OPTA Program
Orthopedic Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Program
Our Mission:
To provide advanced education to physical therapist assistants to enhance the quality and access to orthopedic 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 orthopedics.
OPTA Program
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 and materials
Requirements:
- Current PA or NJ PTA license
- 2 years of clinical experience
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.
How to Apply
- All applicants must have a valid license to practice Physical Therapy in Pennsylvania and/or New Jersey with at least 2 years clinical experience.
- APTA membership preferred, but not required.
- All applicants should have three (3) letters of recommendation. If you are a recent graduate, include a letter of recommendation from one of your clinical instructors.
- All applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to the philosophy of the specialty of Orthopaedics and the principles of the St. Luke’s University Health Network Orthopedic Physical Therapist Assistant Certification program through their essay responses.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis: Preference submitted by January 1st for the upcoming March Cohort.
Click here to apply!
Please contact us with additional questions:
Tara Escueta, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant Specialty Certification in Orthopedics
Director, Orthopedic Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Program
Tara.Escueta@sluhn.org
Faculty
Tara Escueta, PTA
Director, Orthopedic Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Program
Stephen Kareha, PT, DPT, ATC, Ph.D.
Director, Professional Development
Graduates
Graduates of the OPTA Program: