Mississippi's Physical Therapist Assistant pathway prepares students for careers supporting physical therapists in patient treatment and rehabilitation. Students develop expertise in therapeutic exercises, mobility techniques, patient assessment, and rehabilitation protocols while understanding physical therapy practices. This pathway serves growing demand for PTA professionals in Mississippi's healthcare facilities.
Curriculum emphasizes therapeutic exercise, patient handling, and rehabilitation techniques. Students gain hands-on experience with therapeutic equipment, patient interaction, and treatment protocols reflecting practices used by physical therapists throughout Mississippi.
Graduates qualify for physical therapist assistant positions in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. Growing sports medicine and disability services create expanding employment opportunities.
Physical Therapist Assistant at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Mississippi CTE Standards for Physical Therapist Assistant require demonstrated competency in therapeutic exercise, patient handling, and rehabilitation. Students must achieve proficiency in treatment protocols and patient assessment aligned with state framework from Mississippi Department of Education and Career Success.
Pathway standards integrate therapeutic knowledge with patient communication and safety. Students develop understanding of rehabilitation principles and functional restoration.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Health Science Core |
| Physical Therapist Assistant - Year 1 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant - Year 2 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $80,300 - $107,090
Adjusted for cost of living: $91,992
Senior PTA
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $46,053
Clinic Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,360 - $133,270
Adjusted for cost of living: $101,146
Rehabilitation Services Manager
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $55,906
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete clinical practicums in physical therapy clinics throughout Mississippi, gaining patient treatment experience.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Mississippi CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Mississippi Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Mississippi's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Mississippi standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Mississippi
Health Sciences
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Health ScienceNursing
Mississippi's Nursing pathway prepares students for professional nursing careers providing patient care and healthcare services. Students develop expertise in patient assessment, nursing care, medical procedures, and patient communication while understanding nursing theory and healthcare practices. This pathway serves critical demand for nurses across Mississippi's healthcare system. Curriculum combines nursing science with clinical practice, emphasizing patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and professional nursing standards. Students gain extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings reflecting practices used by nurses throughout Mississippi. Graduates qualify for registered nurse positions in hospitals, clinics, or specialty care settings. Nursing shortage and expanding healthcare needs create excellent employment opportunities and career stability.
Healthcare and Human ServicesOccupational Therapy Assistant
Mississippi's Occupational Therapy Assistant pathway prepares students for careers supporting occupational therapists in patient rehabilitation and functional improvement. Students develop expertise in therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, rehabilitation activities, and patient communication while understanding occupational therapy practices. This pathway serves growing demand for OTA professionals in Mississippi's healthcare facilities. Curriculum emphasizes therapeutic techniques, functional assessment, and patient-centered care. Students gain hands-on experience with therapeutic equipment, activities, and patient interaction reflecting practices used by occupational therapists throughout Mississippi. Graduates qualify for occupational therapy assistant positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or outpatient clinics. Growing elderly population and disability services create strong employment opportunities.
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