Mission, Philosophy, Goals, and Objectives

Idaho Consortium PTAE Program Mission

The Physical Therapist Assistant Education Program is committed to the provision of quality, relevant, and affordable health care education specific to the field of physical therapy and the role and scope of the physical therapist assistant. The PTAE program serves its constituent communities through the emphasis of care that is supervised and directed by the physical therapist and reflects the utmost in sensitivity, advocacy, knowledge, and skill.

Idaho Consortium PTAE Program Philosophy

The Physical Therapist Assistant Education Program adheres to the value of diverse human life and the restoration of optimal function for those who are in need of physical therapy care. This commitment is exhibited through affordable education that emphasizes intrinsic human value, the acquisition of knowledge over the lifespan, and the continual practice of skill competence. The PTAE program provides education that aligns with the standards of the American Physical Therapy Association and seeks to provide this in an environment that encourages inquisition, creativity, and reflection.

Student Learning Goals and Outcomes

1.    Student and graduates will demonstrate competent entry-level physical therapy interventions, working under the supervision of a licensed PT.

a)    Within the context of patient care, distinguish between the role of the PT and the role of the PTA.  Demonstrated by examinations, practicals, and clinical rotations.

b)    Under the direction of a PT, implement safe and effective physical therapy interventions based on the physical therapy plan of care.  Demonstrated through practical exams and clinical rotations.

c)    Under the direction of a PT, perform entry-level interventions following standards of ethical practice.  Demonstrated during clinical experiences.

2.    Students and graduates will show respect for diverse human life and advocate for physical therapy care that works to restore optimal human dignity and function.

a)    Effectively communicate with other health care providers, patients, and families about selected treatment procedures and functional activities.  Demonstrated in the didactic and clinical components of the program.

b)    Provide and document patient/client care in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner to all individuals.  Demonstrated in lab scenarios and clinical experiences.

c)    Exhibit good moral and ethical judgment in health care practice and uphold confidentiality of all persons at all times.  Demonstrated in lab scenarios and clinical experiences.

3.    Students and graduates will be lifelong learners and continually pursue developmental opportunities within the physical therapy profession.

a)    Provide education to peers, patients/clients, and others through professional organization, employment, and other avenues of collaboration.

 Program Goals and Outcomes

1.    The Program will deliver competent PTAs to serve the service-area communities.

a)    The graduation rate for each class will be 85% or higher.

b)    85% of the PTA graduates will pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) overall, averaged over two years.

c)    Of those who seek employment, 95% of graduates will be employed within one year of passing the NPTE, averaged over two years.

d)    85% of the PTA graduates will receive an above average rating on employer surveys.

Faculty Goals and Outcomes

2.    Faculty will maintain a contemporary and comprehensive curriculum in accordance with CAPTE standards and the ICPTAE mission.

a)    Core faculty will engage in a minimum of two professional development activities annually that correlate directly with teaching and/or administrative responsibilities.

b)    Through the established assessment process, core faculty will engage in scheduled annual curriculum reviews.

c)       Adjunct faculty will engage in a minimum of one pertinent professional development activity annually.