Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Find your calling as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Are you passionate about helping others? In the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, you will be able to learn how to effectively assist people as they regain confidence and mobility after physical limitation. Whether it’s helping stroke victims walk again or getting injured athletes back out on the field, you will have the opportunity to transform limitations, restore ability, and change lives.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program (Orange County and Los Angeles campuses) at Stanbridge University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 949-794-9090 or email pta.admin@stanbridge.edu.

Public Comment Procedure

Take the first step for your future

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered in Orange County and Los Angeles.

Stanbridge University accepts applications for admission to our diploma and degree programs on an open enrollment basis. To apply, please visit the Stanbridge University Portal to access the application form. Your Admissions Representative will provide you with details for each step.

• Complete an online application form. Click here to start.
• Meet with your Admissions Representative for a personal tour of the campus.
• Take the entrance exam appropriate for your educational level and program.
• Provide proof of high school graduation, a GED or a higher degree.
• Take the Online Readiness Quiz.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of documented paid or volunteer experience or observation in a physical therapy facility or related setting with a licensed PT or PTA.
• Complete entrance questionnaire, essay, and interview.
• Meet with a Financial Aid Representative to review your tuition funding options.
• Complete enrollment paperwork.
• Attend an orientation prior to the start of your program. In the orientation, you receive important information to help you begin your classes and manage your time at Stanbridge University.

To learn for about transfer credit information, please visit catalog.stanbridge.edu.

Schedule options that fit your life

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program's full-time schedule is offered in Orange County and Los Angeles.

PROGRAM DURATION²

The approximate time to complete the program will vary according to the start and end dates of a cohort and ranges from 20-21 months, including federal holidays and any breaks between terms. Schedules will be provided upon orientation. This program is 121.5 Quarter Credit Hours.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE³

Full-time

Four to five days per week
Theory courses meet 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lab courses meet 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Clinical Practicum and Clinical Affiliations, 40 hours per week
Term 4 - Clinical Practicum
Four weeks, 40 hours per week
Term 5 - Clinical Affiliations
Two six-week sessions, 40 hours per week

One or more courses in this program are delivered online. Please take the Online Readiness Quiz to determine whether you can meet the hardware, software, and competency requirements for taking online courses.

Finding the Right Fit for You

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered in Orange County and Los Angeles.

A diploma or degree can open doors to exciting career opportunities, and greatly increase your earning potential. We understand that funding your studies can be overwhelming, which is why Stanbridge University has a dedicated Financial Aid team to help you find the best financial aid package for your needs.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Stanbridge University has the following federal financial aid programs available to those who qualify.

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Direct Loan
• Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Read more about these options in the Stanbridge University Catalog.

Cal Grants

Stanbridge University also participates in Cal Grants. Cal Grants are awarded to those who qualify by the California Student Aid Commission. Read more about these options in the Stanbridge University Catalog.

Private Education Loans

Stanbridge offers private loans through various lending institutions including Sallie Mae, College Avenue Student Loans and the Ascent Loan Program to those who qualify. FASTChoice makes learning more about private loans easy to understand, so you can determine what works best for you. Learn more at www.fastproducts.org.

How to Start Your Financial Aid Process

Get the most out of your meeting with our Financial Aid team by first creating your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) and completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you or your parents would like one-on-one support, please contact our FA Help Desk at 833-924-1628.

The FAFSA application will ask you to submit our school code:

Orange County Campus School Code: 038893
Los Angeles Branch Campus School Code: E40465

Learn more and get step by step instructions on the FSA and FASFA at stanbridge.edu/video.

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is a non-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the Physical Therapy profession. The National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTE) provides a standard evaluation of PTA candidates. It also protects the public interest in having only those persons who have the requisite knowledge of physical therapy be licensed to practice physical therapy. As one of the final milestones before becoming a licensed PTA professional, the NPTE questions focus on your ability to make decisions in various patient care scenarios under critical conditions. The NPTE test requires that you understand the basic principles of physical therapy including data collection, diseases/conditions that impact effective treatment, interventions, equipment and devices, therapeutic modalities and apply this to different elements of patient safety management.

With a 96.7% PTA pass rate in 2019 at the Orange County campus², we're committed to our students' preparation for the NPTE. Each student receives a cumulative review and exit exams in terms 1, 2, 3, and 4. In term 5, students receive a comprehensive end-of-program review and NPTE Preparation course. Stanbridge University continuously provides top-of-the-line examination preparation materials and courses to assist students in successfully completing their exam. These services are provided at no additional charge to our students.

Program Statistics - Orange County Campus

Graduation Year	Graduation Rate	Employment Rate5	NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate
2018	100%	100%	100%
2019	82.1%	100%	96.7%

The PTA program at the Alhambra, Los Angeles Branch Campus does not have current graduates or pass rates.

At every step of the journey

Stanbridge University is committed to helping you achieve educational excellence through innovative, rigorous, and accessible programs with a student-centric, holistic support framework. From day one of orientation until well after graduation, our goal is to support each student, who will then go on to transform thousands of lives.

