Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program

Complaints Outside of Due Process - Policy and Procedures

Program policies, procedures and practices have been created to handle the complaints that fall outside of due process, including a prohibition of retaliation following complaint submission. The policies are written, disseminated, and applied consistently and equitably. Records of complaints about the program, including the nature of the complaint and the disposition of the complaint, are maintained by the program in the Program Director’s office for 3 years.

RGV College and the PTA program welcomes comments and suggestions from various stakeholders such as from graduates, employers of graduates or community members as the college strives to be “the premier educational institute throughout the RGV” as stated in the college vision statement. It is important to the program and college that all complaints are heard and considered in a timely manner. Assessment and improvement of the college and its programs is ongoing. No retaliation will occur by the program or college due to a complaint being filed.

RGV College understands that there may sometimes be a concern or grievance from a prospective student or interested party such as a Clinical Instructor or employer of a graduate. There is annual survey sent out to employers of graduates, recent graduates, and the professional advisory committee. Included in the survey is a statement providing the process an employer may follow to file a formal complaint. Parties wishing to file a formal complaint about the program may contact the PTA Program Director. Additionally, a statement included in the survey states that no retaliation will occur due to the filing of a complaint.

Furthermore, if at any time, employers of graduates, graduates, or clinical instructors may have a complaint with the program, the performance of a graduate, or the program curriculum, they are directed to do the following:

Step 1.
Initiate a formal complaint in writing addressed to the PTA Program Director. No retaliation will occur by the program or college due to a complaint being filed.

Step 2.
The PTA Program Director will conduct an investigation, providing the complainant with a full and fair opportunity to present information relevant to the grievance.

Step 3.
The PTA Program Director will respond to written grievance within five (5) business days following receipt of the complaint.

If the matter is not resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction, the following steps may be followed:
1. A written appeal may be filed with the College President, Dr. Annabelle Palomo.
2. The College President will respond to the written grievance within five (5) business days following receipt of the complaint.
3. The decision of the College President is final and not subject to further appeal.

If at any time, employers of graduates, graduates, or clinical instructors may have a complaint with the Program Director, they are directed to do the following:
1. If the complaint is against the Program Director, initiate a formal complaint in writing addressed to the College President.
2. The College President will conduct an investigation, providing the complainant with a full and fair opportunity to present information relevant to the grievance
3. The College Director will respond to written grievance within five (5) business days following receipt of the complaint.

Complaints regarding accreditation issues for the PTA Program should be addressed to:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Contact Number: (703)-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org

Complaints regarding graduates or the PTA curriculum should be addressed to:
Dr. Minerva Gatling, PT, DPT
PTA Program Director
Rio Grande Valley College
5419 N Cage BLVD., Pharr, TX 78577
Contact Number: (956)-781-6800 x515
Email: mgatling@rgvcollege.edu

Complaints regarding issues with the Program Director should be addressed to:
Dr. Annabelle Palomo, Ed.D, College President
Rio Grande Valley College President
5419 N Cage BLVD., Pharr, TX 78577
Contact Number: (956)-781-6800 x515
Email: apalomo@rgvcollege.edu