This accreditation, which is initially granted for a period of five years, is the culmination of nearly three years of program development and implementation.
The inaugural class of PTA students enrolled in the fall of 2017, and graduated with the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant on May 4th, 2019. This group, and all future PTA graduates, are now eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants. Successful completion of the NPTE is required for licensure in all 50 states.
“We are proud of this accomplishment and are confident in our mission of graduating skillful, knowledgeable, ethical, and professional physical therapist assistants,” remarks Jeffrey Coon, PTA Program Director. “Our graduates have performed extremely well, both in the classroom and during their clinical internships throughout the area. They are now ready to begin their professional careers serving communities in the eastern plains of Colorado and beyond.”
The PTA program faculty, Jeffrey Coon and Jason Glasnapp have over 40 years combined experience as practicing physical therapists. Coon received a Master of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, CA. His favored area of practice includes balance, fall prevention, and vestibular rehabilitation in the geriatric population. Jason Glasnapp holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana. Dr. Glasnapp is passionate about movement, exercise, and utilizing proper biomechanics to help with injury prevention and improve performance.
“The ability to offer an accredited PTA program at a small rural college speaks volumes to the professionalism, dedication, and determination of our program faculty and staff,” said MCC President, Dr. Curt Freed. “The end result is that the college can provide highly qualified and competent individuals that serve a vital role on healthcare teams across the region.”
MCC is currently accepting applications for the 2019-2020 PTA program; the application deadline is August 1, 2019. For more information about the PTA program or to apply, visit https://www.morgancc.edu/programs/all-programs/pta/ or contact Jeffrey Coon, PTA Program Director, at [email protected] / (970) 542-3225 or Jason Glasnapp at [email protected] / (970) 542-3226.
