Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Missouri (MO)

Missouri has 10 fully accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) schools for 2024.

To become a PTA in the state you must graduate from a PTA school. Following graduation, you will be required to successfully pass both the state jurisprudence exam and the national certification exams before you can obtain a license to work there.

Below you will find up to date information on these top 10 schools and PTA programs as well as up to date information on certification, licensing, income and employment of PTA’s in Missouri.

How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Missouri

1. Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
2. Pass local Missouri and/or National Certification Exams
3. Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Missouri
4. How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Missouri?

Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Missouri

There are 10 fully accredited PTA programs in Missouri offering Associate Degrees in Science and Applied Science.

You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Missouri and neighboring areas.

Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Missouri

Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Missouri, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.

Missouri is one of 27 States in which it is a requirement to undertake both a State-level exam as well as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

The purpose of the Missouri state exam is to ensure that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.

The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Missouri PTA License Requirements

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Missouri, you must graduate from a board-approved training program and be at least 19 years old. Additionally, completion of a physical fitness test is required. Applicants must pass the state jurisprudence exam with a score of 75% or higher and the FSBPT Certification exams. A criminal background check is mandatory for all licensure applicants.

License renewal is due by January 31 of each odd-numbered year. A temporary license is available, contingent on providing details of the intended practice.

The Advisory Commission for Professional PTs and PTAs regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Missouri. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: P.O. Box 4, Jefferson, MO 65102-1335
Email: healingarts@pr.mo.gov
Phone: (573) 751-0098
Website: https://pr.mo.gov/healingarts-application-forms.asp

Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PT’s and PTAs.

The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license that will allow a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.

Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Missouri

In Missouri, the average (median) Physical Therapy Assistant salary is $62,310, closely aligned with the national average. The average hourly wage is $29.96, with 1990 individuals employed in this role. Those in the top 10% earn an impressive $94,330, while the bottom 10% earn $46,750. These figures reflect the diverse salary range within the state for Physical Therapy Assistants, showcasing both high-earning and entry-level positions.

In Missouri, from 2018 to 2022, Physical Therapy Assistant salaries experienced a significant increase, rising by $8,800, marking a 16% change. However, employment trends show a decrease of 250 positions, reflecting an 11% reduction during the same period. Looking forward, the projected growth in PTA employment between 2020 and 2030 is expected to be positive, with an estimated 30% increase, indicating potential opportunities for growth and demand in the field within the state.

PTA Salaries and Employment in Missouri by Metro Area

The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.