PTAs ARE MADE HERE.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Orange County and Los Angeles County Campuses

Apply for 2025 Classes¹

TOP 10

Best Small Colleges in CA²

2023, OC Campus, Niche.com

99%

NPTE for PTA Pass Rate³

2019-2023, OC Campus

Your path to a fulfilling PTA career starts here.

Every touchpoint, such as through online mentorship, cumulative practice tests, and practicing real-world skills in a safe, CAPTE accredited PTA school environment, is designed to build your confidence toward earning a PTA degree and training to become a physical therapist assistant.

Orange County and Los Angeles campuses
Approximately 20-21 months to complete⁴
Experience hands-on training with virtual reality, synthetic cadavers, and high-fidelity patient simulators
Comprehensive student support services
Make an impact on the local community

Through an immersive physical therapy training program with comprehensive NPTE for PTA exam preparation, you will be equipped with the tools for every challenge of a modern physical therapy career.

Individual Guidance

Small class sizes in our labs and one-to-one tutoring

Critical Care

Practice with high-fidelity patient simulators

Hands-On PTA School

Learn real-world skills to make a difference

Innovation

Dive into an immersive hands-on experience

PTA Program FAQ

As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a healthcare specialist who collaborates with licensed physical therapists (PTs) to aid individuals of all age groups in their recovery from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. PTAs focus on implementing therapeutic exercises and treatments to enhance mobility and alleviate pain.⁵
PTAs are trained healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of PTs. They typically hold an associate degree in physical therapy and often provide more direct, hands-on care, including therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. PTA students can complete their associate degree in approximately 20-21 months.⁶ In contrast, PT degree programs take an estimated three years to complete and often require a bachelor's degree with additional prerequisites.⁷
Stanbridge University's PTA program is offered full-time. Classes are delivered on-ground, online, and blended (on-ground and online) learning environments. The program takes approximately 20-21 months to complete, accounting for federal holidays and term breaks.⁶
To become a licensed physical therapist assistant through Stanbridge University, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Stanbridge University, CAPTE accredited, PTA program: Enroll in and successfully complete our Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree program.

2. Prepare for licensure: Throughout the program, you'll receive threaded assessment and guidance to support and prepare you for the National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you succeed in this critical step towards becoming a licensed PTA.

3. Pass the NPTE for PTAs: Successfully passing this exam is required to becoming a licensed PTA.

The Employment Development Department of the State of California projects that in-state employment for PTAs will grow by 36.9% from 2020-2030.⁸

PTAs have diverse career options within healthcare and rehabilitation. They can find employment in nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community health organizations, home care services, hospitals, and schools. This range of options allows PTAs to adapt to different patient populations and clinical environments.
If you're wondering if the PTA program is the right fit for you, consider your educational background and interests. Individuals with bachelor's degrees in fields like kinesiology, sports medicine, or exercise science often find the PTA program to be a natural next step. These backgrounds are not required for admission, and we welcome applicants from diverse educational paths.
The Stanbridge University Physical Therapist Assistant program is available at the Irvine (Orange County) and Alhambra (Los Angeles) campuses.
Physical therapy is a dynamic healthcare profession dedicated to helping individuals recover and improve their physical function, mobility, and well-being. Whether assisting someone in regaining strength after surgery or relieving chronic pain, physical therapists and their assistants play a crucial role in patients' lives.

In PTA classes, you'll gain essential skills to assist patients in achieving their physical therapy goals, such as developing and implementing treatment plans under licensed physical therapists' guidance.

With high quality guidance, teachers, and classmates, you can take one step closer to the physical therapy career you've always wanted.

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