CAPTE Confers 10-Year Re-Accreditation to Gurnick Academy Physical Therapist Assistant Program

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has bestowed a 10-year re-accreditation to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Physical Therapy Assistant Program at their San Mateo, California campus. The 10-year re-accreditation remains recognized through December 31st, 2029.

“We were pleasantly surprised by the 10-year re-accreditation given to Gurnick Academy,” said Larisa Revzina, Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Gurnick Academy. “I am proud of our team’s efforts put into this long process.”

Further, 100% of the latest group of Gurnick Academy students from the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program passed their NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants) exam on the first attempt.

“Gurnick Academy students participate in an accredited curriculum with the guidance of highly qualified instructors in the classroom and diverse clinical settings,” Academic Consultant, Therese Tomkie, PT, DPT, noted. “The dedication of the faculty and students is reflected in the current 100% NPTE pass rate.”

CAPTE Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review process and involves internal and external reviews and reports; onsite visits by qualified reviewers; and demonstrated compliance with established Standards and Required Elements and Guidelines.1 CAPTE is the only PTA education accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.2

“I would like to recognize CAPTE’s visiting team for their professionalism and attention to detail,” acknowledged San Mateo Campus Director, Fred Faridian.

CAPTE accreditation is a critical designation for students attending a school’s physical therapist assistant program. PTA program graduates who wish to take the National Physical Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants to become a licensed PTA must graduate from a CAPTE accredited program.3 Accreditation is also a requirement for physical therapist assistants wishing to provide physical therapy services to Medicare patients/clients.

Forecasts by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), predict a national growth rate of 26% for physical therapist assistants from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the national average.4 Physical therapist assistants are needed to meet an aging U.S. population and an increasing demand for physical therapy services. The median annual wage of a physical therapist assistant in California is $64,2105.5

The effort to get re-accredited by CAPTE was a team effort. Many parties worked hard, including Gurnick Academy’s CEO, CAO, San Mateo campus director, PTA program faculty, admissions staff, financial aid, student and career services, clinical instructors, employers of PTA graduates, and advisory board members.

“I am very proud of the excellent outcomes that our PTA team has achieved. We have strong leadership in this department with dedicated faculty who are focused on what matters most, the success of our students,” proclaimed Fred Faridian.

To learn more about CAPTE accreditation, please visit CAPTE Online.

To learn more about Gurnick Academy’s 10-Year Re-accreditation, the process, and the faculty and staff who were involved, please contact:
Nicholas Colombo
Director of Marketing
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
ncolombo@gurnick.edu
650-685-6616 #157

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private academy offering quality allied-health and nursing programs operating six (6) campuses in California with locations in San Mateo, Modesto, Fresno, Concord, Sacramento, and Van Nuys. Gurnick offers medical and nursing programs, including A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant, Limited X-Ray Technician with Medical Assistant Skills, Vocational Nurse, A.S. in Ultrasound Technology, A.S. in Radiologic Technology, A.O.S. in Radiologic Technology, A.S. in MRI Technology, Psychiatric Technician, A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S. in Nursing, B.S. in Nursing, and Medical Assistant Programs. Gurnick holds institutional accreditation awarded by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools (ABHES).

1 FAQs: CAPTE and Accreditation – Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
2 About Physical Therapist Assistant Careers – American Physical Therapy Association
3 FAQs: CAPTE and Accreditation – Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
4 Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
5 Ibid