CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program: Why Accreditation Matters

Basic Overview

  • Stanbridge University’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is CAPTE-accredited, meaning it meets national education and clinical training standards.
  • Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and pursue California licensure.
  • The program achieved strong NPTE outcomes, including 100% ultimate pass rates at both the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses for the 2023–2024 reporting year.1
  • Students benefit from evidence-based instruction, supervised clinical experience, faculty mentorship, and career-focused preparation.
  • Employers value graduates from accredited PTA programs because accreditation supports consistent, safe, and ethical patient care training.
CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program: Why Accreditation Matters
A PTA student practices hands-on patient mobility and gait training during supervised clinical education at Stanbridge University’s CAPTE-accredited PTA program.

Understanding Accreditation in PTA Education 

Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Physical Therapist Assistant program. Enrolling in a CAPTE-accredited PTA program indicates that the program meets the national standards established by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This accreditation confirms that an independent agency has reviewed the program’s curriculum, faculty, and clinical training to evaluate alignment with nationally recognized standards. 

A CAPTE-accredited PTA program gives students quality instruction and supervised clinical training. These experiences help prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice. In California, students must complete a CAPTE-accredited program to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and to apply for state licensure. 

What Is CAPTE Accreditation?

CAPTE, or Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, is the nationally recognized accrediting body for physical therapy and physical therapist assistant education programs in the United States.

CAPTE accreditation evaluates:

  • Curriculum quality
  • Faculty credentials and experience
  • Clinical education opportunities
  • Student outcomes and licensure performance
  • Program resources and student support

For students researching how to become a physical therapist assistant in California, CAPTE accreditation is an essential requirement.

Why Accreditation and Reputation Matter 

Accreditation and reputation support each other. Accreditation confirms that a program meets national expectations. A positive reputation shows how well the program delivers on those expectations. 

Stanbridge University’s CAPTE-accredited PTA program is recognized for academic quality and consistent program outcomes. The program offers evidence-based instruction, faculty mentorship, and clinical preparation. These strengths contribute to its positive reputation in healthcare education. 

You can explore additional awards by visiting the Stanbridge University Awards page. 

CAPTE Accreditation and Licensure Eligibility 

Stanbridge University’s Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program holds CAPTE-accreditation. This accreditation confirms that the curriculum aligns with national standards and that graduates qualify to sit for the NPTE. 

CAPTE also requires regular evaluation of:

  • Program outcomes
  • Faculty experience
  • Clinical partnerships
  • Student success metrics
  • Curriculum effectiveness

This review process helps the program maintain academic quality and relevant clinical training that reflects current healthcare practices.

CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program: Why Accreditation Matters
PTA students participate in supervised therapeutic exercise and balance training as part of clinical education at Stanbridge University’s CAPTE-accredited PTA program.

Licensure Exam Pass Rates: A Benchmark of Quality 

Licensure exam pass rates offer a clear view of a PTA program’s effectiveness. High pass rates demonstrate that students receive the preparation needed to pursue licensure and entry-level clinical practice.

For the 2023-2024 reporting year: 

  • The Orange County campus achieved a 98.6% first-time NPTE pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate.1 
  • The Los Angeles campus achieved a 92.1% first-time pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate.1 

These results reflect strong instruction, a supportive learning environment, and focused licensure effective exam preparation. 

How Accreditation Benefits Students 

Students attending a CAPTE-accredited PTA program benefit from:

  • Evidence-based training
  • Hands-on clinical training
  • Supervised clinical experiences
  • Eligibility for NPTE licensure examination
  • Preparation for entry-level PTA careers
  • Exposure to professional and ethical standards

Accreditation also supports ongoing program improvement and accountability.

How Accreditation Benefits Employers

Healthcare employers value graduates from accredited PTA programs because accreditation confirms that students have completed nationally recognized training standards.

Graduates from accredited programs are prepared to:

  • Support patient rehabilitation plans
  • Deliver safe and ethical patient care
  • Work effectively in clinical environments
  • Collaborate with physical therapists and healthcare teams

Accreditation helps employers feel confident in graduate readiness and clinical preparation.

CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program: Why Accreditation Matters
PTA students engage in collaborative hands-on rehabilitation training and patient care exercises during clinical lab instruction at Stanbridge University.

Excellence Recognized Through Outcomes 

Stanbridge University’s CAPTE-accredited PTA program offers comprehensive curriculum and supervised clinical training designed to prepare students for entry-level practice. It blends rigorous coursework, hands on clinical training, and strong licensure outcomes. These elements support students in preparing for entry-level practice. 

Through its accredited curriculum and consistent results, the program continues to support aspiring physical therapist assistants throughout Southern California. 100% ultimate pass rates at both the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses for the 2023–2024 reporting year1, and continued program quality help students enter the field with confidence. 

To learn more about the program visit the PTA Program page or schedule a meeting with an Admissions Representative to explore upcoming start dates and program details. 

About Stanbridge University 

Stanbridge University offers healthcare degree programs across its Southern California campuses in Irvine, Alhambra, Riverside, and San Marcos.

The university has been recognized for academic excellence and workplace culture, including:

  • Recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as an Opportunity College3
  • Inclusion in Research.com’s 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs in America4
  • The 2024–2025 ACCSC School of Excellence Award for the Orange County campus5
  • Ranking among the top five percent of U.S. colleges for 10-year return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce6

Stanbridge is also accredited by Investors in People (London) and certified as a Great Place to Work.7

Complete award listings and sources are available at stanbridge.edu/awards. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What does CAPTE accreditation mean for PTA students? 

CAPTE-accreditation means the program meets national standards and supports preparation for licensure through quality instruction and clinical training.

2. Why is PTA program accreditation important in California? 

Accreditation is required for students to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and apply for licensure. 

3. What are the benefits of enrolling in a CAPTE-accredited PTA program? 

Students receive a curriculum that meets national standards, supervised clinical experience, and eligibility for licensure after graduation. 

4. How long does it take to complete the PTA program at Stanbridge University? 

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program can be completed in approximately 20 to 21 months, including classroom instruction and clinical rotations.2 

5. How do Stanbridge PTA graduates perform on the NPTE?

Stanbridge University graduates have achieved strong results, with a 100% ultimate pass rate for both the Orange County and Los Angeles campus in 2024.1 

Footnotes 

1NPTE 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. 

2Program duration subject to change. Completion times vary depending upon the start and end dates of a cohort and any individual circumstances that may impact progression. 

3Source: https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/stanbridge-university/. As viewed on May 21, 2025.

4Source: Research.com, 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs Ranking in America, https://research.com/rankings/healthcare/best-healthcare-usa/?award=f3d66c8ef200b579. Email communication from Chief Data Scientist and Ranking Editor, Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D. to Director of Marketing, Victoria Sauer. As viewed on December 12, 2024.

5Source: Stanbridge University, Orange County campus, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) School of Excellence 2025 Award. Email communication from Michelle Ragland, Member Services and Events Manager, ACCSC, to Director of Marketing, Victoria Sauer. As viewed on July 17, 2025.

6Source: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2025/. As viewed March 19, 2025.

7Source: Great Place to Work. https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7021962. As viewed on March 3, 2026.