How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in California
Pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in California offers the opportunity to work directly with patients in a clinical setting while supporting licensed Physical Therapists. PTAs help individuals improve mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or surgeries. This guide outlines the educational and licensing steps required to become a PTA in California and provides key information about what to expect during training and preparation for licensure, including how to choose from accredited PTA programs in California that meet state requirements.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a healthcare specialist who collaborates with licensed physical therapists (PTs) to aid individuals of all age groups in their recovery from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. PTAs focus on implementing therapeutic exercises and treatments to enhance mobility and alleviate pain.¹
To work as a PTA in California, licensure through the Physical Therapy Board of California is required. This ensures all PTAs meet standardized levels of training and competency.
Path to Licensure: Steps to Becoming a PTA in California
To practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in California, you must complete a series of educational and licensing steps. These include:
- Enroll in a CAPTE-accredited PTA program
- Complete required clinical education hours
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs
- Pass the California Law Examination (CLE)
- Apply for licensure through the Physical Therapy Board of California
Each of these steps is required in order to meet state licensure standards and practice as a PTA in California.
Step 1: Enroll in a CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program
Your first step is choosing a Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Programs that meet CAPTE accreditation standards follow nationally recognized guidelines for academic and clinical education, and graduation from such a program is required to sit for the NPTE.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Stanbridge University is offered at both the Irvine and Alhambra campuses and holds CAPTE accreditation. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and clinical education to help students build foundational skills for the field and prepare for licensure.
Step 2: Complete Required Coursework and Clinical Training
A PTA program typically includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and hands-on clinical education. Coursework may cover topics such as anatomy, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, patient care techniques, and ethics. Clinical education is required and allows students to gain supervised experience in healthcare settings.
Stanbridge University’s program follows a blended learning model that integrates on-campus labs, online content, and clinical practicum.² Students engage in skill-building through faculty-led instruction and complete assigned clinical rotations as part of the academic schedule. The program is structured to support the development of clinical reasoning, hands-on techniques, and professional preparation required for licensure.
Step 3: Take the NPTE for PTAs
After graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program, the next step is to apply for and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants. The NPTE is a standardized exam that assesses the clinical and practical knowledge required for entry-level practice.
Stanbridge University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program integrates hands-on anatomy lab instruction and curriculum support to help students prepare for the NPTE. In 2023-2024, Stanbridge University reported a 98.6% first-time NPTE pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at the Orange County campus. For the Los Angeles campus in 2023-2024, the program achieved a 92.1% first-time NPTE pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate. The data covers a two-year average of graduate outcomes as reported to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.³
Step 4: Pass the California Law and Professional Ethics Examination (CAL-JAM)
In addition to the NPTE, applicants for PTA licensure in California must pass the California Law and Professional Ethics Examination, also referred to as CAL‑JAM.⁴ This online exam is administered by the Physical Therapy Board of California and evaluates a candidate’s understanding of laws, regulations, and ethical responsibilities specific to physical therapy practice in the state.
Passing CAL‑JAM is a required step before applying for licensure and ensures that all licensed PTAs are aware of the legal and professional standards expected in California.
Step 5: Apply for Licensure
Once both exams have been successfully completed, candidates may submit an application to the Physical Therapy Board of California. This includes providing documentation of education, exam scores, and background checks. Licensure must be granted by the Board before a graduate can begin working as a PTA in California.
How to Choose the Right PTA Program in California
Selecting the right educational program is a critical part of becoming a PTA. While searching for physical therapist assistant programs, consider the following:
- CAPTE accreditation
- Structure and length of the program
- Quality of lab and clinical training
- Exam pass rates for the NPTE
- Location and learning format
- Student support services
By evaluating programs based on these factors, you can find a school that fits your learning style and career goals.
Stanbridge University: A California PTA Program to Explore
Stanbridge University offers a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program with campuses in Irvine and Alhambra. The program combines classroom instruction, immersive lab training, and clinical education to prepare students for entry-level practice.
Students at Stanbridge benefit from access to advanced simulation labs, a blended learning format, and faculty with industry experience. Stanbridge University reports strong licensure exam pass rates and a consistent focus on academic and professional development.
For students researching PTA programs in California, Stanbridge University is an option worth exploring. To learn more about the program structure, licensure preparation, and upcoming start dates, visit the Stanbridge University PTA program page. For personalized guidance, connect with an Admissions Representative through the contact form.
¹Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. As viewed on December 5, 2023.
²Program schedule subject to change.
³NPTE for PTA Ultimate and First Time Pass Rate for graduates, 2023/2024, Orange County and Los Angeles campuses; The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; Basic Pass Rate Report. As viewed on April 25, 2025.
⁴Source: Physical Therapy Board of California, New Graduate – Examination Application Process; https://www.ptbc.ca.gov/applicants/new_grad/exam.shtml. As viewed on July 8, 2025.