Physical Therapy Assistant Courtney Miller Earns Rare National Wound Care Credential

Only four physical therapy assistants (PTA) nationwide have earned a specialized certification in wound management – and physical therapy assistant Courtney Miller who works at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center (IRC) at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, part of Jefferson Health, is now one of them. She recently completed the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Advanced Proficiency Pathway for Physical Therapy Assistants in Wound Management.

This remarkable milestone comes after a successful 17-year career as a physical therapy assistant. For the last 10 years Miller has provided clinical care at the IRC for LVH–Cedar Crest.

“I have always prided myself in treating each patient as I would a member of my own family,” Miller says. “The pathway strengthens my knowledge and skills and results in more-informed clinical decisions, better communication and the best outcomes for patients.”

Miller knew from a young age that she wanted to work as a physical therapist assistant after seeing relatives who underwent PT due to diabetes. 

Many people with diabetes develop peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic neuropathy. PAD can lead to reduced circulation to the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy happens when nerves in the legs and feet are damaged because of diabetes. 

“Every 20 seconds, somewhere around the world someone loses their leg because of wounds as a result of diabetes,” Miller says. “I had a relative with this condition so my interest in wound healing started at a young age. My years as a therapist just added to that interest.”

The PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways is an assessment-based certificate that allows physical therapy assistants to gain proficiency in specialty areas. Students complete prerequisite courses on professionalism and ethics from the APTA before they can even apply. 

“Once your application is accepted, you’ll need to show completion of 60 hours of continuing education on related content, 2,000 hours of topic specific work experience and a mentor-completed evaluation that includes over 20 pages of items,” Miller says. “The mentor signs off on each area of knowledge, skills and behaviors in wound management.”

Her passion for patient care and commitment to growth have driven her to invest in training and studying to provide exceptional care to patients with complex wound needs. Miller’s unwavering dedication elevates the quality and compassionate care that defines LVHN’s inpatient rehabilitation team.

“I was only able to complete this thanks to the support of my colleagues, mentor and supervising physical therapist,” she says. “It’s a challenging process, but worth it for all the knowledge gained.”

Miller says being there for people during life’s challenges and supporting their recovery after hospitalization – so they can regain mobility, independence and return home safely with an improved quality of life – is the most rewarding part of her work as a physical therapy assistant.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her mastiff mix, Greta, and her horse, Mickey. She also has a passion for travel. 

For anyone who has lost a limb, the Amputee Support Group meets on the second Monday of every month at 5 p.m. Family members are also welcome.