Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director

Pima Medical Institute; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima Medical Institute in San Marcos, CA seeks a Program Director for the PTA program. This full-time, on-site role leads curriculum development, accreditation compliance, and high-quality classroom, lab, and clinical instruction, while mentoring faculty and coordinating schedules.

You will oversee student progression, advise learners, maintain records, and build strong relationships with clinical sites and community partners to advance student success and institutional standards.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, guiding curriculum and clinical training.
• Strong focus on patient care and quality patient care, ensuring graduates are prepared to deliver safe, effective care.
• Experience or knowledge in Orthopedics for musculoskeletal assessment and treatment within the PTA scope.
• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant program; advanced degree preferred.
• Current professional licensure or eligibility for licensure as required by state regulations.
• Previous teaching, academic leadership, or program management experience in higher education or clinical education preferred.
• Effective communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
• Commitment to inclusive education and continuous quality improvement in academic and clinical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and update PTA curriculum to align with accreditation standards.
• Lead faculty, coordinate schedules, and participate in hiring, onboarding, and evaluations.
• Oversee student progression, advising, and program records.
• Foster relationships with clinical sites and community partners to support clinical education and placement.

Skills

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Patient care focus

Orthopedics knowledge

Licensure eligibility

Academic leadership

Communication & collaboration

Quality improvement

Education

Accredited PT/PTA program graduate

Advanced degree preferred (MS/PhD/EdD)

Job description

Company Description Pima Medical Institute is a trusted provider of quality healthcare education across the western United States, preparing students for in-demand roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. With 17 campuses in 8 states and a growing online program, the institute offers certificates and associate degrees in allied health, as well as online associate and bachelor's degree completion programs. The institute is committed to supporting learners and employees in achieving their professional goals and becoming respected healthcare practitioners. Pima Medical Institute fosters a collaborative community that values academic excellence, practical training, and career readiness. Additional information about programs and campus locations is available at pmi.edu.

Role Description The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director is a full-time, on-site role based in San Marcos, CA, responsible for overseeing the academic and operational aspects of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. This position includes developing, reviewing, and updating curriculum; ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards; and supporting high-quality classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. The Program Director leads and mentors faculty, coordinates faculty schedules, and participates in hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing student progression, advising students, maintaining program records and reports, and fostering strong relationships with clinical sites and community partners. The Program Director collaborates with campus leadership to meet institutional goals, support student success, and uphold Pima Medical Institute’s standards of professionalism and ethics.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, with the ability to guide curriculum and clinical training aligned with current practice.
• Strong focus on Patient Care and Quality Patient Care, ensuring that graduates are prepared to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care.
• Experience or specialized knowledge in Orthopedics, supporting instruction in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment within the PTA scope of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant program; advanced degree (e.g., master’s or doctorate) in a related field is preferred.
• Current professional licensure or eligibility for licensure as required by state regulations, with a record of ethical and compliant practice.
• Previous teaching, academic leadership, or program management experience in higher education or clinical education strongly preferred.
• Effective communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
• Commitment to inclusive education, student-centered learning, and continuous quality improvement in academic and clinical outcomes.