A division of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, the SPTB certifies PTAs to practice in the state. The board evaluates the qualification of applicants for certification, issues and renews certificates, imposes continuing education mandates, and maintains a list of approved PTA schools.
This panel is also charged with reviewing complaints about practitioners. Authorities work with the Colorado attorney general’s staff and the state Office of Investigations to look into alleged violations. Punitive measures range from letters of concern and admonition to fines and probation.
The makeup of the board is four physical therapists, two PTAs, and two members from the public at large. Appointments by the governor expire after four years.
Minimum Education Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Colorado
Upon either finishing high school or securing a general education diploma, a student needs to enroll in a PTA school that the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education recognizes.
CAPTE rates schools on factors such as curricula, faculty credentials, and class sizes. Programs must have an 80 percent graduation rate, 85 percent licensing exam pass rate, and 90 percent employment rate. Curricula are to feature didactic (classes) and clinical (practical experiences) components.
Continuing education is required every two years. PTAs must demonstrate their “knowledge and skills through documentation of professional development activities.” Once each decade, practitioners have to take the Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.