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If you want to work as a physical therapy assistant in Missouri, then read on.
We have brought you a guide with info on the licensing process, as well as information regarding schools.
Article Table of Contents
Earning Your License as a Physical Therapist Assistant
In Missouri, you will need to get a physical therapy license to be able to practice.
Before that, you should consider pursuing a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree.
You can only get a degree if you start a training program at the school of your choice.
This program must be approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and by the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.
It will last around 2 years to complete your degree.
During training, you will need to attend both theory and practice hours.
The clinical training is completed in a clinic and needs to total 16 to 18 weeks.
The clinics require a background check from all candidates.
The classes you will attend feature the next subjects:
- Medical Diseases
- Basic Emergency Patient Care
- Kinesiology
- Applied Neurology
- Orthopedic Pathology
- Physical Therapy Fundamentals
- Medical Terminology
- Clinical Experience I (2 weeks)
- Rehabilitation
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Pediatrics and Gerontology
- Clinical Seminar
- Clinical Experience II (2 weeks)
- Clinical Experience III (14 weeks)
After you get your associate’s degree, you can submit the documents and get certified as a physical therapy assistant.
First, you need to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs, provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
The required documents include:
- Examination application
- Activities statement form
- Verification of licensure form (if necessary)
- Certificate of professional education form
- Temporary licensure agreement to supervise form
- It requires a fee of $10
- You only pay this fee if you want the temporary license
- Authorization for release of medical records
- Jurisprudence examination
- The application form contains the questionnaire for this exam
- $50 processing fee
- Official school transcripts
- Original 3×5 photograph
The documents need to be submitted to the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts found in Jefferson City.
To get a physical therapist license, you will take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.
The exam is offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
You need to pay the $400 exam fee to the Federation at the time of your registration.
The exam is open book and features subjects like:
- Physical Therapy Data Collection
- Interventions
- Diseases and Conditions
- Equipment and Devices
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety and Protection
- Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
To pass the test, you need to score 600.
To prepare for the exam, you can study the candidate handbook provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
If you pass the tests, you will receive your physical therapy assistant license in 3 weeks.
Physical Therapist Assistant Employment and Salary Information
The most important companies you can get hired for in Missouri are:
- Aegis Therapies – Fulton
- Glennon Place Nursing and Rehabilitation – Kansas City
- Mercy Hospital – St. Louis
- St. Luke’s Hospital – Kansas City, Chesterfield
- Cox Medical Center Branson – Springfield
- Gentiva Health Services – Kansas City
- Advanced Training and Rehab – St. Louis
- Providence Medical Center – Kansas City
In this state, physical therapy assistants earn an average of $53,237 a year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $54,784 |
| St. Louis | $55,002 |
| Springfield | $52,779 |
| Columbia | $54,392 |
| Independence | $54,725 |
| Lee's Summit | $54,576 |
| O'Fallon | $54,555 |
| St. Joseph | $54,301 |
| St. Charles | $54,705 |
| St. Peters | $54,586 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 50 | $61,370 | $29.51 | $94,260 | $41,880 |
| Columbia, MO | 90 | $64,110 | $30.82 | $96,470 | $46,170 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 40 | $62,440 | $30.02 | $81,200 | $41,930 |
| Joplin, MO | 70 | $65,830 | $31.65 | $95,250 | $41,460 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 560 | $66,940 | $32.18 | $88,430 | $50,220 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 1,160 | $62,870 | $30.23 | $76,850 | $41,210 |
| Springfield, MO | 140 | $57,670 | $27.73 | $73,860 | $40,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Physical Therapist Assistant License Renewal Information
In this state, the certifications of the physical therapy assistants expire on January 31st of even-numbered years.
You should expect the Board to mail you instructions by December 1st.
In Missouri, you have to attend 30 hours of additional education to renew your license.
You can complete your education in any classes accredited by:
- Missouri Physical Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
You can also accumulate hours with the following activities:
- Presenting a workshop
- Delivering a presentation
- Participating in research activities
- Publishing an article
- Home study courses
Read the full guide: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State