Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Program Director

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program Director

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

Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt

Incentives: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus + Relocation Assistance Available

Department: Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Compensation: $100,000 – $125,000 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 academic leadership role, you will direct instructional staff, manage clinical and didactic education, oversee budget allocation, and ensure total CAPTE accreditation compliance. We offer a competitive total rewards package—including an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a $5,000 sign-on bonus, 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 Requirements

• 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.

• 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 Benefits

• Hiring Range: $100,000 to $125,000 per year (Salaried Exempt).

• Sign-On Bonus & Relocation: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus + Relocation Assistance available for qualified applicants.

• Employee Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—build equity in your future.

• Retirement: 401(k) Plan with up to a 10% Employer Match.

• 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.