Physical Therapist Assistant
The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education prepares students for employment as physical therapist assistants (PTA). The PTA functions through the direction of a physical therapist (PT) to implement the PT’s plan of care. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to aid patients and clients in their return to maximal function. PTA students are instructed in thinking processes and skills such as therapeutic exercise, orthopedic and neurological interventions, therapeutic modalities, and the art of patient care. In addition to patient treatment courses, students study the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, clinical pathology, and kinesiology. Clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to practice the techniques learned and practiced each semester. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education (PTAE) at the College of Southern Idaho, the College of Western Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, and North Idaho College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The program’s current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see http://www.capteonline.org/WhatWeDo/RecentActions/PublicDisclosureNotices/
Applying to this program is a separate application process from applying to the College or declaring your major. Additional incormation and current application requirements (including deadlines) can be found at: http://hshs.csi.edu/physical_therapist_assistant
To promote success on the certification/licensure examination(s), all Required Courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. registration for PTAE courss are restricted to students within the major
Gainful Employment data for this program may be found on the department web page: https://www.csi.edu/ge/
Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, a student will be able to:
- Develop physical therapist assistants who are competent within the role and scope of the profession.
- Educate physical therapist assistants who are equipped to provide physical therapy interventions in a safe, competent, and ethical manner.
- Instill within students and graduates respect for diverse human life and to advocate for physical therapy care that works to restore optimal human dignity and function.
- Inspire students and graduates to be lifelong learners and continually pursue developmental opportunities within and outside of the physical therapy profession
Program Application Required: Yes
Sample Career Opportunities: Pysical Therapist Assistants