health-care providers, documenting patient interventions, and providing psychosocial support for patients and their families and caregivers with recognition of individual, cultural, and economic differences.

This program prepares the graduate to practice in schools, hospitals, clinics, home health, and other health-care facilities as a member of the health-care team. In Mississippi, physical therapist assistants are licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy. This curriculum conforms to standards and elements as published by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education. Industry standards are based on the Standards and Required Elements for Accreditation of Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs.

Suggested Course Sequence

Required Courses

Course Number	Course Name	Semester Credit Hours (SCH)	Lecture SCH Breakdown	Lab SCH Breakdown	Clinical SCH Breakdown	Total Contact Hours	Certification Information
PTA 1123	Fundamental Concepts of Physical Therapy	3	3	0	0	45	National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants
PTA 1213	Fundamental Skills for Physical Therapist Assistants	3	2	2	0	60	-
PTA 1224	Biophysical Agent	4	3	2	0	75	-
PTA 1314	Kinesiology	4	3	2	0	75	-
PTA 1324	Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation I	4	3	2	0	75	-
PTA 2234	Electrotherapy	4	3	2	0	75	-
PTA 2334	Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation II	4	3	2	0	75	-
PTA 2413	Clinical Education I	3	0	0	9	135	-
PTA 2424	Clinical Education II	4	0	0	12	180	-
PTA 2513	Medical Conditions and Related Pathology	3	3	0	0	45	-
PTA 2523	Physical Therapy Seminar	3	3	0	0	45	-
-	Other Instructor Approved Elective(s) per local community college	0-6	-	-	-	-	-
-	Total	47-53	26	12	42	1245	-

Physical Therapist Assistant Courses

Course Number	Course Name	Semester Credit Hours (SCH)	Lecture SCH Breakdown	Lab SCH Breakdown	Clinical SCH Breakdown	Total Contact Hours	Lecture Contact Hour Breakdown	Lab Contact Hour Breakdown	Clinical Contact Hour Breakdown	Certification Information
PTA 1111	Health Care Experience I	1	0-1	0	0-3	15-45	0-15	0	0-45	-
PTA 1123	Fundamental Concepts of Physical Therapy	3	3	0	0	45	45	0	0	-
PTA 1132	Practicum I	2	0	0	6	90	0	0	90	-
PTA 1143	Practicum II	3	0	0	9	135	0	0	135	-
PTA 1151	Health Care Experience II	1	0-1	0	0-3	15-45	0-15	0	0-45	-
PTA 1213	Fundamental Skills for Physical Therapist Assistants	3	2	2	0	60	30	30	0	-
PTA 1224	Biophysical Agents	4	3	2	0	75	45	30	0	-
PTA 1314	Kinesiology	4	3	2	0	75	45	30	0	-
PTA 1324	Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation I	4	3	2	0	75	45	30	0	-
PTA 1911	Seminar I	1	1	0	0	15	15	0	0	-
PTA 1921	Seminar II	1	1	0	0	15	15	0	0	-
PTA 2112	Clinical Skills	2	2	0	0	30	30	0	0	-
PTA 2234	Electrotherapy	4	3	2	0	75	45	30	0	-
PTA 2334	Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation II	4	3	2	0	75	45	30	0	-
PTA 2413	Clinical Education I	3	0	0	9	135	0	0	135	-
PTA 2424	Clinical Education II	4	0	0	12	180	0	0	180	-
PTA 2434	Clinical Education III	4	0	0	12	180	0	0	180	-
PTA 2444	Clinical Education IV	4	0	0	12	180	0	0	180	-
PTA 2513	Medical Conditions and Related Pathology	3	3	0	0	45	45	0	0	-
PTA 2523	Physical Therapy Seminar	3	3	0	0	45	45	0	0	-
PTA 2911	Seminar III	1	1	0	0	15	15	0	0	-
PTA 2127	Terminal Clinical Education	7	0	0	21	315	0	0	315	-

General Education Core Courses

Physical Therapist Assistant

To receive the Associate of Applied Science Degree, a student must complete all of the required coursework found in the Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and a minimum of 15 semester hours of General Education Core. The courses in the general education core may be spaced out over the entire length of the program so that students complete some academic and Career Technical courses each semester or provided primarily within the last semester. Each community college will specify the actual courses that are required to meet the general education core requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree at their college. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges Standard 2.7.3 from the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement [1,] describes the general education core. Section 2.7.3 In each undergraduate degree program, the institution requires the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession.

