Physical Therapist Assistant

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE

Physical therapist assistants are skilled healthcare providers who, under the supervision of a physical therapist, provide treatment to improve mobility, relieve pain and maximize functional capacity. CBU’s physical therapist assistant program is designed to graduate service-minded physical therapist assistants who have the essential knowledge, technical skills and professional conduct to become contributing members of the physical therapy profession and the community with a sense of purpose and compassion for others. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning Outcomes
Accreditation
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Why enroll in the physical therapist assistant program at CBU?

Learn from skilled faculty
CBU provides new, state-of-the-art facilities and an opportunity to excel in learning based on low student:faculty ratios. The faculty have varied expertise and specialties which provides the student with the most relevant and up-to-date learning opportunities pertaining to the field of physical therapy.

Gain real-world experience
The CBU PTA program is a two year, five semester program that includes theory, application and clinical experiences in preparation for taking the National Physical Therapy Exam (physical therapist assistant version). Clinical experiences are offered in a variety of settings including outpatient orthopedic, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

Intro to Physical Therapy

PTH 100

This course introduces the student to the field of physical therapy by covering the history and ethics of the profession as they relate to the healthcare system.

Basic Clinical Skills

PTH 140

This course covers safe mobility, therapeutic exercise, and basic patient handling and assessment skills. Patient data collection and assessment is discussed.

Neurology II

PTH 270

This course presents the effects of disease and trauma of the neurological system encountered by the physical therapist assistant with adults.

Student Learning Outcomes

PTA students will demonstrate the ability to practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in a manner consistent with legal standards, ethical guidelines, and standards of the profession.
PTA students will perform the duties of a physical therapist assistant in a safe manner that minimizes risk to patients, self, and others.
PTA students will implement and adapt a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physical therapist promoting optimal outcomes for patients across the lifespan.
PTA students will contribute to the community and advocate for the patient with a service-minded approach to care.
PTA students will communicate in a culturally competent manner with other members of the health care team, patients, and their families, and the community.
PTA students will demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning.

Graduation Rates

The average graduation rate for 2022 and 2023 is 93%.

National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates

National Physical Therapy Board (NPTE) pass rates are reported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
The average first attempt pass rate for 2021 and 2022 is 83%.
The ultimate licensure pass rate for 2021 and 2022 is 88%.
The data for 2023 graduates is not yet stabilized.

Employment Rates

The program's employment rates are calculated by the number of eligible graduates who sought employment as a PTA and were employed as a PTA within one year of graduation.
The average employment rate for 2022 and 2023 is 100%.

Accreditation

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100. Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; phone:703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

The A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant program at California Baptist University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100. Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Dr. Jan Edmisten, PTA program director, at 951-343-4539 or jedmisten@calbaptist.edu.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

View the application requirements.

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Career Opportunities

Physical Therapist Assistant

*Some career opportunities may require further education

56

Units

$30.12

Average Hourly Salary of PTAs in Riverside County

31%

Expected Rate of Growth in the Field

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Jan Edmisten

Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program

I have worked in physical therapy since 1995, primarily working in the hospital setting and teaching. The profession is extremely rewarding by assisting patients with their mobility and improving their quality of life. I earned my doctorate degree in 1997. I have been at CBU since 2006 and started the PTA program in 2016. I am blessed to have the opportunity to educate and mentor our future PTAs in a Christ-centered and caring environment.

See Profile >

Jan Edmisten

Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program

I have worked in physical therapy since 1995, primarily working in the hospital setting and teaching. The profession is extremely rewarding by assisting patients with their mobility and improving their quality of life. I earned my doctorate degree in 1997. I have been at CBU since 2006 and started the PTA program in 2016. I am blessed to have the opportunity to educate and mentor our future PTAs in a Christ-centered and caring environment.

See Profile >

Contact the College of Health Science

8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504

If you are interested in the program, complete the request information form on this page. If you have further questions, contact the program director, Dr. Jan Edmisten, at jedmisten@calbaptist.edu or 951-343-4539.

Dr. David Pearson, Dean
(951) 343-4619
calbaptist.edu/college-of-health-science