Home » Programs and Courses » A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program

A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Associate Degree

Program Highlights
  • 11 Months Program*
  • Job Placement Assistance
  • Veteran and Military Benefits

*80 Weeks, including prerequisites taken before enrolling in the 44 Approved Instructional Weeks of Technical Courses at Gurnick Academy

Tuition & Fees
Select Program Available Area First
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable)  $112.50
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) $100.00
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) $400.00
Tuition Fee $44,649.00

 

TOTAL PROGRAM COST*

*Program Fees are subject to change

$45,261.50

2023-2024 PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

New A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Full Program Planned for July 2024

We have exciting news! If you do not have some or all of your General Education courses completed, a new A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant program is planned to start in July 2024 at our Fresno and San Jose Campuses.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is seeking CAPTE approval for the A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant program to include general education courses required for an associate degree as well as expansion to the Fresno Campus; however, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does not assure that CAPTE will grant accreditation.

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 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. It is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available).

Welcome Message from the Program Director

Catherine Ammenti
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director

I appreciate your interest in Gurnick Academy’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Our accelerated curriculum offers students a unique learning opportunity in the Bay Area. Graduates complete their didactic and clinical coursework in 11 months, with many students earning their licenses within a year!

Prospective students must complete several prerequisites and clinical observations before starting the program. Individuals with previous college experience in exercise science and kinesiology are very successful, though we have graduated many other students with various educational backgrounds.

Our instructors are wonderful Physical Therapy professionals (PT/DPT and PTA), and each brings their rich clinical experience, knowledge, and expertise to the classroom. When they are not in the classroom, our instructors work professionally, meaning they will come to class with real-life examples to illustrate better how and when to use the techniques taught.

I’ve been incredibly honored to work with such incredible instructors. I am a giant proponent of establishing personalized relationships with my students and working with them to achieve their professional goals during and after the program!

About the A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Program Mission

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program aims to support the Academy’s mission and is based on the program’s philosophy. The Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts program will prepare and graduate students to meet our diverse community’s growing needs.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts will strive to provide students with the necessary skills to enter the workforce as competent, thinking, respectful, and compassionate individuals. They will provide legal and ethical care within the standards of practice for Physical Therapist Assistants under the supervision of Physical Therapists.

Is This Program Right For Me?
Take the Free Career Training Readiness Quiz to Find Out!

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Description

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Physical Therapist Assistant graduates join an in-demand career in the growing healthcare field. Physical Therapist Assistants provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist within the scope of practice for PTAs. They provide patients with instructions for therapeutic exercise and utilize therapeutic modalities that incorporate massage, stretching, selected manual therapy interventions, and the use of electrotherapies.

The program includes classwork, laboratory training, and clinical experiences correlating with theoretical education. The technical courses incorporate the minimum skills of Physical Therapist Assistant graduates at the entry level and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant developed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience one of the essential parts of healthcare education. Accordingly, students are rotated throughout our affiliated clinical facilities while completing the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

PTAs must complete a 2-year associate’s degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states. [Source: American Physical Therapy Association.

Graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program allows the graduate to be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs and the California Law Exam (CLE). After successfully passing these exams, the student will be licensed to practice in California. Please see the Accreditation, Approval, Recognition, Membership section for Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ PTA program accreditation.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is an Associate of Science Degree program. 

 

Program Information, Length, and Schedule

Program length
11
Months (80 Approved instruction Weeks)
Clock Hours
1,353
Quarter Credit
101
Sessions Schedule
5
days, varying Monday through Friday for up to eight (8) hours.

The program information, length, and schedule may change. Make sure to read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates. Please get in touch with an admission advisor for details.

 

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is an Associate of Science degree program. It follows the 1+1 model in which the General Education Courses are completed before enrolling into the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts technical education curriculum.

 

General education coursework, including Anatomy and Physiology, is transferred to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts from the student’s previous college coursework. This allows the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts program to be offered only 44 weeks of technical coursework.

 

Classes begin twice a year in January and July and are scheduled full-time Monday through Friday during the day. Clinical education assumes the Clinical Site hours during the day.

 

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the campus has a 1,776 sq. ft. classroom/laboratory equipped with industry-standard equipment at typical Physical Therapy facilities. This includes cardio, modalities, balance, weights, and treatment tables.

 

The classroom lecture instructor-to-student ratio is 1:20, and in the laboratory sessions, the ratio is 1:15. Clinical education is a crucial part of the PTA Program. Students can have three full-time clinical rotations at various types of local and out-of-state physical therapy facilities.