Standards and Required Elements

The Standards and Required Elements for Accreditation of Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs are outlined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). [2] 

Standard 7 – Required Elements 

7A The physical therapist assistant curriculum includes content and learning experiences in general and technical education necessary for entry-level practice. Topics covered include 

7A1 A complement of academic general education coursework appropriate to the degree offered that includes communication, biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences, which prepare students for coursework in the technical program sequence. General education courses are courses not designated as applied general education coursework by the institution or program. 

7A2 A complement of technical courses appropriate to the degree offered that includes body system interactions, health, and surgical conditions across the life span, movement sciences, pain and pain experiences, and psychosocial aspects of health and disability

• Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and cellular/tissue health throughout the life span for the included body systems: 
  • Cardiovascular 
  • Endocrine and metabolic 
  • Gastrointestinal 
  • Genital and reproductive
  • Hematologic 
  • Hepatic and biliary 
  • Immune 
  • Integumentary 
  • Lymphatic
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Neurological 
  • Pulmonary 
  • Renal and urologic systems 
• Body System Interactions 
• Health and surgical conditions seen in physical therapy 
• Exercise science 
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology 
• Neuroscience 
• Motor control and motor learning 
• Diagnostic imaging 
• Pain and pain experiences 
• Psychosocial aspects of health and disability 
• Pharmacology 

7B The physical therapist assistant technical curriculum includes content and learning experiences in ethics and values, professional development and responsibilities, service, leadership, lifelong learning, along with teaching and learning within an ever-changing health care environment. 

7B1 Practice in a manner consistent with the Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) and APTA Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant. 

7B2 Provide learning experiences to develop service and leadership skills and abilities that address the following: 

• Legislative and political advocacy. 
• Community collaboration. 
• Health care disparity. 

7B3 Practice within the legal framework of one’s jurisdiction(s) and relevant federal and state requirements

General Education Courses

Course Number	Course Name	Semester Credit Hours (SCH)	Lecture SCH Breakdown	Lab SCH Breakdown	Total Contact Hours	Lecture Contact Hour Breakdown	Lab Contact Hour Breakdown	Certification Information
-	Humanities/Fine Arts [1]	3	-	-	-	-	-	-
-	College Algebra*	3-4	-	-	-	-	-	-
-	Written Communication [2]	3	-	-	-	-	-	-
-	Social/Behavioral Sciences [1]	3	-	-	-	-	-	-
BIO 2514	Anatomy and Physiology I [1,2] Lecture and Laboratory	4	-	-	-	-	-	-
BIO 2524	Anatomy and Physiology II [1,2] Lecture and Laboratory	4	-	-	-	-	-	-
-	Academic electives	3	-	-	-	-	-	-
-	Total	23-24	-	-	-	-	-	-

The asterisk (*) denotes Higher Math as approved by individual administration 

1. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. (2018). The principles of accreditation: Foundations for quality enhancement. Retrieved from SACSCOC 2018 Principles of Accreditation 
2. Standards and Required Elements for Accreditation of Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs (2024)

Articulation

Check with the local community college CTE administration for articulation agreements.

Industry Job Projection Data

A summary of occupational data is available from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security website.

