Student Receives Physical Therapist Assistant Award

Published: October 30, 2018

Congratulations to Lindsay Whipple, a 2018 graduate from College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. Whipple received a PTA Student of the Year award from the Idaho Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, in September, at Idaho State University in Meridian.

“Lindsay was a stellar student from day one—she exceeded all expectations, not only from our academic side, but also from her clinical instructors,” said Leah Wilsey, Director of Clinical Education. “Lindsay was definitely attentive, and she volunteered for many CWI activities."

A PTA works together with a physical therapist to implement a plan of care to aid patients and clients. Students at CWI are instructed in principles and procedures of the PTA which include therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and neurological interventions. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, the average hourly wage for a PTA is $21.12.

“A physical therapist assistant someone who has good communications skills and has empathy and an ability to work with patients during their process of healing,” added Wilsey.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

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