Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Description

The Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium Program 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 returning 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 and graduates will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed PTAs.

The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education 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)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
telephone: (703) 706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: http://www.capteonline.org

Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process as described here: Physical Therapist Assistant Application Steps.

Completion of the following program admission courses is also required:

Degrees and Certificates

Professional Licensure

Information related to professional licensure for this program can be found on the Professional Licensure web page.