MCTC's PTA program shines with 100 percent pass rate
Published on Feb 20, 2025
Maysville Community and Technical College is thrilled to announce the third consecutive
year of a 100 percent pass rate in the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program on
the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
The two-year PTA program prepares individuals to become licensed clinicians who work under licensed physical therapists through classroom instruction, lab, and clinical practice. PTAs play a vital role in assisting physical therapists by providing treatments aimed at improving patient mobility, alleviating pain, and preventing or minimizing permanent physical disabilities.
With PTAs in high demand across various healthcare settings in the commonwealth, MCTC strives to prepare graduates to enter the workforce and provide essential healthcare services. When they enter the workforce, graduates become skilled professionals who meet the growing demand for physical therapy services.
“In the years that I have taught PTA students, I consistently find the students to be some of the most caring, genuine, hardworking, and fun people I know. I am privileged to play even a small role in their success and so grateful that I get to help them start a fulfilling career helping others,” said Dr. Emily Norris, director of the PTA program at MCTC.
Achieving a 100 percent pass rate among PTA students is significant, as it reflects the program’s high-quality education and the dedication of students and faculty. This accomplishment enhances the program’s reputation, increases graduates’ employability, and ensures the community receives care from highly competent professionals.
“I am intentional about reminding the students that a 100 percent pass rate three consecutive years is an amazing accomplishment, but that every amazing PT or PTA program has students who aren't successful on their first attempt, and that is okay. I want them to know that they are not a failure and prepare themselves for perseverance if they do find themselves needing to try a second attempt at the NPTE in the future,” Dr. Norris remarked.
Ginger Clarke-Gallagher, associate vice president of health sciences at MCTC, shared her pride in the accomplishments of PTA faculty and students.
"I am incredibly proud of our PTA program and the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty and students! Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have led to remarkable achievements. This success is a testament to the quality of our program and the bright future of our graduates in the field of physical therapy,” she said.
Ramsey Morris, a senior in the PTA program, discussed some of her experience in the program and looked toward her future in taking the NPTE.
Starting in the second semester of her first year in the program, Ramsey and her classmates began a 4-week clinical rotation at varying PT settings to be able to work with real patients and diagnoses that they had learned about prior. In her eyes, these opportunities allow students to apply knowledge they have learned and add it to information from other clinicians.
As Ramsey has not taken the NPTE yet, she recalled advice that has been given to her by other students since her first semester. She plans to study, ensuring she truly understands the concepts she has learned thus far. Ramsey noted a program used in class, Scorebuilders, that provides access to resources that give students the best outcome in taking the NPTE.
MCTC is incredibly proud of the PTA students and faculty for their hard work and accomplishments in achieving a third consecutive year of a 100 percent pass rate on the NPTE.
For more information on the PTA program, please contact Dr. Emily Norris at emily.norris@kctcs.edu.
