Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2 Years

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a 2-year program of study that prepares students to perform physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTA’s can practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies and other health care settings.  Graduates of this program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science — Physical Therapist Assistant and will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam to become a licensed PTA*.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue Suite 100 Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org. The program’s current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see https://www.capteonline.org/about-capte/recent-actions-and-updates/recent-actions. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Brandi Cotten, Program Director at 601-528-8714 or email: brandi.cotten@mgccc.edu.



* Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.MGCCC welcomes all input in an effort to improve the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Complaint Policy

Mission Statement

The mission of the MGCCC PTA Program is to provide a comprehensive curriculum based on contemporary physical therapy practice through superior instruction within an atmosphere of shared accountability in the teaching/learning process between program faculty and students. The PTA Program is committed to providing the community with professional, skilled and ethically entry level Physical Therapist Assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

PTA Program Goals

  1. The PTA Program will prepare graduates for employment as entry-level physical therapist assistants able to work in a professional and ethical manner under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
  2. The PTA Program will prepare graduates to exhibit effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the clinical environment.
  3. The PTA Program will prepare graduates to communicate in an effective and culturally competent manner with patients and caregivers from a wider variety of backgrounds.
  4. PTA Program faculty will provide superior instruction and a learning atmosphere based on shared accountability to enhance student learning within a curriculum based on contemporary physical therapy practice.

Program Outcomes

Physical Therapist Assisting Program Expenses

Prior to Entering Program

  • Criminal Background Check $65 – $80 (MGCCC Campus Police)

Once Admitted into Program

  • General MGCCC Tuition and Fees
  • Career and Technical Program Fee $50 per credit hour
  • Pre-admission Physical Exam and Immunizations $200 – $300
  • Books $1000  – $1200 (plus rental fees, if applicable)
  • Substance Testing $29 -$35 per semester
  • Liability Insurance $12 -$15 per semester
  • Additional purchase items, supplies $50 – $100
  • Uniform, Accessories $200 – $300
  • National Board Exam Application Fee $215 – $300

Costs may be subject to change.