Adoption of National Certification Standards

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is an accrediting agency that is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAPTE grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE):

• is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs; 
• has been recognized as an independent agency since 1977 and has been the only recognized agency to accredit physical therapy (PT) programs since 1983; 
• currently accredits over 200 physical therapist education programs and over 300 physical therapist assistant (PTA) education programs in the US and one physical therapist education program in Scotland; 
• has 31 members from a variety of constituencies: PT and PTA clinicians, PT and PTA educators, basic scientists, higher education administrators, and the public;
• maintains a cadre of more than 350 volunteers who are trained to conduct on-site reviews of physical therapy programs; 
• conducts on-site visits to approximately 80 programs annually;
• reviews information from approximately one-third of all accredited programs at each meeting;
• is an active member of the Association of Specialized and Programmatic Accreditors (ASPA) and subscribes to the ASPA Code of Good Practice.

For more than 25 years, The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has been paving the way for public protection. If you view their history timeline, you will see what they have accomplished and the people who have made it happen. You'll find everything from the birth of the Federation in the early 80s to our 25th anniversary celebration and beyond. FSBPT strives to live by a clearly defined mission and vision. Their mission conveys the direction of their organization and our vision inspires them to achieve a common purpose.

Mission: To protect the public by providing service and leadership that promote safe and competent physical therapy practice. Vision: To achieve a high level of public protection through a strong foundation of laws and regulatory standards in physical therapy, effective tools and systems to assess entry-level and continuing competence, and public and professional awareness of resources for public protection.

Industry Credentials, Certifications, and Professional Licensure

As curricula are revised or developed for Career Technical Education (for credit) programs at Mississippi’s community colleges, appropriate industry credentials/certifications/professional licensure are identified (where applicable).

Each community college cooperating with businesses/industries in their college district determines if and when industry credentials/certifications/professional licensure are warranted.

Contact each community college for more information.

Dual Enrollment

See the “Procedures Manual for Dual Enrollment and Accelerated Programs”

Appendix A: Recommended Tools and Equipment

Capitalized Items

1. Exercise mat, floor-type (1 per 2 students) 
2. Freezer, cold pack (1 per program) 
3. Hydrocollator (2 per program) 
4. Ice machine (1 per program) 
5. Parallel bars (1 per program) 
6. Ramp (1 per program) 
7. Stairs (1 per program) 
8. Stimulator, electrical, combination electrotherapy unit (2 per program) 
9. Stimulator, electrical, microcurrent (1 per program) 
10. Stimulator, electrical, ultrasound combo unit (1 per 4 students) 
11. Stimulator, electrical, high voltage pulse current unit (2 per program) 
12. Stimulator, electrical, Russian (1 per program) 
13. Stimulator, electrical, portable FES (1 per 4 students) 
14. Stimulator, electrical, DC current (1 per 12 students)
15. Stimulator, electrical, interferential (2 per program) 
16. Stretcher, rolling gurney with mattress (1 per program) 
17. Table, mat (1 per 5 students) 
18. Table, tilt, electric (1 per program) 
19. Traction, device (2 per program) 
20. Traction table with split section (1 per program) 
21. Bed traction (1 per program)
22. Ultrasound unit with cart (1 per 4 students)
23. UV/Infrared light (1 per program) 
24. Fluidotherapy (1 per program) 
25. Shortwave diathermy (1 per program) 
26. Pulsavac (1 per program) 
27. Wheelchair, hemi-drive (1 per program) 
28. Wheelchair, standard unit (1 per 4 students) 
29. Wheelchair, reclining (1 per program) 
30. Whirlpool, extremity (1 per program) 
31. Whirlpool, mobile with bench seat (1 per program) 
32. High-Low table (1 per program)
33. Sequential circulator (1 per program) 
34. laser (1 per 2 computers) 
35. Skeleton, articulated model (1 per program) 
36. Skeleton, disarticulated model (1 per program) 
37. TV, color 25 in. with remote (1 per program) 
38. VCR (1 per program) 
39. DVD player (1 per program) 
40. Washer (1 per program) 
41. Dryer (1 per program) 
42. Refrigerator (1 per program) 
43. High-Low mat (1 per program) 
44. Hivamat (1 per program) 
45. Game Ready 
46. Amputee Models (UE and LE) 
47. Wound care model

