PTA Resources

PTAs: Welcome to the APTA Geriatrics PTA Page. This page will be the prime source for PTA specific information, education, development, recognition and leadership opportunities from the Academy. As you know, the APTA Geriatrics is your BEST resource for information specific to treating the growing baby boomer generation and all aging adults. Thank you for your membership.

The National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2018 included the authorization to make Physical Therapy Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants eligible providers within the Tricare program. This was the first step to making it possible for assistants to treat patients. APTA was instrumental in achieving this change, and the effort was supported by other organizations, such as AOTA, ASHA, NARA, NASL and others.

The PTA profession celebrated 50 years in 2019!

View A History of the PTA in Picture presentation

PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways (APP)

APTA is proud to introduce Advanced Proficiency Pathways (PTA APPs) for the physical therapist assistant (PTA)!

The Physical Therapist Assistant Advanced Proficiency Pathways (PTA APPs) are educational guides to help the licensed PTA gain advanced proficiency knowledge and skill in a selected area of work. Using the PTA APPs, participants complete online core courses common to all of the APPs; content specific courses for the selected area of work; and mentoring experiences with a qualified clinical mentor of the participant's choosing.

Free Informational Webinar on APP

Derek Stepp, director of postprofessional credentialing discusses and presents the new PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways (APP) program that replaces the PTA recognition program. APP is the premier program for increasing PTAs' knowledge and skill in a chosen area of physical therapy. Content areas are Acute Care, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Geriatrics, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Wound Management.

Review recording via Adobe Connect

Essential Competencies in the Care of Older Adults at the Completion of the Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant Program of Study

An APTA Geriatrics taskforce has developed the document "Essential Competencies in the Care of Older Adults at the Completion of the Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Program of Study" in response to concerns over the preparedness of health care workers to successfully meet the needs of older Americans. This document considers knowledge and skills that should be evident in the entry level PTA providing care to the older adult. While staying true to the core competencies developed by the Partnership for Health in Aging, the PTA taskforce has identified subcompetencies that specifically address the scope of practice of the PTA and maintain the relationship between the PT and the PTA.

Details on the development of the document are outlined in the introductory section. It is hoped that the "Essential Competencies for the PTA" will be used by PTA academic and clinical educators to guide curriculum development and form as a basis for student assessment in geriatric competencies in the clinic and the classroom.

Taskforce Members:
- Fran Wedge, PT, DScPT, GCS (Taskforce Chair) Morton College, IL;
- Holly Clynch, PT, DPT, GCS, St. Catherine University, MN;
- Christine Cook, PT, MS, Our Lady of the Lake College, LA;
- Susan Cotterman, PT, MBA, Marion Technical College, OH;
- Maureen Raffensperger, PT, DPT, OCS, CEEAA, Missouri Western State University, MO

Questions related to these PTA Essential Competencies can be directed to Dr. Fran Wedge.

DOWNLOAD PTA ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

Outstanding PTA Award

The APTA Geriatrics Outstanding PTA award seeks to recognize a physical therapist assistant for outstanding practice in a geriatric health care setting(s). The physical therapist assistant plays a vital role in the geriatric setting. Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, the outstanding physical therapist assistant has a positive impact on the attitude of others through exemplary care of the geriatric patient. The intent of this award is to recognize a physical therapist assistant who displays these skills and is a role model for others in geriatric practice.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:

Be a current PTA member of APTA Geriatrics
Be an advocate for older adults and a role model for excellence in physical therapy treatment of older adults
Have been involved in geriatric clinical practice settings for a minimum of five years
Demonstrate exemplary care and innovative teamwork in meeting the physical therapy needs of older adults

Nomination
Required nomination materials (that must be submitted as ONE pdf):

One letter of nomination, addressed to the Awards Committee, describing how the nominee meets the criteria
Up to four letters of support for the nominee, describing how the nominee has demonstrated the criteria
A copy of the nominee's current resume or CV

Deadline to submit nominations: December 6, 2024

Complete the Nomination Form

Past Awardees

Go to APTA Resources