Mercy College of Health Sciences

PTA Program Data

Below is complete information including curriculum, learning format, tuition and fees, student outcomes, accreditation, student reviews, and application deadlines for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Page updated: July 1st, 2025

Mercy College of Health Sciences PTA Program Overview

Mercy College of Health Sciences in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, offers an accelerated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program designed to prepare students for this rewarding career in just one year. The program leads to an Associate of Science degree and features a rigorous three-semester curriculum combining classroom learning, hands-on skills labs, and extensive clinical experience with top healthcare providers across central Iowa.
To begin the PTA major each fall, students must first complete all general education prerequisites—such as anatomy, physiology, developmental psychology, English composition I, medical terminology, and college-level math—with at least a “C” grade. Once admitted into the 45-credit professional sequence (totaling 63 credits including prerequisites), coursework covers therapeutic interventions for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions; kinesiology; physical therapy modalities; essential skills labs; and three immersive clinical practicums.

Mercy’s PTA graduates benefit from exceptional outcomes: a 100% licensure pass rate and employment rate for recent cohorts. The mean wage for PTAs is $65,860 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—and demand is strong nationally and locally with projected job growth at 32%. Tuition details can be found on Mercy’s financial fact sheet.

Unique to Mercy College are its small class sizes—which foster personalized instruction from experienced faculty—and its mission-driven Catholic values rooted in service. Its central Des Moines location also provides access to diverse patient populations through leading local clinical partners.

Video from Mercy College of Health Sciences

PTA Program Contact and Outcomes

Below is complete contact information for the PTA program director at Mercy College of Health Sciences as well as links to complete data on student outcomes and more information on the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

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