Non-Capitalized Items

1. Ball, large exercise (1 per program) 
2. BAPS board (1 per program)
3. Bed, hospital, electric (1 per program)
4. Biofeedback, EMG (1 per 4 students)
5. Biofeedback, temperature, pulse, muscle (1 per program) 
6. Chair, traction (1 per program) 
7. Cutaneous sensory kit (1 per 4 students) 
8. Dynanometer, hand (1 per program) 
9. Exercise board with legs (1 per program) 
10. Goniometer set (1 per 2 students) 
11. Hand evaluation kit (1 per program) 
12. Inclinometer (2 per program) 
13. Iontophoresor (1 per 4 students) 
14. Microwave (1 per program) 
15. Mirror, freestanding (2 per program) 
16. Overhead hospital bed frame (1 per program) 
17. Paraffin bath (2 per program) 
18. Pinch dynamiter (1 per 4 students) 
19. Postural evaluation kit (2 per program) 
20. Pulley weights (1 per program) 
21. Pump, external compression (2 per program)
22. Scales, digital (1 per program) 
23. Skin fold fat calipers (1 per program)
24. Stimulator, electrical, TENS (1 per 2 students) 
25. Table, small adjustable (2 per program) 
26. Vestibular board (1 per program) 
27. Volumeter, hand-arm (2 per program) 
28. Volumeter, foot (1 per program) 
29. Weight cart with cuff weights (1 per program)
30. Wheelchair cushion (2 per program) 
31. Call bells (1 per 2 students) 
32. Plinths (1 per 2 students) 
33. Lift, hydraulic (1 per program) 
34. Splints, wrist, knee immobilizer (1 assorted set per program) 
35. Braces: Back, knee, ankle (1 assorted set per program) 
36. Prone positioner (1 per 4 students) 
37. Pulleys (1 per program) 
38. Rowing machine (1 per program) 
39. Theraputty, variety set (1 per 10 students) 
40. Powder board (2 per program)
41. Hot packs (20 per program)
42. Strength evaluator (1 per program) 
43. Exercise ball (2 per program) 
44. ASP “Sharps” container (1 per program) 
45. Back support, lumbosacral corset (1 per program) 
46. Ball, therapeutic (Small) (1 per program) 
47. Bolster, pediatric (1 set per program) 
48. Cane, standard adjustable (1 per 3 students)
49. Cane, quad (1 per 6 students) 
50. Cold pack (20 per program) 
51. Crutches, axillary (1 pair per 2 students) 
52. Crutches, loftstrand (2 pair per program) 
53. Dumbbell rack with dumbbells (1 per program)
54. Exercise skate (4 per program)
55. Gait belts (1 per 2 students) 
56. Goggle (2 per program) 
57. Goniometer, finger (1 per 4 students)
58. Goniometer, large (1 per 2 students) 
59. Goniometer, small (1 per 3 students) 
60. Hand splint, resting hand splint (2 pair per program) 
61. Towels (3 per student)
62. Pillows (15 per 10 students) 
63. Hip abduction pillow (1 per program) 
64. Knee brace, Swedish knee cage (1 per program) 
65. Pillowcases, standard (3 per student) 
66. Platform attachment (1 set or pair per program) 
67. Reach extender (1 per program) 
68. Reflex hammer (1 per student)
69. Sliding board (1 per 4 students) 
70. Sling, arm (1 per program) 
71. Sock aide (1 per program) 
72. Sphygmomanometer (1 per 2 students) 
73. Stethoscope (1 per 2 students) 
74. Stop watch (2 per program) 
75. Tape measure (1 per student) 
76. Terminal knee extension boards (2 per program) 
77. Thermometer, glass (1 per student) 
78. Walker, standard adjustable (1 per 2 students) 
79. Walker, standard rolling with brakes (2 per program) 
80. Ankle model (1 per program) 
81. Brain model (1 per program) 
82. Elbow, model deluxe (1 per program) 
83. Hand model (1 per program)
84. Hip model (1 per program) 
85. Knee model (1 per program) 
86. Knee model, deep dissection (1 per program) 
87. Cart, VCR/TV (1 per program)
88. Chart, anatomical (1 set per program) 
89. Lumbar model, 4th and 5th (1 per program) 
90. Shoulder model (1 per program) 
91. Spine model (1 per program)
92. Synovial joint model (1 per program)
93. Vertebral column, deluxe (1 per program) 
94. Desks (1 per student) 
95. Chairs (1 per student) 
96. File cabinets (3 per program) 
97. Bookshelves (2 per program) 
98. Flat sheet (2 per student) 
99. Apple TV (1 per program) 
100. iPads/Mac Book (1 per instructor) 
101. Doppler 
102. Body Blade 
103. Bedside commode
104. Bedside table 
105. Balance Pads/Mats/Discs/etc. 
106. BOSU 
107. Rolling stool (dependent per program)
108. Electrodes (1 pack per student for each type) 
109. Doppler Ultrasound (2 per program) 
110. Double Stethoscope (1 per instructor) 
111. Hip Abduction Positioner Foam 
112. Massage Cream 
113. PPE 
114. Hand-held mirror 
115. Prosthetic Examples 
116. Pulse Oximeter 
117. Rebounder 
118. O2 Tank Carrier 
119. Shower Bench/Chair 
120. Disinfectant materials 
121. ACE Wraps (various) 
122. Tape (various)