Program Goals and Objectives

The program will offer a technical curriculum that is sequential, integrated, and reflective of the contemporary Physical Therapist Assistant practice.

The program will prepare graduates to provide physical therapy interventions in various settings within the PTA scope of practice and under a physical therapist’s supervision.

The program will prepare graduates to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors consistent with California State Law and Practice Acts and professional practice standards.

The program will employ faculty who demonstrate current knowledge in the areas they teach and are committed to the current professional standards of excellence.

The program will prepare graduates to utilize self-assessment and awareness in communication, skills, knowledge, and behaviors with patients/clients, caregivers, colleagues, and other healthcare team members.

PTA Program Philosophy

  • Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are valued members of today’s healthcare team.
  • Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants must understand their respective roles and respect them to meet the patient/client’s needs best.
  • Students will benefit from a curriculum that supports learning styles, is varied in educational experiences, and is structured to provide interaction between faculty and students.
  • Students will benefit from a curriculum that recognizes, fosters understanding, and embraces diversity.
  • Students will benefit from a curriculum that will react to Physical Therapy knowledge and technology changes.
  • To be successful as a Physical Therapist Assistant and meet the profession’s needs, the student must understand learning as a lifelong activity.
  • Clinical experience in various settings is vital for the student to acquire entry-level skills as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
  • Physical Therapist Assistant students are adult learners. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts expects them to take responsibility for learning, professional behavior, respect for others, and preparedness.
  • Faculty members are positive role models in the profession of Physical Therapy.
  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does not discriminate against students based on race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status.

PTA Program Clinical Training

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience one of the most critical parts of medical education.

Students must be rotated throughout our affiliated medical facilities while attending our physical therapy assistant school.

PTA Graduation Outcome Statistics

Graduation Rate

As reported in the CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report each December. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) defines the graduation rate as completion within 150 percent of the program length. It does not include those students who left the program for reasons apart from an academic deficit.

YearGraduation Rate
202095.6%
202193%
202293%
2023100%

 

Pass Rate for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

Pass rates for the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Physical Therapist Assistant Program are available on The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.

YearTotal % of Candidates in graduating class who took the NPTE and ultimately passed
2020100%
202178.6%
202292.3%
202390.5%

 

First-Time Pass Rate for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

 

YearTotal % of Candidates in Graduating Class who took the NPTE and passed on the first attempt
202081%
202164.3%
202269.2%
202390.5%

 

Employment Rate

The employment rate for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program graduates is based on the percentage of those who graduated in a particular year, sought physical therapy employment (full-time or part-time), and were employed within one (1) year following graduation.

YearEmployment Rate
202091%
2021100%
202285%
202395%

*The reported outcome numbers are based on CAPTE standards.

Requirements

  • Admission Requirements
  • Performance Requirements
  • Graduation Requirements
  • Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program has a selective application process. There is a deadline for completed applications to be submitted. Please inquire with Admissions about the current deadline date.

    Please review The Essential Functions for Physical Therapist Assistant Students in the Program Performance Requirements section.

    1. All applicants must attend a one-on-one meeting with the Admissions Team advisor to receive specific information about admission requirements, program and clinical rotation scheduling, and financial aid resources. A packet of registration documents will be given to applicants to complete and return. All applicants MUST complete two Admissions Assessment tests. Details will be provided at the informational sessions or by Admissions.
    2. All applicants must complete the following prerequisites with grades of ’C’ or above and a GPA of 2.5 or above. All credit granting is subject to approval by the Program Director. Official transcripts are required.
      1. Anatomy and Physiology with lab (complete one-year sequence within the last five (5) years)
      2. College-level Math
      3. College-level English (reading and writing composition)
      4. Introduction to Psychology or Lifespan Psychology
      5. One course in the Social or Behavioral Sciences
      6. Oral Communication, Speech, or Interpersonal Communication
    3. All applicants must submit the Verification of Observation Hours form documenting 80 hours (40 inpatient and 40 outpatient hours) of observation, work experience, or volunteer experience at a physical therapy facility by the application deadline.
    4. Applicants must submit all required documents by the application deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. Please plan for time to submit official transcripts and complete observation hours.
    5. The PTA Admissions Committee will review all applications and approve the 40 top-scoring applicants for an on-campus interview and essay writing. Please see the scoring rubric.
      The interview criteria are based upon ’Generic Abilities’ identified through a study published by UW-Madison. Interviews will be scheduled for 15 – 20 minutes. Applicants will also have additional time to complete a short Application Essay and Pre-Admission Questionnaire. Applicants will be reminded to complete their online FAFSA application for federal student aid.
    6. The 20 top-ranking applicants will be offered seats in the program with up to ten (10) alternates. Selected applicants must accept the seat within 72 hours of receiving the formal acceptance letter.

