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Pta Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PTA INSTRUCTOR

San Jose, CA · On-site

$69 - $83/hr

The (PTA) Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor is responsible for teaching the courses, evaluating students, and conducting labs. The Following Areas and Classes may be as follows: Intro to ...

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How much do pta instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for pta instructor in the United States is $69,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PTA instructor?

PTA Instructors are educators responsible for teaching and training students who are pursuing a career as Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, supervise clinical practice, and assess student performance in both classroom and hands-on settings. PTA Instructors ensure that students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to assist physical therapists in patient care, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation techniques. They often have experience as licensed physical therapists or PTAs themselves and stay updated with current practices in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PTA instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PTA Instructor, you need a strong background in physical therapy, relevant clinical experience, and typically a valid PTA license along with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with instructional technologies, learning management systems, and accreditation standards is essential. Outstanding communication, patience, and mentoring abilities help PTA Instructors effectively guide and inspire students. These skills and qualifications ensure that instructors can deliver high-quality education, prepare students for certification, and uphold academic and clinical standards.

What are some common challenges faced by PTA instructors when balancing classroom teaching with supervising clinical experiences?

PTA Instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including preparing and delivering classroom lectures, assessing student performance, and overseeing clinical placements. One common challenge is ensuring that students receive consistent, high-quality instruction both in the classroom and during hands-on clinical training. Managing time effectively and maintaining communication between clinical sites and the academic program is essential. Instructors are also responsible for supporting students as they adapt to different clinical environments and expectations.

What is the difference between Pta Instructor vs Pta?

AspectPta InstructorPta
CredentialsLicensed PTA, teaching certification or instructor credentialsLicensed PTA
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, labsClinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, colleges, technical schoolsHealthcare facilities, outpatient clinics
Primary RoleTeaching, training students, curriculum developmentProviding patient care, assisting therapists

The main difference is that a Pta Instructor focuses on teaching and training students in educational settings, while a Pta provides direct patient care in clinical environments. Both roles require a licensed PTA credential, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

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What cities are hiring for Pta Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Pta Instructor job openings:

What states have the most Pta Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pta Instructor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pta Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, and 68% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,006 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

$69 - $83/hr

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Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Job Location: Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts San Jose - San Jose, CA 95112

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $50.00 - $60.00 Hourly

Gurnick Academy is a leading Bay Area private healthcare college offering an extensive variety of Nursing, Allied healthcare, and Imaging programs.

Gurnick Academy is looking for a Part-Time (PTA) Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor for our Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at our Gurnick, CA Campus. The (PTA) Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor is responsible for teaching the courses, evaluating students, and conducting labs. The Following Areas and Classes may be as follows: Intro to Physical Therapy, Pathology, Fundamental PTA Procedures with Lab, Professional Behaviors, and Aspects of Development and Aging (which includes cardio-pulmonary rehab), Patient Care Skills II and Physical therapy, etc.

Basic Function

The primary function of the Didactic Instructor can be broken into 3 categories – preparation for class, classroom management, and educational administrative tasks. Within these categories it needs to be highlighted that the instructor’s job is to ensure students are properly prepared to take each test or examination, prepare in advance, each day’s instructional plan and any necessary supporting classroom materials. Course delivery may be residential or distance education, thus the Didactic Instructor must be familiar with both delivery methods.

Student management also includes involvement to ensure satisfactory academic progress is being maintained (as well as the assignment of appropriate tutoring support) and that student marks, attendance, remediation documentation, and other reprimands are all kept up to date. Instructor evaluation, educational in-service plans, evaluations (student and managerial), goal setting, and reprimands are also kept up to date. It is important that the Didactic Instructor has an understanding of how to keep students motivated while ensuring the expected standards of the profession, through appropriate counseling.

Qualifications

Requirements

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree preferred
  • Minimum 3 years of full time (or equivalent) post-licensure clinical experience in physical therapy.
  • Current licensure in good standing within their discipline
  • Holds current required licenses to satisfy CAPTE requirements
  • Contemporary expertise in assigned teaching area(s).
  • Previous teaching and student evaluation experience highly preferred and/or CI credential.
  • Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, problem solving, and advising skills.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by any applicable law.

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