PTA Student Handbook

Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Penn State Hazleton

cropped-2_05color_bldg-2_rgb-e13773089329431.jpgWelcome Letter

Dear PTA Student,

Welcome to Penn State Hazleton’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Graduating Class of 2026.  The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has accredited the program since 1983 and is scheduled for reaccreditation in 2026.  The faculty and staff of the PTA Program have a student–centered approach and are committed to the quality of education we provide to our students. Our facility is maintained to contemporary standards. By choosing Penn State Hazleton’s PTA Program, you will become part of a network of outstanding professionals that have graduated from the program.

As the new Program Coordinator and a faculty member for 18 years, I am excited to meet and welcome each new class. You are about to embark on a career as a vital member of the healthcare team, offering many rewards. Your professional practice will challenge you to improve the quality of your patients’ lives, which comes with great responsibility. Becoming a life-long learner will be essential to furthering your expertise. We will develop a partnership with you and support you in achieving your academic goals. This curriculum is challenging and requires commitment from both you and the faculty.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will become a professional. To achieve this, you must meet all the program’s performance standards. While the faculty can guide you through this process, active participation is essential on your part. We expect and evaluate both professional behavior and academic achievement. During New Student Orientation, you were given a link to the PTA Handbook. Please read the handbook thoroughly, as it will assist in guiding you through the program.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Penn State Hazleton’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Through leadership, example, and partnership, I look forward to assisting you in the earliest stages of your career.

Best Wishes,

Gina Tarud, DPT
Teaching Professor
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Coordinator Penn State University, Hazleton Campus

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