     

    Get more Info

  • Please review the following requirements: General Performance Requirements for all programs.

    To succeed in the physical therapist assistant classroom, lab, and clinical settings, and ultimately as a physical therapist assistant, students must possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concerns, and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice physical therapy. At a minimum, students must have the following essential skills:

    Critical Thinking — calculation, problem-solving, reasoning, and judgment

    • Collect, document, interpret, and analyze written, verbal, and observed data regarding patients.
    • Prioritize multiple tasks, integrate information, and make effective decisions.
    • Act safely and ethically in physical therapy settings.
    • Recognize the difference between facts and opinions.
    • Exercise good judgment in the classroom, lab, and clinical/professional settings.

    Interpersonal and Behavioral Skills — working with others, resolving conflicts, and offering support.

    • Establish productive working relationships.
    • Foster cooperative relationships with classmates, instructors, healthcare providers, patients, and their families.
    • Have the ability to work with lab partners, patients, and others under stressful conditions, including but not limited to medically or emotionally unstable individuals and situations requiring rapid adaptations or emergency interventions.
    • Hold the appropriate maturity, emotional stability, and empathy to establish effective and harmonious relationships in diverse settings.
    • Apply conflict management and group problem-solving strategies.
    • Demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom, lab, and clinical settings, including but not limited to appropriate personal hygiene, timeliness, preparation, and concentration.

    Communication Skills — verbal, nonverbal, and written

    • Process and communicate information effectively and promptly in the English language.
    • Comprehend written material in English at a level required for safe and effective patient care.
    • Effectively communicate information in English concisely and comprehensively regarding patients’ status and safety, including written or dictated patient assessments.
    • Effectively communicate with instructors, patients/families, and other healthcare providers in English.
    • Recognize, interpret, and respond to nonverbal behavior.
    • Demonstrate the ability to listen effectively.

    Motor Skills — gross motor, fine motor, coordination

    • Can sit for long periods, including up to four (4) hours.
    • Can stand for long periods, including up to six (6) hours.
    • Adjust and position patients and equipment, including bending or stooping to floor level and reaching above head height.
    • Move and position patients and equipment, including the ability to lift, carry, pull, and guide weights up to 50 pounds (22.68 kg).
    • Assist in patient care, including standing, kneeling, sitting, or walking for 60 minutes or longer without rest.
    • Demonstrate the ability to manipulate physical therapy equipment, including finger dexterity.
    • Perform CPR without assistance.

    Sensory Skills — visual, auditory, tactile

    • Observing and responding to patient responses, including facial expressions, movement patterns, verbal responses, and reactions to the environment.
    • Ability to assess safety factors involving patient care and physical environment and take measures necessary to ensure a safe environment.
    • Can respond to equipment alarms, call bells, and timers.
    • Having the ability to monitor blood pressure and breath sounds effective.
    • Have the tactile ability to palpate pulse and detect skin texture abnormalities, skin temperature, muscle tone, tissue texture, and joint movement.

    Get more Info

  • The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations have been met, including tuition and textbook charges.

    Get more Info

PTA Admission Point System

Please review the PTA Admission Point System table to help you prepare. Applicants not selected may re-apply. The following point system evaluates and ranks each applicant, showing the maximum score achievable.

Point CategoryPoints
Completed Application FormRequired
Proof of Prerequisite GPA
   Average 2.50-2.591
   Average 2.60-3.002
   Average 3.01-3.593
   Average 3.60-4.004
   Anatomy Grade of B or A2
   Physiology Grade of B or A2
College Degree
   Associate Degree1
   Bachelor's Degree2
   Higher Degree3
Attend Informational SessionRequired
More than 40 hours observation/experience at a physical therapy outpatient facility (must be documented)Required
More than 40 hours observation/experience at a physical therapy inpatient facility (must be documented)Required
Paid Experience in a Physical Therapy Facility
   0-249 Hours1
   250-499 Hours2
   500-749 Hours3
   750-999 Hours4
   1000+ Hours5
Basic Anatomy Assessment Test
   0-50
   6-101
   11-152
   16-203
   21-254
CCAT Assessment Test
   0-150
   16-201
   21-222
   23-253
   26 or Greater4
Interview Scored by Rubric12
Essay and Pre-admissions questionnaire scored by Rubric4
Total Possible Points40

