To become a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in California (CA), you must graduate from an accredited PTA program, pass both the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and a state-level exam, and obtain a license to work there.
California has 23 accredited PTA schools for 2024. Get started today by reaching out to your preferred schools to receive information on course curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition etc.
Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in California
| College | Metro Area | Request Information |
|---|---|---|
| American Career College | Anaheim | Learn More |
| California Baptist University | Riverside | Learn More |
| Institute of Technology | Clovis | Learn More |
| Institute of Technology | Redding | Learn More |
| Pima Medical Institute | San Marcos | Learn More |
| Mendocino College | Ukiah | Learn More |
| Carrington College | Pleasant Hill | Learn More |
| Casa Loma College | Van Nuys | Learn More |
| Cerritos College | Norwalk | Learn More |
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia | Learn More |
| CBD College | Los Angeles | Learn More |
| Concorde Career College | Garden Grove | Learn More |
| Concorde Career College | North Hollywood | Learn More |
| Concorde Career College | San Diego | Learn More |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Mateo | Learn More |
| Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | Learn More |
| Ohlone College | Newark | Learn More |
| Sacramento City College | Sacramento | Learn More |
| Shasta College | Redding | Learn More |
| San Diego Mesa College | San Diego | Learn More |
| Stanbridge University | Irvine | Learn More |
Accreditation is granted to entry-level physical therapy and physical therapy assistant schools by the Commission on Accreditation on Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in recognition of the quality of education the program delivers.
There are currently 23 fully accredited PTA schools throughout California offering an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science Degree.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in California and neighboring areas.
California PTA Certification and License Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in California, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.
Certification
California is one of 27 States in which it is a requirement to undertake both a State jursiprudence exam as well as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
The purpose of the state exam is to ensure that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.
The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering into the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited program, it is required by California law that you obtain a license to work as a PTA in the State.
The Physical Therapy Board of California regulates the licensing of PTA’s in California. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350, Sacramento, CA 95815
Email: pt@dca.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 561-8200
Website: http://www.ptbc.ca.gov/