Which Schools in California Can Help Me Become a Physical Therapy Assistant?

Preview four California schools with undergraduate degrees in physical therapy assistant training. See what each school has to offer and pick the one that's right for you.

Essential Information

Many community colleges offer 2-year physical therapy assistant programs that award graduates with an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science. Aspiring physical therapy assistants (PTAs) must complete one of these programs in order to gain licensure in the state of California. Some of these PTA programs have competitive selection processes, and applicants are often required to do well in anatomy and physiology courses before they are admitted.

California Schools with Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Cerritos College

The PTA program at Cerritos College has a competitive selection process, with prerequisites playing a large role in selection. The curriculum includes lectures, laboratory studies and clinical instruction. Your clinical rotations, beginning the second semester, take place in local hospitals and other medical settings. Topics of study include body mechanics, proper handling of patients, measurement of joint motion, heat and cold applications, prosthetics and therapeutic exercise.

• Program Name: Associate in Arts in Physical Therapist Assistant
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $1,346 per year for in-state; $7,926 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Completion of English, math, anatomy & physiology with a grade of C or better; related work experience
• Admission Requirements: Acceptable college placement test scores; proof of good health (lab, x-ray and current immunizations); CPR certification; criminal background check; drug screening
• School Type: 2-year, public; 21,745 students (all undergraduate)

Sacramento City College

The curriculum for the PTA program at Sacramento City College includes PTA courses, allied health courses and general education courses. Additionally, you'll complete two 6-week sessions of clinical rotations. Upon completion of all courses and clinicals, you'll be ready to take the test to obtain licensure.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $1,104 per year for in-state; $8,712 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Completion of anatomy & physiology, intro to physical therapist assistant and English composition with grades of C or better
• Admission Requirements: Completed physical examination; current immunizations, TB test, CPR and first aid certification; criminal background check & drug screening prior to clinicals; must provide documented proof of ability to perform PTA duties
• School Type: 2-year, public; 21,379 students (all undergraduate)

Ohlone Community College

Ohlone Community College's PTA program provides you with the skills to become a physical therapist assistant and prepares you to take the licensing examination. This program only admits 24 students each year, so completing prerequisites and requirements is vital to the process. The curriculum combines PTA theoretical and clinical courses with supporting and general education courses. Completion of clinical rotations is important for the success of the program. You'll learn about kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, orthopedics and neurological disorders.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $1,164 per year for in-state; $6,828 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Anatomy & physiology, intro to physical therapy and English
• Admission Requirements: Transcripts of all colleges attended; must take ACCUPLACER test (reading portion); after admission to the PTA program, students must show proof of CPR certification, criminal background check, drug screening and current immunizations
• School Type: 2-year, public; 8,835 students (all undergraduate)

San Diego Mesa College

The PTA program at San Diego Mesa College has a special admissions process; students should be aware of all requirements and prerequisites. The program requires you to maintain a grade of C or better in all courses. In addition to general education and physical therapy courses, you'll complete clinical rotations at local health-care facilities. You'll become familiar with neurology and rehabilitation, physical therapy techniques and orthopedic exercises. Completing coursework and clinical experiences will prepare you to take the PTA licensing examination.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $1,144 per year for in-state; $7,024 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Human anatomy & physiology, English and math
• Admission Requirements: Criminal background checks, finger printing and drug screenings may be required prior to clinicals
• School Type: 2-year, public; 22,284 students (all undergraduate)

All the schools previewed in California offer associate's degree in physical therapy, including San Diego Mesa College, Sacramento City College, Ohlone Community College, and Cerritos College.