Career Services

We help to create a resume and portfolio
Creating a portfolio resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. At Gurnick Academy, we help you create a professional and polished resume to set you apart from the competition.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a valuable tool to prepare you for the real thing. Gurnick Academy offers mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your interviewing skills before meeting with potential employers.
Support you after graduation
Your success doesn't end at graduation, that's why we offer support for our graduates even after they leave our institution. From career counseling to networking opportunities, we're here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Gurnick Edge
Gurnick Edge is a website geared to professionally enhancing nurses. There are multiple professional building segments with easy to use tutorials. Along with the professional development, Gurnick Edge offers professional profiles that the student creates while in their respective programs.
Professional Development Workshops
Continuous learning is key to professional growth and success, that's why we offer professional development workshops to help our students and alumni stay current in their field. From soft skills to industry-specific training, our workshops provide valuable insights and skills to advance your career.
One-on-One and Interview Coaching
Achieving your career goals can be challenging, but with our one-on-one and interview coaching services you'll have the support you need to succeed. Our expert coaches will work with you to develop your skills, confidence and prepare you for success in job interviews.

PTA Program Outline

Course SubjectCourse Title(s)Equivalent Clock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
Humanities, EnglishReading and Writing Composition50.05.0
Humanities, Oral CommunicationSpeech or Interpersonal Communication40.04.0
SciencesAnatomy and Physiology with Lab
Note: 100 lecture hours with 40 laboratory hours
140.012.0
MathematicsMinimum Algebra 150.05.0
Social ScienceIntroduction to Psychology or Lifespan Psychology40.04.0
Social Science ElectiveHistory, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, or General Psychology40.04.0
General Education Total360.034.0

 

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
PTA 100Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant22.02.0
PTA 110Fundamental PTA Procedures with Lab77.04.5
PTA 120Clinical Kinesiology with Lab77.04.5
PTA 130Pathology44.04.0
PTA 210Procedures II with Lab66.04.0
PTA 220Orthopedic Management66.04.0
PTA 222Patient Care Skills I22.01.0
PTA 225Clinical Education I184.06.0
PTA 226Clinical Education I Seminar11.01.0
PTA 230Professional Behaviors33.03.0
PTA 233Patient Care Skills II22.01.0
PTA 235Clinical Education II240.08.0
PTA 240Applied Neurology66.04.0
PTA 245Clinical Education III280.09.0
PTA 250PT Aspects of Growth, Development, and Aging44.03.0
PTA 260Selected Topics44.03.0
PTA 280Senior Seminar33.03.0
PTA 290Licensure Exam Preparation22.02.0
Technical Total
Degree Total
1,353.0
1,713.0
67.0
101.0

 

Read the A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program course descriptions.

Degree Total Program: General Education, Technical Courses: 1,713 clock Hours, 101 Quarter Credit Hours

Job Outlook and Salary

View the O*Net Online 31-2021.00 Physical Therapist Assistants job profile for general information about the profession. Find information about the salary data in California and the major cities near the campus where the program is offered.

Local Wages for Physical Therapist Assistants in California

 

*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has not determined if any programs fulfill the educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification required for employment outside California unless identified by the program below. It is recommended that students in or plan to relocate to a state besides where the physical campus offering the program is located research any certification or employment requirements for their intended state.

Apply Now

Accreditation and Approval

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852

ABHES Phone: (301) 291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

 

The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370- 7589, option #5, or by visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.

BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834

BPPE Phone: (888) 370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov

The A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 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 (650) 425-9387 or email Catherine Ammenti.

CAPTE Mailing Address:
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085

telephone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

Financial Aid

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

*for those who qualify

Contact Admissions Department

Catalog and Addendum
2023-2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs

  • The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) provides an overview of choosing a PTA program.

  • Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

  • We may assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts offers only the technical portion of the program. All prerequisites are to be taken at other schools recognized by the Department of Education and have either Regional or National accreditation. Transfer of general education courses will be reviewed for transferability.

  • Please find more info about the Program Length and Schedule.

  • Please see this page for more info about Accreditation.

  • The program is designed to be offered sequentially as one course builds upon the other. Please find more info about the Program Length and Schedule.

  • You can have the final prerequisites you require in progress when you apply. But you must complete them before beginning the program with the required grade. Please find more information in the Admission Requirements.

  • Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

  • More information can be provided by contacting the Admissions Department.

Ask your Question

Have Questions? We are here to help!

Request Info

APPLY NOW

Call Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

💡Is Healthcare Training Right for You? Take the Free Quiz!