February 19, 2026
San Diego Mesa College to Launch Its Second Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Science
in Physical Therapist Assistant
By Office of Communications
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Mesa College has received approval from the California Community
Colleges Chancellor’s Office to launch a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist
Assistant, marking the college’s second bachelor’s degree program and expanding access
to advanced healthcare education in the region.
The new program follows Mesa’s first baccalaureate degree, a Bachelor of Science in
Health Information Management, and reflects the college’s continued response to documented
workforce shortages in healthcare fields. With this approval, Mesa becomes the first
college in the San Diego Community College District to offer two bachelor’s degree
programs. Other district colleges with baccalaureate programs include San Diego City
College’s Cyber Defense and Analysis (approved January 2023) and San Diego Miramar
College’s Public Safety Management (approved October 2023).
Designed for licensed physical therapist assistants who have already earned an associate
degree and national licensure, the program follows a two-year cohort model tailored
for working professionals seeking expanded clinical knowledge and leadership preparation.
“This degree expands an affordable, place-based pathway closely aligned with regional
workforce needs. It allows students to pursue high-demand careers without leaving
their community or taking on unsustainable debt. In doing so, we advance social mobility,
strengthen our local health workforce, and live into our equity-centered mission in
a very tangible way,” said Dr. Ashanti T. Hands, president of San Diego Mesa College.
The curriculum includes advanced coursework in pharmacology, biomechanics, evidence-based
practice, and healthcare leadership. Students will continue hands-on clinical training
through the Mesa College Health and Wellness Community Clinic, providing rehabilitative
care to uninsured or underinsured residents.
Employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 16 percent through
2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants is approximately
$65,000 nationwide, with higher earnings possible based on experience, setting, and
geographic location.
While an associate degree remains the standard requirement for entry-level licensure,
Mesa’s bachelor’s degree is designed to prepare physical therapist assistants for
advanced clinical skills, specialized practice areas, and broader healthcare leadership
roles.
As part of the California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Program, the degree offers
students an affordable pathway to a four-year credential while helping meet regional
demand for rehabilitation services.
About San Diego Mesa College
San Diego Mesa College is a fully accredited, comprehensive college committed to equity
and excellence. We honor our diverse community of students, faculty, professional
staff, and administrators who collaborate to foster scholarship, leadership, access,
and innovation in an inclusive learning environment. By promoting student learning
and achievement that leads to degrees and certificates, transfer, workforce training,
and lifelong learning, we empower our students to reach their educational goals and
shape their future. Among the largest community colleges in California, Mesa serves
approximately 30,000 students per year, 25% of whom are full-time. Mesa offers more
than 200 associate degrees and certificate programs and is one of 45 California community
colleges approved to offer bachelor’s degrees. It is also among just 12 California
Community colleges currently offering two or more baccalaureate programs. Mesa ranks
as one of San Diego’s top transfer institutions, is an Asian American and Native American
Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), a proud Black-Serving Institution,
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), a student-parent, and a Military Friendly Silver
Status School, serving nearly 2,500 active-duty veterans, and their families.
www.sdmesa.edu
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Tags: Press Release, PTA Program, Bachelor's Degree
