PTA General Information

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Graduates with an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program may apply to the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) for permission to take the two examinations required for licensure, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants and the California Law Examination (CLE).

After passing these examinations and receiving a license from the PTBC, the student will be eligible to obtain employment as a licensed physical therapist assistant.

Mission

The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is to provide high quality education that encompasses the theory, knowledge, and clinical skills needed to produce caring, competent, and qualified entry-level physical therapist assistants.

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO 1. Cultivate knowledge of the comprehensive role of a physical therapy assistant with diagnoses and interventions across a patient’s lifespan to promote a patient’s highest functional outcome.

PLO 2. Advance effective written, verbal, and nonverbal communication to improve health care communication and physical therapy interventions across all practice settings.

PLO 3. Promote interdisciplinary partnerships and community participation through service-learning initiatives, engage in advocacy and professional organizations while demonstrating excellent professional and ethical behavior.

PLO 4. Take part in the application of relevant technology to provide patients with safe, effective, and efficient care.

PLO 5. Broaden and integrate approaches to provide cultural sensitivity, inclusion of diversity and ethical healthcare in a variety of care settings and communities.

PLO 6. Score 650 or more on the National Physical Therapy Exam to pass the licensure exam on the first attempt.

PLO 7. Apply clinical reasoning based on evidence-based interventions and realistic clinical scenarios for the development of a patient centered treatment plan.

Program Goals

1. The program will prepare graduates to serve as entry-level generalist physical therapist assistants who function effectively under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
2. The program will offer a current, evidence-based, comprehensive curriculum that will prepare students to practice as licensed physical therapist assistants in a variety of care settings and communities.
3. The program will engage students in clinical education experiences that provide a variety of settings and locations where learners apply didactic knowledge and further develop clinical skills.
4. The program will prepare graduates to meet state licensure requirements and attain gainful employment.

Student Goals

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the standards of practice necessary to provide quality physical therapy services.
2. As advocates for the profession, students will demonstrate social responsibility in the community.
3. Students will provide physical therapy care in an ethical, compassionate, and effective manner.

Faculty Goals

1. Faculty will maintain academic and clinical currency in the physical therapy field.
2. Faculty will provide supportive, active and stimulating learning environments.
3. Faculty will foster a learning environment of integrity, equity, and mutual respect.

Schedule

PTA students will be on campus one to five days a week depending on the term.  Theory classes meet 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. PST with a lunch break.  Lab courses are held 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. PST with a 30-minute lunch. The Clinical Practicum and two Clinical Affiliations are forty (40) hours per week each for 4 and 6 weeks each, respectively.

• Practicum: 4 weeks
• Affiliation I: 6 weeks
• Affiliation II: 6 weeks