PTA programs in California
12 PTA (physical therapist assistant) programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free
11 schools offer these physical therapist assistant programs, and California has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.
Physical therapist assistants work under a physical therapist, helping patients move again and manage pain after injuries and illness. Every state requires an associate degree from an accredited program and a license or certification, which takes passing an exam.1 The exam is the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.2
In California, 4 of the 12 programs take students without a high school diploma, 6 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 2 ask for earlier courses first.
By kind, the 12 programs here are physical therapy aide course (8 programs), PTA (associate degree, 3 programs) and PTA program (level not stated, 1 program).
See the 12 programsHow much do PTA programs cost in California?
$1,315 to $14,150 is what most PTA programs in California cost if you pay yourself
That is the middle half of the 11 programs with a price. All of them: $630 to $50,348
In the typical program
- Finished the program
- 70%
- Working 6 months later
- 65%
- Earned a year, estimated
- about $33,500
- Length
- 20 to 66 weeks
Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in California may also offer PTA programs. How these figures are made
All 12 PTA programs in California approved for WIOA funding
Filters
12 programs
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
College of the Sequoias
Visalia
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$53,500Price if you pay yourself$2,10516 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Physical Therapist Assistant Program at College of the SequoiasMore details about Physical Therapist Assistant Program at College of the Sequoias
- Finished
- 85%
- Working at 6 months
- 65%
- Earned in a quarter
- $13,369
- Length
- 72 weeks, 22 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $4,407
- Students counted
- 259
- Earned a year, estimated
- $53,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,105
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 16
Physical Therapist Assistant
Institute of Technology
Clovis
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$77,400Price if you pay yourself$33,1503 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, Physical Therapist Assistant at Institute of TechnologyMore details about Physical Therapist Assistant at Institute of Technology
- Finished
- 65%
- Working at 6 months
- 52%
- Earned in a quarter
- $19,344
- Length
- 75 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,698
- Students counted
- 210
- Earned a year, estimated
- $77,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $33,150
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Physical Therapy Aide
Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$32,600Price if you pay yourselfNot reportedProgram website, Physical Therapy Aide at Mt. San Antonio CollegeMore details about Physical Therapy Aide at Mt. San Antonio College
- Finished
- 87%
- Working at 6 months
- 45%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,162
- Length
- 12 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- Not reported
- Students counted
- 190
- Earned a year, estimated
- $32,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- Not reported
Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab
Southern California Health Institute
North Hollywood
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,300Price if you pay yourself$14,50019 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab at Southern California Health InstituteMore details about Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab at Southern California Health Institute
- Finished
- 79%
- Working at 6 months
- 85%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,320
- Length
- 36 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,925
- Students counted
- 143
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $14,500
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 19
Physical Therapy Aide
West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD
Woodland Hills
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$33,500Price if you pay yourself$630Program website, Physical Therapy Aide at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSDMore details about Physical Therapy Aide at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD
- Finished
- 43%
- Working at 6 months
- 56%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,377
- Length
- 20 weeks, 9 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $987
- Students counted
- 118
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $630
Physical Therapy Aide
Bassett Adult School
La Puente
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,000Program website, Physical Therapy Aide at Bassett Adult SchoolMore details about Physical Therapy Aide at Bassett Adult School
- Finished
- 74%
- Working at 6 months
- 77%
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 18 weeks, 10 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $450
- Students counted
- 89
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,000
Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation & Geriatric Aide
Universal Healthcare Careers College
Los Angeles
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,800Price if you pay yourself$13,800Program website, Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation & Geriatric Aide at Universal Healthcare Careers CollegeMore details about Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation & Geriatric Aide at Universal Healthcare Careers College
- Finished
- 76%
- Working at 6 months
- 23%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,450
- Length
- 36 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,425
- Students counted
- 75
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,800
- Price if you pay yourself
- $13,800
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Casa Loma College
Sherman Oaks
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$50,348Program website, Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Casa Loma CollegeMore details about Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Casa Loma College
- Finished
- 35%
- Working at 6 months
- 100%
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 75 weeks, 24 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,335
- Students counted
- 65
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $50,348
Sports Therapy Aide
West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD
Woodland Hills
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$33,500Price if you pay yourself$630Program website, Sports Therapy Aide at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSDMore details about Sports Therapy Aide at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD
- Finished
- 51%
- Working at 6 months
- 65%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,377
- Length
- 19 weeks, 9 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $869
- Students counted
- 62
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $630
Physical Therapy Aide
East Los Angeles Skills Center - LAUSD
Los Angeles
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,500Price if you pay yourself$630Program website, Physical Therapy Aide at East Los Angeles Skills Center - LAUSDMore details about Physical Therapy Aide at East Los Angeles Skills Center - LAUSD
- Finished
- 59%
- Working at 6 months
- 71%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,377
- Length
- 20 weeks, 9 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $970
- Students counted
- 49
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $630
Certified Physical Therapy Aide (GES 189) (Voucher Included)
Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
Based in Los Angeles, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,395Program website, Certified Physical Therapy Aide (GES 189) (Voucher Included) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU ExtensionMore details about Certified Physical Therapy Aide (GES 189) (Voucher Included) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 39 weeks, 5 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $494
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,395
Physical Therapist Assistant- BC
Kern Community College District
Bakersfield
Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$4,200Program website, Physical Therapist Assistant- BC at Kern Community College DistrictMore details about Physical Therapist Assistant- BC at Kern Community College District
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 64 weeks, 27 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,300
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $4,200
No programs match these filters.
