Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Program Mission

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Utah Valley University is dedicated to educating compassionate, competent, and collaborative entry-level physical therapist assistants who provide high-quality, patient-centered care within their communities.

Core Educational Goals

1. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning necessary to deliver safe and effective interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist. 
2. Students will demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and collaboration within the academic and clinical learning environments. 
3. Graduates will provide high-quality, patient-centered care as entry-level physical therapist assistants under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
4. Graduates will demonstrate appropriate professional conduct and behaviors reflecting the highest standards of the physical therapy profession.
5. Graduates will collaborate as members of the physical therapy profession and healthcare team through effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
6. Faculty will foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment by modeling professionalism, engaging in continuous professional development, and promoting student growth and success. 
7. The PTA Program will offer a comprehensive, rigorous academic curriculum that drives student success and positively impacts the community. 
8. The PTA Program will promote the importance of professional development and lifelong learning.

Utah Valley University PTA Program Student Outcome Data based on CAPTE AAR submitted Annually

Graduation Rate:This rate is calculated according to the CAPTE formula required in the AAR (which is consistent with the formula used by the federal Integrated Post-secondary Education Data System).

1st Attempt Rate:This is the 1st attempt pass rate as published by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

Ultimate Pass Rate: This rate is the ultimate pass rate as published by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Employment Rate: This rate is the % of graduates who were employed as PTAs within twelve months of passing the licensure examination

PTA Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes Information Table

Class Year	Graduation Rate	1st Attempt Licensure Exam Pass Rate	Licensure Exam Ultimate Pass Rate	Employment Rate
2027*	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
2028*	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Two Year Average 2027 & 2028*	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

*Official data on Class of 2027 & 2028 upon student completion

Program Application Data

Program Application Table

Year	# of Applications Submitted	# of Students Offered Slots (Accepted)	# of Students Who Entered Program (Matriculated)
2027*	TBD	TBD	TBD
2029*	TBD	TBD	TBD

Program Timeline – Utah Valley University PTA Program (Candidacy Year 2026) 

• November 1, 2025 – Program submits official Application for Candidacy to CAPTE. 

• January 16–30, 2026 – CAPTE reviews program documentation. 

• April 24–29, 2026 – CAPTE Spring Meeting: program is formally reviewed. 

• UVU is notified of candidacy decision following CAPTE’s spring meeting. 

• February 1–May 15, 2026 – Applications accepted for the first PTA cohort  

• June 9–10, 2026 – Applicant interviews conducted if candidacy is granted. 

• August 17, 2026 – Student Orientation Day (for accepted 16 applicants). 
• August 19, 2026 – Technical program begins if candidacy is granted.

The program director will annually ensure that a complaint guideline, including who to contact regarding a complaint and a non-retaliation statement, is accessible on the program webpage, in the program Clinical Education Handbook, Operational Manual, and on the program Employer of Graduate Survey. This complaint information includes the contact information for the program director, department chair, and for CAPTE. When a complaint is filed with the program director, the program director will inform the department chair and will respond to the complaint within one week. Records of program complaints will be maintained by the program director.

 

Internal and external complaints will be addressed according to the following procedure:

 

Step 1: Instructor Level

• The complainant should first attempt to resolve the concern informally by discussing it directly with the instructor or individual(s) involved.

 

Step 2: Program Director Level

• If unresolved, the complainant may submit the concern in writing to the PTA Program Director at [email protected].
• The PTA Program Director will review the concern, communicate with the complainant, and provide a written response within one week.
• The PTA Program Director will also notify the Department Chair of Allied Health that a complaint has been received.

 

Step 3: Department Chair / College Level

• If still unresolved or the complaint is about the program director, the complaint may be elevated to the Department Chair of Allied Health at: [email protected]
• The written complaint should include: a description of the concern, steps already taken, and any relevant documentation.
• The department chair will review the concern and provide a written response in a timely manner.

 

Step 4: Institutional Level

• If a complaint is not resolved at the program level, individuals may use the university's official grievance and reporting processes. These options provide neutral, confidential, or formal pathways for resolution depending on the nature of the concern:
  • UVU Ombuds Office – A confidential, impartial resource to help individuals explore options and facilitate resolution.
  • Report and Support Website – Central hub for reporting concerns related to discrimination, harassment, safety, or other campus issues.
  • Office of Student Rights & Accountability – For complaints related to student rights, responsibilities, or conduct.
    Phone: (801) 863-5841 | Email: [email protected]
  • UVU Compliance Reporting – For concerns about institutional non-compliance with policies or standards.
  • NWCCU (Institutional Accreditation) – Complaints regarding institutional non-compliance with eligibility requirements, quality of education, accreditation standards, or Commission policies may be filed directly with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (UVU's accrediting body) using their official report form.

 

Step 5: Accreditation-Related Complaints

• Concerns specifically related to the program's compliance with CAPTE accreditation standards, policies, or procedures may be submitted directly to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE only considers complaints that allege a program is not in compliance with CAPTE standards or requirements.
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
  3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
  Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
  Phone: (703) 706-3245
  Email: [email protected]
  Website: www.capteonline.org
• Complaints must meet CAPTE's criteria for submission and may be filed online using CAPTE's official complaint process. Anonymous complaints are not accepted, and all complaints must include appropriate documentation.

 

Complaint Records and Retention

• All formal complaints received at the program level will be documented by the program director, including the nature of the complaint, actions taken, and resolution.
• Records will be stored securely in the program files in accordance with UVU retention guidelines.
• Complaint trends will be reviewed annually by program faculty to ensure consistent and equitable application of procedures.