Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist holding older patient's arms outstretched

Degree OVERVIEW

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

South University Physical Therapist Assistant Overview

Physical therapist assistants are healthcare providers who work under the supervision of physical therapists. Their duties include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to a plan of care, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments using special equipment, administering modalities and other treatment procedures and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses. Upon completing the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree, you'll be able to translate the knowledge you gained from your courses to pursue work as a PTA.

South University’s PTA program meets the professional licensure requirements for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

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Austin, TX Columbia, SC Montgomery, AL Savannah, GA Tampa, FL West Palm Beach, FL

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What's New

Latest News and Blogs

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Scrubs Camp 2026

Discover how the various medical and healthcare programs came together to instruct high school students at Scrubs Camp 2026.

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See how South University helped US military veteran Waddie Freeman grow his career in healthcare, from becoming a PTA to running a home health agency.

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Jan 28, 2026

PTA Alumni Spotlight: Helping Patients Get Better

Discover how Brandon Vixamar found South's PTA degree and how it helped him enter into a career of caring and compassion.

two women speaking with each other in a classroom setting

Jul 01, 2025

Building Relationships with Your College Instructors

Learn some of the ways you can connect to your instructor so you can foster the relationship.

Amy Wright Owens - Physical Therapist Assistant

May 28, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: Career Change to Physical Therapy Assistant

Amy Wright Owens knows first-hand how physical therapist assistants can change lives. Read about her journey to become a PTA in this blog.

older gentleman sitting in a wheelchair receiving help with weight lifting from physical therapy assistant

Oct 09, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: At Home in Home Health

Alumni Anthony Shibley wanted at new start, and he found it in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.

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Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

Success Stories

We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our healthcare graduates have to say.

Elizabeth Tran

Class of '22

Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science – South University, Savannah

“South University definitely challenged me in the clinical setting and the classroom. At first, you learn everything in the classroom. Then you get to apply those things in the clinical setting.”

Helen Ramirez

Class of '19

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, South University, Richmond

“One thing I love about the PA program here is that it's small and really intimate. You know all of your professors and classmates extremely well. You spend a lot of time together throughout the 27 months you're in the program.”

Waddie Freeman

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant – South University, Tampa

Class of '12

“You must believe to achieve!”

Brandon Vixamar

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant – South University, West Palm Beach

Class of '19

“South University prepared me for my career through a rigorous program with great professors and an education that combined coursework in class with hands-on learning.”