From the Very Start

Student support is woven into the very fabric of academic life from day one of your comprehensive, three-day orientation. At orientation, you will meet your support teams and fellow classmates who will join you as you journey towards your fullest potential.

Laying the Foundation for Success

Within your first year at Stanbridge®, you will have exclusive access to signature seminars designed to assist with goal setting, time management, academic discipline and integrity, positive communication, managing stress, and much more.

Support When You Need It Most

No matter how you learn, we offer tutoring solutions at no additional cost to help you succeed. Tutoring options include one-on-one and group tutoring with current students, alumni, and caring, dedicated faculty for your program. Additionally, you can access virtual tutoring from anywhere, conveniently integrating learning into every day life.

A Team You Can Count On

Student Services Officers

Your individual, dedicated Student Services Officer (SSO) is assigned to you from the first day of orientation. Your SSO is ready to provide highly individualized support with academic and personal development, offering assistance and guiding you through your program.

Student Success Coordinators and Retention Specialists

You’ll be able to work alongside student success coordinators and retention specialists who are committed to helping you succeed through individual mentorship and coaching. These specialists dedicate time and energy to meeting your needs as you progress toward achieving your educational and career goals.

Academic Assistance

In the Learning Resource Center, you can hone your writing, research, and critical thinking skills with the expert assistance of our on-campus librarian and writing specialist. Meet and collaborate with fellow students, tutors, and academic success specialists in your go-to location for all things academia.

Stanbridge Student Assistance Program

We are committed to not only your success as a student, but also your personal well-being. Through the Stanbridge Student Assistance Program, you will have access to free counseling services in order to help with a wide variety of difficult situations, including stress, depression and anxiety, family conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, identity theft, daycare issues, and more.

Help at the Click of a Button

We strive to create an environment where you can pursue your passion to the fullest. To this end, we provide convenient online workshops to enhance and enrich your student experience. You can delve into both academic and personal development workshops on a schedule that works for you.

Always Growing

Monthly Academic Success and Excellence (ASE) workshops offer you assistance with important real-life topics such as handling holiday stress, relationship health, academic burnout, increasing self-confidence, and clinical skillsets such as motivational interviewing. Further your understanding of yourself as you grow into a well-rounded future leader.

Become the Best You Can Be

OutREACH

We believe that every student has the power to change the world. You will have the opportunity to enrich your academic and personal development through rewarding community service projects. Learn, develop, and train for your future while you transform the local and global community for the greater good.

Student Organizations

Campus life at Stanbridge creates a lifelong community. By joining a student organization, you can practice, develop, and hone effective leadership skills and gain exclusive access to professional networking and leadership events that provide valuable career preparation.

Student Leadership Development

Become a new kind of leader, ready and able to meet the needs of a fast-paced, demanding industry. At the biannual two-day Stanbridge Student Leadership Summit, you will explore the values, skills and professional behaviors required as you learn alongside accomplished leaders.

Your future starts now

From your first day of orientation until long after your educational journey, our dedicated Career Services team is here to help. You will be paired with an individual Career Services Officer (CSO) who will offer one-on-one guidance with resume preparation, portfolio development, and practice interviews. The highest quality employers are looking for someone just like you – you can find your dream career through the help of your CSO.

Career Advising

From the beginning of your program you’re paired with a Career Service Officer to help guide you with career advising and preparation. In each term of your program, you’ll work with your Career Service Officer on specific goals including resume and portfolio building, networking, and interviewing. Our goal is to help you prepare for a seamless transition to a rewarding career.

Digital Portfolio Builder

As an exclusive resource to our students and graduates, the Stanbridge University Digital Portfolio Builder helps you organize and present your academic experience from Stanbridge University and professional achievements into a modern and sleek online portfolio. As you progress, your academic achievements including GPA, completed courses, community service activities, and continuing education certifications are automatically updated in your portfolio. Along with guidance from your Career Service Officer, you can easily add and edit your achievements. The Digital Portfolio Builder also automatically creates a resume for you from the data collected during the portfolio creation process. You can email your digital portfolio in a single link to your future, potential employers for a unique and strong first impression.

Mock Interview Sessions

Our Career Services department guides students and graduates through personality mapping, salary negotiations, role-playing, and other specialized interview techniques to enable them to take control of the job interview. We make sure you’re confident to put your best foot forward.

LinkedIn Profile and Networking

LinkedIn is an essential tool for any active job-seeker. Career Services works with students and graduates to build LinkedIn networks to connect them to colleagues and potential employers.

Job Leads

Graduates receive access to continually updated job listings and career opportunities, including recruiting organizations and Southern California companies with whom we have built relationships.

Alumni Services

From a highly networked, vibrant Alumni Association to proven career services and exclusive alumni workshops, we are committed to your success as a graduate. You can network professionally, attend development workshops, and take part in fun community-building events. From the moment you cross the stage to every moment after, we’re there to help prep and propel you toward that next big thing.