Professional Bio
Dr. Deanne Yates, PTA, PhD, is a recognized leader in physical therapist assistant (PTA) education and professional development. Her journey in the field began at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC), where she earned her PTA degree. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Yates went on to complete a Master’s degree in Health and Human Performance: Health and Wellness Education from Pittsburg State University, followed by a PhD in Adult Learning and Leadership from Kansas State University.
As Program Coordinator and Professor for the PTA Program at KCKCC, Dr. Yates teaches courses in therapeutic exercise, clinical skills, and lifelong learning, while also overseeing program administration. Her innovative approach to curriculum design and competency assessment has positioned her as a pioneer in adapting PTA education to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.
Dr. Yates has presented nationally, including sessions at the Education Leadership Conference (ELC) on PTA admissions and webinars focused on strategies to enhance NPTE performance in the post-COVID era, sharing practical solutions for contemporary educational challenges. Her expertise extends to exam development, having served as Co-Chair of the PTA Exam Development Committee for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), where she gained valuable insights into the assessment and evaluation processes critical to physical therapy education.
An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Dr. Yates has served three terms as Kansas PTA Caucus representative and was a member of the inaugural PTA Council steering group. Currently, she is Vice Chair of the PTA Educators Special Interest Group (SIG) within the APTA Academy of Education, where she advocates for educational excellence and professional advancement for PTAs.
Dr. Yates’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and the advancement of PTA education.
As Program Coordinator and Professor for the PTA Program at KCKCC, Dr. Yates teaches courses in therapeutic exercise, clinical skills, and lifelong learning, while also overseeing program administration. Her innovative approach to curriculum design and competency assessment has positioned her as a pioneer in adapting PTA education to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.
Dr. Yates has presented nationally, including sessions at the Education Leadership Conference (ELC) on PTA admissions and webinars focused on strategies to enhance NPTE performance in the post-COVID era, sharing practical solutions for contemporary educational challenges. Her expertise extends to exam development, having served as Co-Chair of the PTA Exam Development Committee for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), where she gained valuable insights into the assessment and evaluation processes critical to physical therapy education.
An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Dr. Yates has served three terms as Kansas PTA Caucus representative and was a member of the inaugural PTA Council steering group. Currently, she is Vice Chair of the PTA Educators Special Interest Group (SIG) within the APTA Academy of Education, where she advocates for educational excellence and professional advancement for PTAs.
Dr. Yates’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and the advancement of PTA education.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Special Interest Groups
AFSIG, PTAESIG