548. Elevating PTA Education: Dr. Deanne Yates on Leadership, Competency, and the Future of the Profession

Dr. Deanne Yates has spent her career pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). As one of the few PTAs with a PhD, she has been deeply involved in education, competency testing, and regulatory changes that shape the future of the profession. In this conversation, we explore her journey from PTA to PhD in Adult Learning & Leadership, her extensive work with the FSBPT, and her efforts to enhance PTA education through curriculum design, competency assessments, and alternative learning models. Dr. Yates also shares insights into the importance of service, mentorship, and professional involvement, as well as how PTAs can navigate career advancement without necessarily becoming PTs. Whether you're a student, educator, or clinician, this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas on the evolution of PTA education and the future of the profession.Check out the new course on Self Funding Your Own Conference Attendance:https://healthcareeducationtransformationpodcast.com/conferenceIf you are taking the NPTE or are teaching those about to take the NPTE, visit NPTE Final Frontier at www.NPTEFF.com and use code "HET" for 10% off all purchases at the website… and BREAKING NEWS! They now have an OCS (and soon-to-be GCS) review option as well… You're welcome! You can also reach out to them on Instagram @npteffIf you're a PT and you have student loan debt, you gotta talk to Varela Financial. What makes them unique is that they view financial planning like running hurdles on a track. And for PTs, the first hurdle many of us run into is student loan debt. Varela Financial will help you get over that hurdle. They not only take the time to explain which plans you qualify for and how those plans work, but they ALSO take the time to show you what your individual case looks like mapped out within each option. If you're looking for help on your student loans or any area of personal finance, we highly recommend working with them. You can check them out at varelafinancial.com.Feel free to reach out to us:🌐 Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast 📘 Facebook 🐦 Twitter 📸 Instagram: @hetpodcast | @pteducatorFor more information on how we can optimize and standardize healthcare education and delivery, subscribe to the Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.