Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
The Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program is a two-year program in which graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, eligibility to become licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant, and the opportunity to become part of an exciting and rewarding profession. The field of physical therapy offers PTAs the opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life while working in dynamic clinical settings including but not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, school systems, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the need for PTAs and PT aides in the workforce is anticipated to increase more than 30 percent between 2016 and 2026. Because the PTA program curriculum is delivered within the context of a Christian worldview, our graduates make a difference in their communities by serving as Christian role models and compassionate health care providers to the physical therapy profession and community at large.
The LCU PTA Program enjoys exceptional student outcomes. Click here to view
The program is led by Dr. Shaina Goudeau and Ms. Penny Reeves who have nearly 30 years of combined clinical experience as licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant in a variety of clinical settings.  Ms. Eve Dessell also serves as program faculty/laboratory assistant. She has been a licensed PTA for more than three years and holds a bachelor's degree in athletic training.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Louisiana Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (318)-487-7162 or email shaina.goudeau@lcuniversity.edu.
Mission Statement Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant Program:
The mission of the Louisiana Christian University Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to provide an environment and opportunity in which the three strands of the PTA curriculum are woven into a tapestry representing the PTA career.
The strands of the tapestry are:
- Christian Service - The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree program supports the mission of Louisiana Christian University to prepare graduates for Christian service. The program seeks a diverse population of students who will utilize their talents and gifts in their growth as physical therapist assistants who reflect Christ in their work. Program faculty, through various learning experiences provided throughout the curriculum, strive to cultivate within each student a spirit of altruism and reverence for those entrusted to their care and to serve as a Christian role model/compassionate healthcare provider to the physical therapy profession and community at large.
- Competencies - Design and delivery of the program’s curriculum encourages a high standard of scholarship and clinical performance reflective of the institution’s mission and heritage of academic excellence. Through facilities of the institution and clinic with emphasis on technology and communication, opportunities are provided for engagement in learning activities in which students acquire knowledge of physical therapy, develop clinical competencies, and gain an understanding of one’s role as a PTA working under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
- Life-long education - Life-long appreciation for and furthering of education within the Physical Therapist Assistant career will inspire a commitment to achievement of advanced knowledge, skills and abilities for excellence in provision of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and will assist in creating, anticipating and responding to an evolving health care system and new responsibilities.
