Our Mission: To provide advanced education to physical therapist assistants to enhance the quality and access to orthopaedic patient care.
Background: Orthopedic specializations in the field of physical therapy are continually growing. This requires a need for our physical therapist assistants to become skilled clinicians to effectively treat patients through the continuum of care.
Who are we looking for?
Motivated physical therapist assistants looking to specialize and become certified in orthopaedics.
Requirements: Current PA or NJ PTA license and 2 years clinical experience
Program Outline:
- 8 months beginning in March
- Multi-faceted self-guided program with easily accessible online program to complete course materials and interventions
- Weekly planned interactive learning opportunities including discussions and case presentation
- Monthly interactive virtual meetings
- Bi-monthly 1:1 mentoring
- 1-day onsite lab intensive
- Robust examination to ensure mastery of learned skills materials and skills
Facilities:
St. Luke's University Health Network is a regional medical health network. Within the health system, there are several outpatient Orthopedic rehab specialty sites in which OPTA students will practice at their primary clinic. As part of the interactive learning activities, OPTA students will have the opportunity to mentor with a Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist Assistant through the continuum of care within the health network. Other interactive activities include virtual wrap up meetings throughout the didactic curriculum with the OPTA Director. Each student will complete a one day in-person lab intensive class with the OPTA director at the conclusion of the certification program.