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Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Idaho – ID

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 12 2010

Idaho Physical Therapist Assistant School

Idaho is one the many states that regulates the growing Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) profession.  Both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants receive licensing under the Idaho Bureau of Licensing. Physical Therapy Assistants work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, and are responsible for carrying out a number of treatment and therapeutic modalities.

Idaho hosts a 4½ semester (2 ½ years) Physical Therapy Assistant program in which students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.  Admission to online or campus based physical therapy assistant schools in Idaho require a high school diploma, a minimum 2.5 grade point average, and 40 hours of volunteer or work experience.  There is usually a limit to the number of applicants a PTA program can accept, so it’s best to start the application process early.  It is also helpful for students entering a PTA program to have a basic foundation in math, physics, and biology.

A survey of PTA courses shows a range from medical terminology and ethics, physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, psychology, and specific therapeutic exercises with water, electricity, heat, and cold.  In addition to earning at least a C grade in each class, students are expected to participate in a certain number of clinical work hours while in the program.  These hours count as credits toward graduation. 

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapy Assistants in Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Meridian, Idaho may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and St. Luke's Boise Medical Center.