Recommended Instructional Aids

1. LCD Projector 
2. Smart TV 
3. Smart Board

Appendix B: Curriculum Definitions and Terms

Terms & Definitions

• Course Name – A common name that will be used by all community colleges in reporting students 
• Course Abbreviation – A common abbreviation that will be used by all community and junior colleges in reporting students 
• Classification – Courses may be classified as the following: 
  • Career Certificate Required Course – A required course for all students completing a career certificate. 
  • Technical Certificate Required Course – A required course for all students completing a technical certificate. 
  • Technical Elective – Elective courses that are available for colleges to offer to students. 
• Description – A short narrative that includes the major purpose(s) of the course 
• Prerequisites – A listing of any courses that must be taken prior to or on enrollment in the course 
• Corequisites – A listing of courses that may be taken while enrolled in the course
• Student Learning Outcomes – A listing of the student outcomes (major concepts and performances) that will enable students to demonstrate mastery of these competencies The following guidelines were used in developing the program(s) in this document and should be considered in compiling and revising course syllabi and daily lesson plans at the local level: 
• The content of the courses in this document reflects approximately 75% of the time allocated to each course. The remaining 25% of each course should be developed at the local district level and may reflect the following: 
  • Additional competencies and objectives within the course related to topics not found in the state framework, including activities related to specific needs of industries in the community college district 
  • Activities that develop a higher level of mastery on the existing competencies and suggested objectives 
  • Activities and instruction related to new technologies and concepts that were not prevalent at the time the current framework was developed or revised 
  • Activities that include integration of academic and career–technical skills and course work, school-to-work transition activities, and articulation of secondary and postsecondary career– technical programs 
  • Individualized learning activities, including work-site learning activities, to better prepare individuals in the courses for their chosen occupational areas 
• Sequencing of the course within a program is left to the discretion of the local college. Naturally, foundation courses related to topics such as safety, tool and equipment usage, and other fundamental skills should be taught first. Other courses related to specific skill areas and related academics, however, may be sequenced to take advantage of seasonal and climatic conditions, resources located outside of the school, and other factors. Programs that offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree must include all of the required Career Certificate courses, Technical Certificate courses AND a minimum of 15 semester hours of General Education Core Courses. The courses in the General Education Core may be spaced out over the entire length of the program so that students complete some academic and Career Technical courses each semester. Each community college specifies the actual courses that are required to meet the General Education Core Requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree at their college. 
• In order to provide flexibility within the districts, individual courses within a framework may be customized by doing the following: 
  • Adding new student learning outcomes to complement the existing competencies and suggested objectives in the program framework
  • Revising or extending the student learning outcomes 
  • Adjusting the semester credit hours of a course to be up 1 hour or down 1 hour (after informing the Mississippi Community College Board [MCCB] of the change)

