Program Overview

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

The Physical Therapists Assistant program prepares students for employment as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). The PTA works together with the physical therapist to implement the plan of care to aid patients and clients return to maximal function. Students are instructed in principles and procedures of the PTA which include therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and neurological interventions. Students will learn basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neurology. Clinical Experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum to offer students the opportunity to practice the techniques they have learned each semester. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years, including clinical affiliations each summer. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national physical therapy exam. Applying to this program is a separate application process from applying to the College or declaring your major.

Graduation from a physical therapist [assistant] education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

A consortium of colleges (College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, and North Idaho College) is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE. The program will submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

Interested in the PTA Consortium Program?

Be sure to click on the FAQs Link above and most of your questions will be answered. Here are a few other questions and answers:

                If the program is granted Candidacy for Accreditation, when will we know?

The decision will be made in early November 2013.

                If the program is granted Candidacy for Accreditation, when will it start?

The plan is to start the program in January, 2014. This is not guaranteed, but it's our plan.

                When can I turn in my application?

Even though we won't know about our ability to start until November, the program will be taking applications in early fall 2013. Check out the website for an announcement and the application packet beginning in August 2013.

                What are the prerequisites to the program?

                                1. Anatomy and Physiology 1

                                2. Medical Terminology

                                3. English Composition

                                4. Mathematics 123 or higher

For more information, please call 208.562.3000 or visit a CWI One Stop Campus nearest you.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium Program abides by each member college’s practice of non-discrimination and therefore will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran.

An individual may make an inquiry regarding complaint procedures or about issues and concerns that could be considered complaints. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Consortium Program’s response and its obligations to meet the specific timetables outlined in these procedures will begin only after a formal written complaint is received by the program director or dean.