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Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

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CREATING YOUR OWN REAL-WORLD SUCCESS

Man practicing physical therapy movements
Physical therapy student shows a closet of equipment

18 Months to a New Career!

Do you see yourself serving a critical support role in a fast-paced physical therapist or rehabilitation office setting? You can have a meaningful career in healthcare through our physical therapist assistant program in Clovis, Modesto, and Redding.

CREATING YOUR OWN REAL-WORLD SUCCESS

At IOT, we want to see you reach all of your learning and career goals, which is why we will support you from the start of your education to the day you obtain employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) working under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.

Your PTA education immerses you in the real-world experience from day one in the classroom, so you can be ready for day one on the job. Skills and knowledge areas of focus include:

  • Functional Anatomy
  • Pathophysiology
  • Physical Therapy Practice
  • Patient Management
  • Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
  • Therapeutic Interventions and Exercise
  • Pediatric, Geriatrics, and other Special Populations
WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY DEGREE?

As a graduate of IOT’s PTA program, you can take on a variety of exciting opportunities in this growing field. You’ll be able to work at:

  • Hospitals
  • Private Physical Therapy Offices
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Home Health Agencies
  • And more!
Woman in physical therapist assistant program smiling
“The PTA program has provided me with the knowledge and resources to meet my career goals. This program will challenge students to get outside of their comfort zone and push themselves towards a rewarding profession in helping people.” Brittanie Brantley (Cohort 2) – PTA, Class of 2019

Why IOT?

We believe school should work for you, which is why our classes are:

  • Engaging
    Learn new skills and take control of your career through hands-on vocational training and real-world education that moves you forward.
  • Supportive
    We offer support with tutoring and instructors with many years of experience in the industry.
  • Convenient
    Fit school into your life with evening classes, accelerated programs, and hybrid learning that can be completed in as little as 9 months.
PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Josh Green, PT, MAPT – Redding Campus

Joshua Green, PT, MAPT, is a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) and the Program Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at the Redding Campus. He brings over twenty years of experience in the field including comprehensive outpatient orthopedic, neurologic, sports, and work hardening management. Additionally, he has extensive inpatient experience including acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term acute care, wound care, and bariatric management. When he is not developing the PTA Program for IOT Redding he is usually found on a soccer pitch where he coaches U11B and U19G soccer teams, referees locally from recreational play to semi-pro level matches, and enjoys multi-modal exercise.

Jimmy Pacini, PTA, MAEd – Modesto Campus

Jimmy Pacini, PTA, MAEd, is a licensed physical therapist assistant and the Program Director for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program. He has clinical experience in hospital-based outpatient care, specializing in orthopedic and neurological conditions. While working for Community Regional Medical Centers at Community Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, he was responsible for organizing clinical staff in-services as well as managing physical therapy aides. He became an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Credentialed Clinical Instructor and supervised PTA students for three years during his time at Community Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. His master’s degree is in adult education and training and he has previous experience in post-secondary education as he was an instructor for an aide training program as well as served as the Director of Clinical Education for two other PTA programs. Jimmy has been active in the APTA which has led to positions at the local district, state, and national levels. He has served in various roles such as San Joaquin Valley District PTA Representative, California PTA Caucus Representative, PTA Caucus Delegate, APTA Advocacy Awards Committee Member, and several other elected and appointed positions. He is also a member of the APTA Education, Neurology, and Orthopaedics Sections. His passion for professional advocacy has led to participation in several lobbying days at the state and national level as well as several speaking opportunities on current professional issues and ethics in physical therapy including at national APTA conferences.

Ava E. Dickerson, PTA, DPT – Clovis Campus

Ava E Dickerson, PTA, DPT, was named Physical Therapy Assistant Program Director at the Institute of Technology, Clovis CA, in September of 2021. Ava received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. Ava has more than fifteen years of experience in physical therapy, ten years as a Clinical Instructor, and loves education and training students. Her hobbies include running, hiking, working with children, and cooking.

HOURS OF INSTRUCTION/PROGRAM LENGTH

This program is 1,573 hours and 65.5 quarter credit hours. Classes are held Monday through Thursday* for 18 months.

*MODESTO CAMPUS: Some classes within the PTA program contain distance education coursework. Distance education coursework is completed at a location determined by the student.

See your admissions representative for available class times.

CAREER SERVICES

Institute of Technology offers placement support and assistance to all graduates regardless of how long they have been out of school. If you are a recent graduate or graduated years ago, our Career Services Team is here to help you!

WHERE CAN I LEARN?

IOT offers this program at the following locations:

Clovis, California
Modesto, California
Redding, California

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs,
and other important information, visit https://www.iot.edu/about-us/disclosures/.

What Program Graduates Say

  • “This program was timely and efficient while also preparing me properly for a career in PT regardless of setting.”

    Michael Olmos (Cohord 1) – PTA, Class of 2019

INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATIONS

WHY ACCREDITATION IS IMPORTANT

Accreditation is the process of evaluating a school or educational training program to determine whether it meets standards set up by an accrediting organization. When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It’s not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:

 A reliable indicator of quality
 Approved program of study
 Qualified instructors

Physical therapy students smiling
Physical therapy student giving thumbs up
Physical therapist student practicing with another student