Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Irvine, California

Becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant in Irvine, California

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in Irvine, California? This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a PTA, including education paths, local training programs, and licensure requirements. A PTA works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and manage pain. The journey to becoming a PTA involves completing an accredited program, gaining clinical experience, and obtaining state licensure.

About Irvine

Irvine, located in the heart of Orange County, California, is known for its strong educational institutions, thriving business environment, and beautiful parks. As a planned city, Irvine offers a high quality of life with numerous amenities and cultural attractions. For more information about the city, visit the City of Irvine’s official website.

PTA Training Programs in Irvine, California

If you’re looking to enroll in a PTA program in Irvine, here are some local options:

1. Saddleback College
   Located in nearby Mission Viejo, Saddleback College offers a CAPTE-accredited PTA program. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. For more details, visit the Saddleback College PTA Program page.

2. Cerritos College
   Situated in Norwalk, Cerritos College provides a comprehensive PTA program that prepares students for the NPTE and CLE exams. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Learn more at the Cerritos College PTA Program page.

3. Cypress College
   Cypress College, located in Cypress, offers an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. The program includes extensive clinical practice opportunities. Visit the Cypress College PTA Program page for more information.

PTA Employment Opportunities in Irvine

Irvine is home to several healthcare facilities where PTAs can find employment opportunities:

1. Hoag Orthopedic Institute
   Located in the Irvine Business Complex, Hoag Orthopedic Institute specializes in orthopedic care and offers various career opportunities for PTAs. Visit their careers page for more information.

2. Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center
   Situated in the Woodbridge neighborhood, this facility provides comprehensive healthcare services, including physical therapy. Explore job openings on the Kaiser Permanente Careers page.

3. UCI Health Gottschalk Medical Plaza
   Located in University Town Center, UCI Health offers a range of medical services, including physical therapy. Check out their employment opportunities for PTAs.

Prerequisites for PTA Programs

To enroll in a PTA program, candidates typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., anatomy, physiology)
• Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years)
• Completion of observation hours in physical therapy settings
• Passing scores on entrance exams (if required)
• Background check and medical clearance

PTA Licensure Requirements in California

To practice as a PTA in California, you must meet the following licensure requirements:

• Complete an accredited PTA program
• Accumulate a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practice
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the California Law Examination (CLE)
• Submit a licensure application to the Physical Therapy Board of California
• Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting for a background check
• Pay the required application fee

Licensure Reciprocity

California does not have formal licensure reciprocity agreements with other states. However, PTAs licensed in other states may apply for licensure in California by endorsement, provided they meet the state’s requirements.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Irvine, California, is a fulfilling choice that offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. With the right education and training, you can become a valuable member of the healthcare community. Reach out to local schools to learn more about their programs and take the first step toward your new career today.

For more information on the job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics PTA page.