Appendix C: Course Crosswalk

Physical Therapist Assistant

Existing 2010 MS Curriculum Framework

Course Number	Course Title	Hours
PTA 1111	Health Care Experience I	1
PTA 1123	Fundamental Concepts of Physical Therapy	3
PTA 1132	Practicum I	2
PTA 1143	Practicum II	-
PTA 1151	Health Care Experience II	1
PTA 1213	Fundamental Skills for Physical Therapist Assistants	3
PTA 1224	Therapeutic Modalities	4
PTA 1314	Kinesiology	4
PTA 1324	Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation I	4
PTA 1911	Seminar I	1
PTA 1921	Seminar II	1
PTA 2234	Electrotherapy	4
PTA 2334	Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation II	4
PTA 2413	Clinical Education I	3
PTA 2424	Clinical Education II	4
PTA 2434	Clinical Education III	4
PTA 2444	Clinical Education IV	4
PTA 2513	Medical Conditions and Related Pathology	3
PTA 2523	Physical Therapy Seminar	3
PTA 2911	Seminar III	1

Revised 2017 MS Curriculum Framework

*added or changed courses

Course Number	Course Title	Hours
PTA 2111	Clinical Seminar I	1

Revised 2024 MS Curriculum Framework

*added or changed courses

Course Number	Course Title	Hours
PTA 1224	Biophysical Agent	4
PTA 2127	Terminal Clinical Education	7

