The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has bestowed a 10-year reaccreditation to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Physical Therapy Assistant Program at their main campus. The ten (10) year reaccreditation remains recognized through December 31, 2029.
“We were pleasantly surprised by the 10-year reaccreditation given to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts,” said Larisa Revzina, Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. “I am proud of our team’s efforts in this long process.”
Further, 100 percent of the latest Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts students from the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program passed their NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants) exam on the first attempt.
“Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts students participate in an accredited curriculum with the guidance of highly qualified instructors in the classroom and diverse clinical settings,” Academic Consultant Therese Tomkie, PT, DPT, noted. “The faculty and students’ dedication is reflected in the current 100 percent NPTE pass rate.”
CAPTE Accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process involving internal and external reviews, reports, onsite visits by qualified reviewers, and demonstrated compliance with established Standards and Required Elements and Guidelines.1 CAPTE is the only PTA education accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.2
“I would like to recognize CAPTE’s visiting team for their professionalism and attention to detail,” acknowledged Campus Director Fred Faridian.
CAPTE accreditation is a critical designation for students attending a school’s physical therapist assistant program. PTA program graduates who wish to take the National Physical Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants to become licensed PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program.3 Accreditation is also required for physical therapist assistants to provide Medicare patients/clients with physical therapy services.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) forecasts a national growth rate of 26% for physical therapist assistants from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the national average.4 Physical therapist assistants are needed to meet an aging U.S. population and increase the demand for physical therapy services. The median annual wage of a physical therapist assistant in California is $64,2105.4
The effort to get reaccredited by CAPTE was a team effort. Many parties worked hard, including the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts CEO, CAO, campus director, PTA program faculty, admissions staff, financial aid, student and career services, clinical instructors, employers of PTA graduates, and advisory board members.
“I am very proud of the excellent outcomes that our PTA team has achieved. We have strong leadership in this department with dedicated faculty focused on what matters most: the success of our students,” proclaimed Fred Faridian.
To learn more about CAPTE accreditation, please visit CAPTE Online.~
Citations
1 FAQ: CAPTE and Accreditation—Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
2 About Physical Therapist Assistant Careers—American Physical Therapy Association.
3 FAQs: CAPTE and Accreditation—Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
4 Occupational Outlook Handbook—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
