Physical Therapist Assistant Program

About the Program

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Bakersfield College is a two-year degree that prepares students to work with licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and improve movement.

Students learn through classroom lessons and hands-on clinical training in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics. The program covers topics such as anatomy, therapeutic exercise, patient care techniques, and the use of rehabilitation equipment.

After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam to become licensed Physical Therapist Assistants and begin working in this rewarding and high-demand healthcare field.

What is Physical Therapist Assistant?

A Physical Therapist Assistant is a healthcare professional who helps patients regain strength and movement after illness or injury. PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and assist patients of all ages.

They help patients perform exercises to improve mobility, teach them how to use assistive devices such as walkers or crutches, and apply treatments such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation. PTAs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, fitness centers, and nursing facilities to support recovery and improve quality of life.

To learn more about this profession, visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website and explore the “Becoming a PTA” section.

To learn more about this profession, visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website and explore the “Becoming a PTA” section.

Is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Right for Me?

If you enjoy helping others, staying active, and working as part of a healthcare team, this program may be a great fit. PTAs need to be caring, detail-oriented, and able to follow specific instructions while supporting patients through their recovery.

You may be a good match for this program if you:

• Are compassionate and patient
• Communicate clearly and work well with others
• Have good physical stamina and coordination
• Pay close attention to detail
• Enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking
• Are adaptable and eager to keep learning

Degrees

Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Science

This degree prepares you to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, nursing facilities, fitness centers, and other healthcare settings. Students gain the skills to help patients improve strength, mobility, and independence under the guidance of licensed physical therapists.

Select the degree title for the catalog description and requirements.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Careers

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree can open doors to many careers in healthcare and rehabilitation, such as:

• Physical Therapist Assistant (licensed)
• Rehabilitation Technician
• Exercise Physiologist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant (with additional training)
• Home Health Aide
• Sports Medicine Assistant
• Orthopedic Technician
• Wellness Coordinator
• Rehabilitation Aide
• Research Assistant

Graduates help patients improve their quality of life and play a key role in the growing field of physical rehabilitation.

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Career & Learning Pathway: Health Sciences Pathway

Courses: Physical Therapist Assistant (PHTA) 

Program Contact Information

Suzanne Oesch, PT, DPT, Faculty Department Chair

Jason Ament, PTA, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education ACCE

Norma Barron, Department Assistant III PTA Program

Language Arts 118

(661) 395-3540

bcpta@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Science Program Accreditation

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Bakersfield College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085 (703) 706-3245; Email: accreditation@apta.org; CAPTE  Website. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (661) 395-3540 or email bcpta@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

PTA Program Complaint Process:

Anyone wanting to file a complaint, issue or concern regarding Bakersfield College’s PTA Program should complete the Bakersfield College PTA Program Complaint/Issues/Concern Form. The form will be reviewed by the PTA Program Director and an email response will be issued within 5 working business days.

All complaints against the Program Director should be sent directly via email to the Dean of Kinesiology, Health and Athletics/Athletic Director, Stephen Waller at stephen.waller@bakersfieldcollege.edu. The Interim Dean of Kinesiology, Health and Athletics will then contact you directly regarding your complaint of the PTA Program Director.

Bakersfield College’s PTA Program follows Bakersfield College’s policy which prohibits retaliation against anyone including but not limited to employees, students or community members submitting a complaint, issue or concern about the PTA Program or PTA Program Director. The complaint process will be used in a fair and equitable manner, and not for purposes of retaliation against the submitter. All complaints, issues and concerns against the PTA Program and PTA Program Director are kept confidential.

CAPTE Complaint Process

CAPTE has a mechanism to consider formal complaints about physical therapy education programs (PT or PTA) that allege a program is not in compliance with one or more of CAPTE's Evaluative Criteria (for complaints about events occurring before Dec. 31, 2015) or the Standards and Required Elements (for complaints addressing events occurring Jan. 1, 2016, and thereafter) or has violated any of CAPTE's expectations related to academic integrity.

To obtain the materials necessary for submitting a complaint, contact the APTA Accreditation Department at 703-706-3245 or accreditation@apta.org.