Appendix D: Recommended Textbook List

Textbooks

Book Title	Author (s)	ISBN
Fundamentals of the Physical Therapy Examination, 2nd Ed.	Stacie J. Fruth	978-1-2840-9962-1
Orthopedic Physical Examination Test: An Evidence- Based Approach, 2nd Ed.	Chad E. Cook and Eric J. HegEditionus	978-0-1325-4478-8
Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 3rd Ed.	Goodman and Fuller	978-0-3237-9277-6
The Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant 3rd Ed.	Holly Clynch	978-1-7196-4314-6
Physical Agents in Rehabilitation, 4th Ed.	Michelle H. Cameron	978-0-3234-4567-2
Muscle and Sensory Testing 4th Ed.	Nancy Berryman Reese	978-0-3235-9628-2
Human Diseases a Systematic Approach, 7th Ed.	Mark Zelman, Elaine Tompary, Jill Raymond, Paul Holdaway Mary Lou Mulvihill	978-0-1334-2474-4
Writing Patient/Client Notes, 5th Ed.	Ginge Kettenbach | Sarah L. Schlomer	978-0-8036-3820-4
Fundamental Orthopedic Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 4th Edition	Robert C. Manske	978-0-323-11347-2
Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant 6th Edition	Wendy Bircher	978-0-8036-2674-4
Documentation Basics for the PTA, 2nd Ed.	Mia Erickson, and Rebecca McKnight	978-1-61711-008-5
Introduction to Physical Therapy, 6th Ed.	Michael A Pagliarulo	978-0-3236-7348-8
Introduction to PT Practice for PTAs	Barrett	978-1-2841-7573-8
Quick and Easy Medical Terminology, 9th Ed.	Peggy C. Leonard,	978-0-3235-9599-5
Medical Terminology Simplified, 5th Ed.	Barbara Gylys | Regina Masters	978-0-8036-3971-3
Principles and Techniques of Patient Care, 7th Edition	Sheryl Fairchild	978-0-3237-2088-5
Physical Rehabilitation 8th Ed.	O'Sullivan and Schmitz	978-1-7196-4691-8
Physical Rehabilitation for the PTA	Cameron	978-1-4377-0806-6
Physical Agents Theory and Practice, 3rd Ed.	Barbara Behrens and Holly Beinert	978-0-8036-3816-7
Manual for Physical Agents, 6th Ed.	Karen W Hayes | Kathy Hall	978-0-13-607215-7
Beard's Massage, 5th Edition	Giovanni De Domenico	978-0-7216-0350-6
Daniels and Worthingham’s Muscle Testing: Techniques of Manual Examination, 11th Ed.	Dale Avers | Donovan Lott | Marybeth Brown	978-0-3238-2420-0
Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry, 5th Ed.	Cynthia Norkin and Joyce White	978-0-8036-4566-0
Clinical Kinesiology and Anatomy, 7th Ed.	Lynn Lippert	978-1-71964-452-5
Laboratory Manual for Clinical Kinesioloogy and Anatomy 5th Ed.	Lynn Lippert Mary Alice Minor	978-1-7196-4453-2
Orthopedics for the PTA 2nd Ed.	Mark Dutton	978-1-2841-3931-0
Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 6th Ed.	Carolyn Kisner Lynn Allen Colby	978-0-8036-2574-7
Neurologic Interventions for Physical Therapy 4th Ed.	Susan Marti and Mary Kessler,	978-0-3236-6175-1
PTAEXAM The Complete Study Guide 24th Ed.	Scott M Giles	978-1-8909-8947-7
PT Clinical Handbook for PTAs, 3rd Ed.	Kathy Cikulin-Kulinski	978-1-2841-0556-8
Improving Physical Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation 2nd Ed.	Susan B O’Sullivan and Thomas J.Schmitz	978-0-8036-4612-4
PTA Blue Macs, 3rd Ed.	Cindy Lavine, Jan Myers, Karen Jacobs, Juilianne Blanford, Beverly Newman and Tom McKelvey	n/a
Therapeutic Exercise Foundations & Techniques	Kisner | Borstad | Colby	978-1-7196-4047-3
BioPhysical Agents: Theory and Practice	Behran	978-0-8036-7667-1
PTA Examination Review and Study Guide 6th Ed.	O'Sullivan |Siegelman	978-0-9904-1629-6
Mobility in Context 3rd Ed.	Chinworth	978-1-7196-4286-6
Intro to Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant	Moini and Chaney	978-1-2841-7936-1
Medical Terminology Systems	Gylys and Wedding	978-0-8036-6124-0
Essentials of Cardiopulmonary PT	Hillegass	978-0-3237-2212-4
Pediatrics for the PTA	O'Shea	978-0-3238-8142-5
Essentials of Kinesiology for the PTA	Neumann & Mansfield	978-0-3235-4498-6
Physical Agents in Rehab from Research to Practice	Cameron	978-0-3237-6194-9
Pharmacology in Rehabilitation	Ciccone	978-1-7196-4534-8
Fundamental Orthopedic Management for the PTA	Manske	978-0-3236-6171-3
Principles of Therapeutic Exercise for the PTA	Kopack & Cascardi	978-1-6309-1353-3
The Comprehensive Manual of Therapeutic Exercise, 1st Ed.	Elizabeth Bryan	978-1-63091-64-5

*or most recent edition

Appendix E: Writing and Revision Information

Writing Team & Contributors

Faculty Writing Team Members 

• Melinda Roberson, Hinds Community College 
• Angela Burt, Hinds Community College 
• Angela Jordan, Hinds Community College 
• Tommy Winston, Meridian Community College 
• Jenny Bryan, Holmes Community College 
• Cheryl Ware, Itawamba Community College 
• Meg King, Holmes Community College 
• Tracie Thornton, Pearl River Community College 
• Callie Bell, Mississippi Delta Community College 
• Barton Allen, Northwest Mississippi Community College 
• Brandi Cotton, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College 
• Johnna Agent, Meridian Community College

