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.

Program Goals

1. Graduates will provide high-quality, patient-centered care as entry-level physical therapist assistants under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. (PLO 1) 
2. Graduates will demonstrate appropriate professional conduct and behaviors reflecting the highest standards of the physical therapy profession. (PLO 2) 
3. Graduates will collaborate as members of the physical therapy profession and healthcare team through effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. (PLO 3) 
4. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning necessary to deliver safe and effective interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist. 
5. Students will demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and collaboration within the academic and clinical learning environments. 
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

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

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

The program director will annually ensure that a complaint guideline, including who to contact regarding a complaint and a non-retaliation statement, will be accessible on the program webpage, in the program Clinical Education Handbook, Operational Manual, and on the program Employer of Graduate Survey. This complaint information will include 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.

 

Complaints will be addressed according to the following procedure:

• The complainant should first attempt to resolve the concern informally by discussing it directly with the instructor or individual 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 Program Director will review the concern, communicate with the complainant, and provide a written response within one week.
• The Program Director will also notify the Allied Health Department Chair 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 the complaint remains unresolved, the complainant may use UVU’s official grievance processes:
  • Report & Support Website: https://www.uvu.edu/reportandsupport/
  • Office of Student Rights & Accountability: https://www.uvu.edu/studentconduct/
•  Phone: (801) 863-5841
• Email: [email protected]

 

Step 5: Accreditation-Related Complaints

• Concerns related specifically to accreditation may be submitted directly to:
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.capteonline.org

 

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.

This Guideline and Procedure can be found in Operational Handbook Pg. 15-17, Clinical Education Handbook Pg 32-33, Employer Satisfaction Survey, and Advisory Board Survey.

All complaints and outcomes are documented and retained in accordance with university policy. Retaliation for filing a complaint is strictly prohibited.