Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant program builds upon entry-level training towards a career path as a licensed or certified physical therapist assistant. As a PTA, your goal is to help patients return to their prior level of mobility and function. During the program you learn how to implement selected components of patient treatment, record data related to the treatment, and modify selected treatments to progress the patient as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Students who successfully complete the program receive an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

IOT offers an integrated learning experience in the classroom, lab and clinic to develop application of knowledge, communication, ethical and legal judgment, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Skills and knowledge areas of focus include functional anatomy, pathophysiology, physical therapy practice, patient management, neuromuscular rehabilitation, therapeutic interventions and exercise, and pediatric, geriatric and other special populations.

The program includes two full-time clinical practicums of 320 hours each.

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or its equivalent: a high school diploma, official high school transcripts showing completion, a GED certificate or proof of the California high school equivalency exam; foreign transcripts must be officially evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. 12th grade education.

Entrance examinations: the Wonderlic SLE (minimum score 20) and a math exam (minimum score 20). No one is guaranteed admission by meeting the minimum requirements; possible evaluation measures include an interview by the PTA Admissions Committee, volunteer hours and a writing sample. Before clinical experiences, students must provide proof of a negative TB test and immunity to Hepatitis B, influenza, MMR, Tdap and varicella, plus any additional clinical site requirements.

The program is 1,573 hours / 65.5 semester credit hours. Classes are held Monday through Thursday for 75 weeks, and some classes contain distance education coursework completed at a location determined by the student. During clinical practicums, students follow the full-time hours set by the clinic site.

The Redding campus lists a July 13, 2026 start ending January 27, 2028.

Graduates will be prepared to seek entry-level employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant, Home Health PTA, Skilled Nursing Facility PTA, Outpatient PTA and Acute Care PTA, working in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, rehabilitation centers and home health agencies.

The program aims for adequate academic preparedness to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs.

Graduates will be able to provide physical therapy interventions across a broad range of clinical settings under the guidance of a physical therapist, use technology and electronic communication, and demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills and professional behavior.

A gait belt, goniometer and a student uniform are required and are available for purchase. Daily attendance is required; students are afforded up to three absences per class, per term, and must make up any missed clinical hours. Students may be required to undergo a background check before clinical rotations and may be subject to random drug testing at a clinic site.