Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.
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.
Program Intro
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).
Why Study Physical Therapy 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.
What You'll Learn
- 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.
Program Details
PTH 100: Intro to Physical Therapy
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.
PTH 140: Basic Clinical Skills
This course covers safe mobility, therapeutic exercise, and basic patient handling and assessment skills. Patient data collection and assessment is discussed.
PTH 270: Neurology II
This course presents the effects of disease and trauma of the neurological system encountered by the physical therapist assistant with adults.
Jan Edmisten, D.Sc.
Professor of Kinesiology
Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Office Phone: 951-343-4539
E-mail: jedmisten@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus, F87
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.
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%.
The following is the estimated cost of the program for 2022-2023
- Tuition costs per unit: $1,383; $17,979 for 13-18 units
- Units required for the PTA program: 56
- Application fee: $45
- General fees per semester: $750
- PTA program fees: $250 in PTH100 and $250 in PTH150
- Total cost for PTA program: $75,124
For admission to the A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant program, two applications are required as follows:
- Submit application to the university, application to the program and all required admissions documents.
- Submit the supplemental application to the PTA program to Dr. Jan Edmisten at jedmisten@calbaptist.edu.
Application deadline is March 1 each year to be considered for an April interview.
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.
Career Possibilities
Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $62,770 in May 2022.
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Aide
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.