Sue Bravard, PT, MS
Chair, Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Assistant Professor
(515) 643-6614
Susan.Bravard@MCHS.edu

Office Location
B1 - 305

Office Hours

See posting on office window

Mailing Address

Mercy College of Health Sciences
928 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309-1239

Year Started at Mercy College: 2007

  • Department: Physical Therapist Assistant

Education

  • MS, Iowa State University
  • BSPT, Washington University in St Louis
  • BS, Iowa State University

Courses Taught Regularly

  • PTA 101 Fundamentals of Physical Therapy (with lab)
  • PTA 130 Kinesiology (with lab)
  • PTA 135 Essential Skills in Physical Therapy I (with lab)
  • PTA 137 Essential Skills in Physical Therapy II (with lab)
  • PTA 160 Physical Therapy Modalities (with lab)
  • PTA 162 Therapeutic Exercise (with lab)
  • PTA 202 Physical Therapy Interventions for Neuromuscular and Cardiopulmonary Conditions (with lab)
  • PTA 204 Professional Issues
  • PTA 230 Issues in Clinical Practice
  • PTA 235 PTA Seminar

Licensure

  • Physical therapist, State of Iowa

Certifications

  • Certified Exercise Physiologist, American College of Sports Medicine

Clinical Experience

  • 5 years full-time clinical practice in acute care, skilled care, outpatient,cardiac rehab, neurorehabilitation,and home health

Professional Projects

  • Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, Academy of Advanced Item Writers
  • APTA Iowa Board of Directors, Secretary 2016-2018, Treasurer 2018-2022, Vice President/President Elect 2023
  • Special Olympics Fun Fitness
  • Textbook reviewer, Essentials of Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant

Professional Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Academy of Physical Therapy Education
  • APTA Iowa
  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
  • Alpha Eta Honor Society

Advice to Students

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau

Personal History

Physical therapy is a dynamic profession that allows me to combine my passions of movement science and helping others. The opportunity to facilitate student learning is very rewarding.