Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Program Director

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program Director (Full-Time)

Location: San Marcos, CA | Campus: On-Site

Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt

Compensation: $98,705 – $123,385 per year

Position Summary

Lead and inspire the next generation of physical therapy professionals! Pima Medical Institute is seeking a dynamic PTA Program Director to lead our CAPTE-accredited Associate Degree program at our San Marcos, CA campus.

In this executive academic leadership role, you will direct instructional staff, manage clinical and didactic education, oversee budget allocation, and ensure total CAPTE accreditation compliance. We offer an impressive benefits package—including employee ownership, performance bonus opportunities, and relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Faculty Management

• Department Supervision: Supervise PTA faculty and staff, delegate teaching assignments, and establish instructional goals.

• Faculty Development: Coordinate educational workshops, in-service trainings, and mentorship programs for clinical and didactic instructors.

• Curriculum & Budget: Manage department budgets, evaluate course content/textbooks, and design functional curriculum aligned with CAPTE guidelines.

Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance

• CAPTE Oversight: Direct continuous program accreditation activities, submit required annual reports/fees, and notify CAPTE of all program updates.

• Institutional Governance: Partner with the Director of Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance across graduation metrics, licensure pass rates, and graduate placement data.

Student Retention & Clinical Administration

• Retention Strategy: Track student outcomes by class to maintain an 80%+ student success rate, offering academic interventions to reduce program withdrawals.

• Clinical Planning: Oversee clinical education plans, conduct site evaluation visits, and ensure clinical affiliates meet educational standards.

• Direct Teaching: Serve as a core classroom or lab instructor within the PTA program as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree or higher from a regionally or nationally accredited institution recognized by the USDE or CHEA.

• CAPTE Credentials: Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.

• Licensure: Active PT or PTA license, registration, or certification in California (or valid U.S. jurisdiction per practice act).

• Clinical Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of full-time post-licensure clinical experience as a PT or PTA, including at least three (3) years of direct clinical practice.

• Academic Coursework: Documented completion of at least nine (9) academic semester credits (or equivalent) in educational foundations.

• Administrative & Teaching Expertise: Proven background in clinical practice, didactic/clinical teaching, educational theory, instructional design, and student outcomes assessment.

• Technical Skills: Excellent communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Compensation, Bonus & Employee-Owner Benefits

• Hiring Range: $98,705 to $123,385 per year (Salaried Exempt).

• Incentives: Performance Bonus Structure & Relocation Allowance available for qualified applicants.

• Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—become a stakeholder in our 100% employee-owned company.

• Retirement: 401(k) Plan with employer matching contributions.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical (PPO & 2 HDHP with HSA options), Dental, and Vision coverage, plus a Health & Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Income Protection: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Basic Life Insurance.

• Time Off & Growth: Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, and Tuition Reimbursement.