Administrator Writing Team Members 

• Kathy Elliott, Dean of Health Sciences, Hinds Community College 
• Dr. Patricia Kelly, Dean of Health Sciences, Mississippi Delta Community College 
• Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science, Itawamba Community College 
• Ginger Meriwether, Director of Health Sciences Programs, Holmes Community College

Business and Industry Contributing Team Members 

• Chris Smith, PTA, North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS 
• Brandi Henley, PT, North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS 
• Greg Trussell, Genesis Physical Therapy Group, Jackson, MS 
• Crystal Wall, PTA Elite Physical Therapy, Bryam, MS 
• Mev Knight, Rehab Director, Kindred at Home Meridian, MS, 
• Cynthia Gaddie, PT, Kindred at Home, Meridian, MS 
• Kristie Regions RFH, LPT, Meridian, MS 
• Scott Grady, Tom C. Manor, Meridian, MS 
• Daniel F. Donnelly, Elite Physical Therapy, Meridian, MS 
• Tiffany Farmer, RP White Nursing and Rehab, Meridian, MS 
• Wade Henley, PT, North MS Medical Center, Tupelo, MS 
• Callie Northington, North MS Medical Center, Tupelo, MS 
• Heather Pounds, Tallahatchie General Hospital, Outpatient Grenada/Charleston, MS 
• Ted Hill, Grenada Physical Therapy, Grenada, MS 
• Cindy Coleman, Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital, Winona, MS 
• Shayla Smith, Forrest General Hospital, Poplarville, MS 
• Lauren Worrel, Active Rehab Beford Care of Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg, MS 
• Kim Schramm, Hattiesburg Clinic, Hattiesburg, MS 
• Laine Murret, Encore Rehab., Hattiesburg, MS 
• Mike Williamson, Hattiesburg Clinic, Hattiesburg, MS 
• Lori Terrill, Forest General Hospital (Home Care), Hattiesburg, MS 
• Howard Franklin, Merit Health Wesley, Administrator of Transitional Care Unity, Hattiesburg, MS 
• Nelson Ware, VersaSlider, LLC, Jackson, MS

Office of Curriculum and Instruction Team Members 

• Dr. Scott Kolle, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Mississippi Community College Board 
• Eboni Mangum, Curriculum Specialist, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Mississippi Community College Board 
• Demarius Tolliver, Curriculum Specialist, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Mississippi Community College Board 
• Dr. LaToya Sterling, Assistant Director for Training and Professional Development, Mississippi Community College Board

Research Abstract

In the spring of 2024, the Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) met with the different industry members who made up the advisory committees for the Physical Therapy Assistant program. An industry questionnaire was used to gather feedback concerning the trends and needs, both current and future, of their field. Program faculty, administrators, and industry members were consulted regarding industry workforce needs and trends.

Industry advisory team members from the college involved with this program were asked to give input related to changes to be made to the curriculum framework. Specific comments related to soft skills needed in this program include reading and writing skills, positive work ethic, professionalism, good oral and written communication skills, critical thinking skills, team player, organizational skills, and time management. Stated occupation-specific skills include knowing how to communicate with the patient, bending, squatting, lifting 90-100 lbs, being able to take and read vital signs, and understanding procedures.

A curriculum writing meeting was convened in October 2017 and attended by faculty, administrators, and industry members.

Revision History:

2010, Research and Curriculum Unit, Mississippi State University 
2018 Mississippi Community College Board
2024 Mississippi Community College Board

Copyright & Permission

The Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) was founded in 2013 under the Division of Workforce, Career, and Technical Education at the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB). The office is funded through a partnership with The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), who serves as Mississippi’s fiscal agent for state and federal Career and Technical Education (CTE) Funds. The OCI is tasked with developing statewide CTE curriculum, programming, and professional development designed to meet the local and statewide economic demand.

Copyright© 2024 by Mississippi Community College Board
For information, please contact Curriculum Email