PTA Schools in Wyoming (WY)

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. The professional program spans five semesters, following prerequisite courses. Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in each course to graduate and are then eligible to apply for the national licensing exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Courses cover anatomy, physiology, therapeutic procedures, and communication. PTAs work under physical therapists’ direction helping people with health-related conditions that limit their ability to move or perform daily activities.

Graduates can find employment in outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. On average there are 52 job openings per year in the region with an average hourly rate of $29.

The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). To ensure patient safety during clinical rotations necessary for completion of the program, students may be required to receive COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption on file.

Drug screening and background checks are also mandatory for all PTA students as some agencies require these before clinical assignment. Failure to meet these requirements could result in disqualification from participation or inability to continue within the program.

PTA Careers in Wyoming

Wyoming offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs), particularly in its urban and rural healthcare settings.

• In cities like Cheyenne, PTAs can find positions in hospitals such as Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where they assist in rehabilitation services for patients recovering from surgeries or injuries.
• Similarly, in Laramie, the Ivinson Memorial Hospital provides opportunities in outpatient therapy settings.
• In more rural areas, PTAs may work in smaller clinics or community health centers, such as those in Riverton or Gillette, catering to local populations with varying physical therapy needs.
• The state’s wide-open spaces and outdoor lifestyle also create demand for PTAs in sports rehabilitation and wellness programs, enhancing their role in promoting physical health across diverse environments.

Overall, Wyoming’s unique blend of urban and rural healthcare settings presents PTAs with fulfilling career paths that contribute significantly to community health.

How to Select a PTA School in Wyoming

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing physical therapy assistant schools. Here is a short list of a couple of the most important factors to take into account as you search for your PTA school:

• Program size
• Passing rate of the licensure exam
• Classroom and lab-room resources
• PTA Program expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• PTA School admittance criteria

While you take all these PTA school factors into thought, it may be useful to survey current college students in addition to former students of the PTA schools of interest. Also, talking to employers who have employed these students may give you additional insight to each schools strengths & weaknesses.

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