Excellence in motion

Physical Therapist Assistant program celebrates 30 years of graduates and updated space

Her seventh year as director of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program has been a lucky one for Jessica Niemann.

The program has a dedicated faculty team, strong enrollment and a well-earned national reputation. And now, as PTA celebrates the 30th year of graduating students, they do so in a larger, fully renovated home on the Clarkson College campus. As part of the reimagining of the south building, the PTA program space on level two was gutted and rebuilt. As construction continued, classes were moved to the Interprofessional Learning Center on level three of the main building. The temporary inconvenience has been replaced with new finishes, expanded lab and office spaces, and high-tech upgrades.

“A boom camera in the front of the lab enhances the learning experience,” Niemann explained. “Students will have a close-up view of hands-on skills while the instructor is demonstrating skills.”

A live camera feed displays on monitors throughout the lab, ensuring all students have a clear view of the technique being performed, enhancing clinical skills development.

Niemann has also seen changes in the physical therapy profession, shifting toward greater utilization of the PTA. Physical therapy organizations increasingly rely on PTAs to meet the growing rehabilitation needs in all settings. Medicare recently changed a requirement from direct supervision to general supervision of PTAs in private practice clinics, which allows community members greater access to physical therapy services. As PTs more readily focus on specializations and rely on PTAs to treat patients, there are more PTAs in leadership roles.

Level Up Your PTA Career

Working PTA professionals who want to advance their careers without putting their life on hold can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant with Clarkson College. While working as a licensed PTA, students in this program can work toward their career preference with specialized concentrations in Pre-Physical Therapy and Leadership.

PTAs can take advantage of flexible coursework and available scholarships. Read more about these exciting career pathways.