PTA Program Next Step for Kinesiology Graduates – Stanbridge University
If you are looking for the next step after achieving a kinesiology degree, you might consider a career as a physical therapist assistant or PTA.
Kinesiology-driven careers like PTA are in high demand! According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the physical therapist assistant profession is projected to grow by 24% from 2021 to 2031.1
A degree or background in kinesiology offers a wide variety of in-demand career options! Kinesiology is the scientific study of physical activity and its “impact on health, society, and quality of life” (American Kinesiology Association). Careers in kinesiology include areas such as:
- Coaches
- Fitness trainers and instructors
- Massage therapists
- Athletic trainers
- Recreational therapists
- Physical therapist assistants and aides
- Exercise physiologists
- Chiropractors
- And more
Kinesiology studies can often provide students with a fundamental understanding of nutrition, physical conditioning, the psychology of exercise in addition to hands-on techniques and exercises. Therefore, if you have a kinesiology background, you are perfectly positioned to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant!
PTA Program Next Step – Kinesiology and Physical Therapy
If you’re looking for your next step after achieving a degree in kinesiology, becoming a physical therapist assistant or PTA could be a rewarding option! 
As the baby boomer generation ages, patients with chronic conditions continues to increase. As a result, PTAs, especially those with a background in kinesiology and movement study, are needed.
For example, as a PTA, you can use your kinesiology knowledge help people recover from injury or illness. This career requires curiosity, introspection, and logic in addition to patience, care, and empathy. With your degree, you can use your passion for exercise, physical movement, and human anatomy and physicality in a care and rehabilitation context. Consequently, you can help people move towards a successful recovery!
PTA Program Next Step – Why Stanbridge University?
Stanbridge University offers a comprehensive associate degree program in Physical Therapist Assistant or PTA. In 2018, Stanbridge’s PTA program in Orange County achieved a perfect pass rate. This certainly sets the program apart in Southern California.
Furthermore, in addition to hands-on practice in on-campus therapy skills labs, Stanbridge also features an innovative virtual reality lab and synthetic cadaver lab.
In conclusion, if you have either a degree or background in kinesiology, consider an exciting career as a PTA!
Learn more about Stanbridge University’s PTA degree program, offered in both Orange County and Los Angeles.
Kinesiology students study movement science, anatomy, and physiology, which closely align with physical therapy principles. This background helps support the transition into PTA coursework and hands-on clinical training.
PTAs often work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health, and skilled nursing facilities.¹
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Stanbridge includes classroom instruction, skills lab training, and clinical education. Students enrolled in the program work toward completing the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree, which is designed to be completed in approximately 20 to 21 months.²
A strong understanding of anatomy, effective communication, critical thinking, and a passion for patient care are important. Students with kinesiology experience may also bring familiarity with biomechanics and injury recovery.
According to the most recent reporting year, the Orange County campus reported a 98.60% first-time NPTE pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate. The Los Angeles campus reported a 95% first-time NPTE pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate.3
Students complete 640 hours of clinical experience, gaining practice in patient care settings under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. In addition, on-campus labs featuring hands-on instruction, virtual reality, and synthetic cadaver training help reinforce anatomy knowledge and clinical confidence.
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 January 17, 2023.
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.
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.