Education
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Master of Science in Education (MSEd), Learning Design & Technology, Purdue University
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Bachelor of Science (BS), Health Sciences; Certificate in Rehabilitation & Disability Studies, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
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Associate of Science (AS), Physical Therapist Assistant, Vincennes University
Certifications/Fellowships:
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APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Level 2
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APTA Certificate of Advanced Proficiency in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation (2012–2016)
Biography
Donna Peterson, PTA, MSEd, BSHS, serves as Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Marian University. She leads development and oversight of clinical education, develops clinical partnerships, and prepares students for successful clinical practice through evidence-based teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship. Her primary academic interests include clinical education, professional development, interprofessional education, and preparing students for entry into contemporary physical therapist assistant practice.
She brings more than 30 years of experience as a licensed PTA specializing in neurological rehabilitation and spinal cord injury, with clinical roles at NeuroHope and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana where she led program development and student mentorship. She has extensive CAPTE accreditation experience as a trained on-site PTA program reviewer and has contributed to curriculum and clinical-education model development.
Research and Scholarship
Research Interests:
Clinical education and mentorship, with an emphasis on the Master Adaptive Learner framework, clinical reasoning, interprofessional education, and easing students’ transition from classroom to clinical practice. Additional interests include neurological rehabilitation and spinal cord injury outcomes.
Selected Presentations and Publications:
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Peterson, D. (2012). Woman on a Mission: The Many Benefits of Volunteering Abroad. PT in Motion.
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Peterson, D., & Willey, L. Fast Track to Healthcare: Explore OTA and PTA Careers. Health Occupations Students of America, Indiana Spring Conference, Indianapolis, IN, April 16, 2026.
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Peterson, D., & Robertson, E. Collaboration in Rehabilitation. Health Occupations Students of America, Indiana Fall Conference, Indianapolis, IN, October 24, 2025.
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Bates, F., & Peterson, D. PTA Transitions: Moving from Student to Clinician to Clinical Leader. APTA Indiana/APTA Kentucky Combined Fall Conference, Indianapolis, IN, September 26, 2020.
Awards and Honors:
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Schneider Physical Therapist Assistant Award, Indiana APTA (2017)
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Health Care Hero Award (Neurohope Therapist), Indiana Business Journal (2017)
Professional Service and Affiliations
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CAPTE PTA Program Site Reviewer (2016–2022; 2025–present)
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APTA Indiana Chair, Continuing Education Review (2020–2022)
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APTA Indiana Continuing Education Review Committee Member (2018–2022)
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APTA Indiana Central District: Nominating Committee (2018–2020) and Secretary (2016–2018)
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Item Writer, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (2014)
Community & Public Engagement
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Judge, Indiana Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Spring Leadership Conference (2024, 2025, 2026)
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Speaker, PT Day at the Statehouse, Indiana State Capitol (January 26, 2022)
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Co-Chair, White Lick Elementary Step-A-Thon fundraiser (Brownsburg Community Schools)
Personal Info
Outside of work, Ms. Peterson enjoys bringing people together through cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. She believes in giving back to her community by volunteering and supporting the local school system whenever she can. A lifelong sports fan, in addition to cheering for the Knights, she proudly cheers for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Her family's devotion to the Badgers runs so deep that they named their dog, Bucky, a tribute to their favorite team.