How to pay for PTA programs in California
WIOA funding can pay for PTA programs in California
Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?
Financial aid and grants for PTA programs
Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78
GI Bill for PTA programs
Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9
The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.
Quick facts: PTA programs in California
- programs with a price cost under $1,000
- 3 of 11
- lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
- 1st of 14
- other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
- 3 of 10
- PTA programs here, against the typical state's 4
- 12 vs 4
State comparisons use the same figures as the PTA programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).
PTA programs in Los Angeles, Visalia, Fresno and other California cities
Choosing an area filters the program list above. 1 program is online.
Other training in California
How PTA programs compare with the rest of allied health: Allied health programs in California
- CDL training104 programs
- CNA classes122 programs
- Medical assistant training185 programs
- Phlebotomy training61 programs
- Welding classes98 programs
- HVAC training45 programs
- Medical billing and coding training87 programs
- LPN programs43 programs
- EMT classes49 programs
- Electrician training39 programs
- Dental assistant programs69 programs
- Auto mechanic classes75 programs
- Pharmacy technician training78 programs
- Plumbing school10 programs
- CNC machinist training37 programs
- Carpentry classes8 programs
- Heavy equipment operator training12 programs
- Diesel mechanic training10 programs
- Cybersecurity training43 programs
- IT training167 programs
- Cosmetology school35 programs
- Barber school44 programs
- Esthetician school23 programs
- Nail tech school18 programs
- EKG technician programs21 programs
- Massage therapy school18 programs
- Paralegal programs21 programs
- Fire academy32 programs
- Police academy26 programs
- Surgical tech programs12 programs
- Radiology tech programs12 programs
- Culinary school73 programs
- Home health aide training33 programs
- Medical administrative assistant training66 programs
- Human resources training38 programs
- Industrial maintenance technician training30 programs
- Early childhood education programs65 programs
- Aircraft mechanic school11 programs
- Supply chain and logistics training28 programs
- Hospitality management programs17 programs
- Addiction counselor training26 programs
- Community health worker training2 programs
- Coding and software development courses69 programs
- Lineman school3 programs
- Sterile processing technician training10 programs
- Sonography school6 programs
- Data analytics courses55 programs
- Administrative assistant training77 programs
- Respiratory therapy programs2 programs
- Medical lab technician programs3 programs
- AutoCAD and drafting courses40 programs
- Digital marketing courses24 programs
- Web and graphic design courses83 programs
- Health information technology programs14 programs
- Vet tech programs17 programs
- Real estate school14 programs
- Security guard training40 programs
- Patient care technician training2 programs
- Crane operator training2 programs
- Interpreter and translator training14 programs
- Home inspector training5 programs
- Forklift certification7 programs
- Personal trainer certification9 programs
- Healthcare administration programs2 programs
- Customer service training3 programs
- Flight school22 programs
- MRI tech school1 program
- Cardiovascular technology programs1 program
- Mental health technician training11 programs
- Human services programs15 programs
- Manufacturing technician training20 programs
- Electronics technician training23 programs
- Business administration programs89 programs
- Criminal justice programs28 programs
- Teacher assistant certification13 programs
- Auto body repair classes15 programs
- Merchant mariner training1 program
- Sleep technician training1 program
- Solar and wind technician training13 programs
- Sheet metal training7 programs
- Water treatment operator training6 programs
- OSHA safety training17 programs
- Dialysis technician training4 programs
- Optician training6 programs
- Masonry training6 programs
- Construction training programs123 programs
- Dental hygiene programs6 programs
- Accounting and bookkeeping classes146 programs
- RN programs31 programs
- Project management certification72 programs
Where the California physical therapist assistant program numbers come from
Which California physical therapist assistant programs are on this list?
These are the physical therapist assistant programs California approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what California offers.
How the prices and results of California physical therapist assistant programs are measured
Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.
Sources for the facts about PTA programs in California
Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
- Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy: State Licensure
- US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
- US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
- Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
- US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
- US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List