Physical therapist assistant faculty voices support for PTAs at annual meeting

SHARON, Pa. - Jennifer Jewell, teaching professor in Penn State Shenango's physical therapist assistant program, was an invited speaker at the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) 2025 Annual Meeting in Spokane, Washington, in October.

The presentation, titled "Physical Therapist Assistants: Navigating Education, Regulations, Reimbursement and Professional Issues," explored critical issues surrounding the role and scope of physical therapist assistants (PTAs) within the evolving landscape of health care. During the lecture, Jewell emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of PTA practice while addressing workforce shortages, legal ambiguities and changing reimbursement policies.

"With the growing demand for physical therapy services in Pennsylvania and across the country, PTAs are playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring patients receive safe, timely and effective care," Jewell said. "This session discussion highlighted how education, regulation and reimbursement policies intersect to shape both the PTA workforce and public protection."

The FSBPT Annual Meeting brings together state board leaders, educators and regulatory professionals from across the country to discuss issues and innovations in physical therapy regulation. Additionally, the event provides a platform for collaboration, education and policy development to ensure public protection and support professional excellence.

Earlier in 2025, Jewell collaborated with doctor of physical therapy (DPT) faculty from various institutions across the country to present a joint educational theory report at the annual American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting held in Houston, Texas. The report presented the case for competency-based education, which includes requiring PTA licensure and practice prior to progressing to a DPT degree, in an effort to improve career paths for PTAs.

"It was an honor to join colleagues at the FSBPT Annual Meeting to discuss the evolving role of physical therapist assistants," Jewell said. "As health care needs continue to expand, it's critical that we support PTAs in ways that maintain high standards of practice while improving access to quality care."