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.

REQUEST INFO Apply Now

Available Locations

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

REQUEST INFO

What's New

Latest News and Blogs

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.

South University nursing students in classroom

May 28, 2025

South University's Disaster Response Exercise 2025

Read how South University, Columbia hosted its annual Disaster Response Exercise in April.

Woman giving presentation to 3 men in leadership meeting

May 21, 2025

From Manager to Leader: How to Inspire a Team

Learn some of the skills leaders are expected to have and how you can learn them as part of South University's programs.

african american woman wearing a pink button down shirt smiling while writing in a notebook

May 12, 2025

Self-Care for Nurses: Maintaining Nurse Wellness

This blog details how nurses can best take care of themselves in stressful situations along with methods to help ease stress.

seven nurses from the early 1900s in their traditional uniforms of the time

May 09, 2025

The Nurse Uniform Evolution: From Petticoats to Scrubs

Discover how the uniform of the nurse evolved through the years and became what we know today.

diverse group of nursing professionals standing together in their white coats

May 08, 2025

Types of Nursing Degrees

There are many different nursing professions available . This blog displays the different degree programs South University offers for nursing students.

Request Information

Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

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

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

Your Location of Interest

Your Program of Interest

First Name First Name

Last Name Last Name

Your Email Address Your Email Address

Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX) Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX)

Address Address

City City

Zip Code Zip Code

State

High School Grad Year

Country of Citizenship

How did you hear about us

Student Visa?

Yes No

By clicking the button below as my official signature, I consent to representatives of South University contacting me about EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES via email, text or phone including my mobile phone if provided above, using an automatic dialer. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I consent to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws.

Province

Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!

In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.

If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.

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.”

Demitrius Archie
Class of '20
Master of Healthcare Administration-South University, Online Programs
“I was the first in my family to go into the military, and the first person of my siblings to graduate with a degree.”

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.”

Jason Miller
Class of '17
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant
“South University pushed me hard - to the limits of my mental capacity - and that brought out the best in me.”

Allyson Obluck
Class of '17
Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant-South University, Tampa
“I wanted to make a difference and I knew occupational therapy was a hands-on way to improve quality of life for many people. My professors always made the effort to ensure that I understood the material and were constantly encouraging me to be better and do better. All of my experiences throughout my clinical rotations challenged me to think outside the box and to trust my instincts.”