PTA in Mississippi

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Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.

Step 1. Earn your Associate’s Degree from an Accredited School

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Mississippi, the first step is to earn an Associate’s Degree from an accredited school. There are four schools in Mississippi that offer accredited PTA programs: Hinds Community College, Meridian Community College, Pearl River Community College, and Northeast Mississippi Community College. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.

You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:

• All Accredited PTA Programs in Mississippi
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

These programs typically take two years to complete and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of physical therapy. Students will study a range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and patient care.

The curriculum in these programs includes both classroom instruction and clinical education, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The clinical education component provides valuable real-world experience working directly with patients under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is required to obtain licensure in Mississippi. It’s important to note that licensure requirements may vary by state, so it’s essential to check with the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy for specific requirements.

Earning an Associate’s Degree from an accredited school is the first step towards a rewarding career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Mississippi. With the demand for PTAs on the rise, this degree opens up opportunities to provide valuable services in a range of healthcare settings.

Step 2. Complete your Application for MSBPT Licensure

After successfully graduating from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program in Mississippi, the next step towards obtaining your license is to complete the Application for Licensure with the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy (MSBPT).

One of the main requirements for licensure is passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Before applying for licensure, you need to register and successfully complete this examination. The passing score for the NPTE is set by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Additionally, applicants must undergo a fingerprint card submission and a criminal history check as part of the application process, which helps ensure the safety and well-being of patients.

When submitting your application, you will need to include several documents and fees. These may include a completed application form, a passport-style photo, official transcripts from your PTA program, verification of clinical education hours, the NPTE score report, and a $300 licensing fee. It’s important to check the MSBPT website for the most up-to-date application requirements.

While waiting for your NPTE results, you have the option to apply for a temporary license. This allows you to practice as a PTA under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist until you receive your official license.

By completing the Application for MSBPT Licensure and meeting all the requirements, you are taking an important step towards becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Mississippi.

Step 3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Mississippi, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs. Here’s what you need to know about this important step in the licensure process:

Eligibility: To be eligible to take the NPTE for PTAs, you must have graduated from an accredited PTA program. It is crucial to ensure that your program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Registration: To register for the exam, you need to create an account on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website. Once registered, you can complete the online application and pay the registration fee, which is currently $485.

Test Centers: In Mississippi, there are several test centers where you can take the NPTE for PTAs. These centers are conveniently located throughout the state to provide accessibility for all applicants.

Exam Content: The NPTE for PTAs consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The content covers a wide range of topics, including physical therapy fundamentals, clinical application of physical therapy, and professional responsibilities.

Passing Score and Attempts: The passing score for the NPTE for PTAs is determined by the FSBPT. It is essential to check the FSBPT website for the most up-to-date passing score requirements. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you are allowed to retake it; however, specific eligibility criteria and restrictions may apply.

By preparing thoroughly and understanding the requirements and exam content, you can increase your chances of passing the NPTE for PTAs and moving closer to becoming a licensed PTA in Mississippi.

Step 4. Begin your Career as a PTA in Mississippi

Once you have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs, you are ready to embark on your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Mississippi. Mississippi offers a variety of potential workplace settings for PTAs, providing opportunities to work in different environments and with diverse patient populations.

PTAs in Mississippi can find employment in a range of facilities, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and home health agencies. These facilities hire PTAs to assist physical therapists in providing comprehensive care to patients with various musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions.

Some examples of facilities that frequently hire PTAs in Mississippi are Baptist Memorial Hospital, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Merit Health River Oaks, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, and SELECT Physical Therapy.

Mississippi also offers accredited PTA programs that provide the necessary education and training to become a licensed PTA. These programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools, allowing students to gain the required knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.

Job prospects for PTAs in Mississippi are favorable, with a growing demand for healthcare professionals in the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PTAs is projected to grow 29% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

In addition, salaries for PTAs in Mississippi are competitive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for PTAs in Mississippi is $53,440, which is slightly lower than the national average.

Embarking on a career as a PTA in Mississippi offers a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. With a variety of workplace settings, availability of accredited PTA programs, and favorable job prospects, Mississippi provides an excellent environment for PTAs to thrive in their professional journey.

Step 5. Maintain your License with Mandatory Continued Education

Once you have obtained your PTA license in Mississippi, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. The state requires PTAs to fulfill certain continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure.

To renew your PTA license in Mississippi, you must complete a specific number of continuing education hours during each licensure period. The licensure period in Mississippi is two years. During this time, you must accumulate a total of 20 contact hours of continuing education.

Continuing education can be obtained through various sources, including seminars, workshops, conferences, online courses, and educational programs. However, it is crucial to ensure that the courses are approved by the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy.

The Board has mandated that a minimum of 10 contact hours must be earned from direct “live” education, while the remaining 10 hours can be obtained through online courses or other distance learning methods.

During the online license renewal application process, you will be required to provide proof of your completed continuing education hours. It is important to maintain all documentation and certificates as the Board reserves the right to conduct random audits to verify compliance.

By fulfilling the mandatory continuing education requirements, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and ensure that you are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care to your patients.

Why Be a PTA in Mississippi?

Mississippi has multiple PTA Programs available, which is more than some other states. However, there are also many jobs, and salaries are good ranging from $50,589 to $61,225 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Mississippi by clicking the links below.

• Research Mississippi’s PTA Programs
• Compare average PTA salaries in Mississippi’s major cities

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