NORTH COAST, Calif. – Mendocino College is pleased to announce a new Physical Therapist Assistant Program that will be starting the Spring 2020 semester.

“As the primary higher education institution provider in the region, we are thrilled to offer this critical program to our communities,” said President/Superintendent Dr. Arturo Reyes.

The application period for the program will be open from Aug. 15 until Oct. 15, and 24 students will be admitted into the program.

Admission to the program will be based on the results of a random, computer generated lottery system. All qualified applicants will be included in the lottery.

Physical Therapist Assistants, or PTAs, provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Physical therapy is a dynamic profession full of variety, activity, and human interaction. Physical therapists and PTAs are movement experts who help to relieve pain, prevent disability and restore the basic movements that we take for granted every day by improving balance, posture, strength and flexibility.

PTAs are an integral part of the health care industry and work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities and more.

“Our goal is to develop and implement a Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mendocino College which meets the urgent needs of our community and educates students with the best and most current practices in the Physical Therapy field,” said Dean of Applied Academics, Dennis Aseltyne.

The Mendocino College PTA Program is four semesters in length and includes both general education and program specific requirements.

The PTA Program has a hybrid format with courses taken both online and on the Mendocino College campus.

Students are required to be on campus for laboratory courses two days each week during the spring and fall semesters.

In addition to regular coursework, students are required to participate in three full time, six week clinical experiences.

According to Program Director Sara Bogner, “After 20 years as a physical therapist, I still think I hit the jackpot when I choose a career in physical therapy. As a physical therapist I have had the opportunity to work in many different settings with a wide variety of patients. I’ve been able to be a part of helping people recover from injury and regain their independence. I’ve seen physical therapy change people’s lives for the better. There is no greater feeling than receiving the heartfelt thanks of a patient after they have accomplished their goals. I love teaching and look forward to passing on what I have learned over my years as a physical therapist to the next generation of therapists.”

For more information about the Mendocino College Physical Therapist Assistant Program and accreditation status, visit www.mendocino.edu/PTA or contact Program Director Sara Bogner, PT, MS PT at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .