Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant offering at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is part of the Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education program.

As a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, you will be preparing for employment in a growing and fun career in the healthcare field. Your career will involve working under the supervision of a physical therapist to implement plans of care to recover from injuries to the bones and joints, brain and nerves, problems with pain, developmental complications, and other movement problems, to help clients return to maximal functionality.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program will instruct you in the principles and procedures of therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and neurological interventions. In addition, you will learn basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neurology. Integrated throughout the program there are hands-on learning and practice experiences including clinical time and laboratory training to provide you the opportunity to utilize the techniques learned each semester.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to be completed in two years, culminate in an A.A.S. degree, and prepare you for the national physical therapy exam to become licensed to practice.

Industry Partnership:

CWI is excited to partner with Saint Alphonsus to provide opportunities for individuals to expand their education and grow in their careers. Learn more about this partnership.

MISSION

The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education Program is committed to the provision of quality, relevant, and affordable healthcare education specific to the field of physical therapy and the role and scope of the physical therapist assistant. The consortium 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.

Healthcare Information Sessions

Want to learn more about this program and other healthcare programs at CWI? Join a Healthcare Information Session to learn about the programs, what you can do to prepare for the programs, meet advisors and instructors, and ask questions. View Upcoming Sessions

Application Process and Requirements

The application period for the Fall 2023 classes is closed.

Application Process

1. Complete CWI Associate Degree or Technical Certificate application and be accepted to CWI.
   • If you have completed a bachelor's or master's degree, submit a Bachelor's Degree Transfer Credit Request form in advance of applying for the program.
2. Verify your coursework by:
   • Reviewing the program Plan of Study on the Requirements tab
   • View Your Progress
3. Complete the Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education application and submit by the due date.

Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application

For help or questions regarding the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application, please contact your advisor, or the CWI program representative:

Lynne Roberts
lynneroberts@cwi.edu
208.562.2052

Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education

Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant program website

Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant FAQs

This is a selective-entry program and the following numbers of students will comprise the new cohort:

• College of Western Idaho (CWI) - 14 students
• Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC)* - 6 students
• North Idaho College (NIC) - 10 students
• College of Southern Idaho (CSI)** – 10 students

* Students will be accepted to the LCSC location every other year. The next cohort will begin Fall 2022.
** Students will be accepted to the CSI location every other year. The next cohort will begin Fall 2023.

The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education 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.

STATEMENT OF ACCREDITATION

The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education at College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, and North Idaho College, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703.706.3245
accreditation@apta.org
http://www.capteonline.org

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 208.665.5051 or email jon.gardunia@nic.edu

Program/Student Outcomes

Complaints Against PTA Program, Faculty, Students or Program Graduates:

An individual may make an inquiry regarding complaint procedures or about issues and concerns that could be considered complaints. The Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education'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.