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Tampa Physical Therapist Assisting Associate’s Degree Program

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Physical Therapist Assisting programs offered at South University—tampa

Program Information

Are you looking for physical therapist assisting programs in Tampa, Florida? The Associate of Science (AS) in Physical Therapist Assisting degree program at South University’s Tampa campus is designed to prepare physical therapist assistants who reflect the high standards of professional practice and conduct.

The South University, Tampa Physical Therapist Assisting associate’s degree program may be completed in eight quarters. The general education phase consists of three quarters. The professional preparation phase of the Physical Therapist Assisting program consists of three academic quarters of lecture and laboratory courses. An additional two quarters are spent in full-time clinical experiences. The academic program is taught during the day at the Tampa campus.

Clinical Experience and Externship

An integrated clinical experience of 60 hours occurs during the second academic quarter of the professional preparation phase of the program. Terminal clinical experiences are conducted full-time during the last two quarters. They consist of a six-week experience and a nine-week experience.

Each clinical externship is followed by a return to campus for integration of clinical experiences with didactic materials and the opportunity to correct deficiencies identified in the assessment of the student's performance in the clinics. Externships are chosen from area hospitals, nursing homes, sub-acute facilities, and outpatient centers with which the program has entered into clinical agreements.

Accreditation and Licensure

South University's Tampa campus' Physical Therapist Assisting program has been granted initial accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703.684.2782.

Program Outcomes

As a physical therapist assistant, you’ll work under the supervision of a physical therapist to help patients whose ability to move is impaired, from injured athletes to disabled children. You’ll provide the kind of practical, hands-on help that can be truly life-changing. Physical therapist assistants work with physical therapists to help patients with exercises and other therapeutic treatments, such as bathing, applying hot and cold packs, and massaging.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics, there were approximately 50,000 physical therapist assistants in 2002 and that number has continued to rise reflecting the growing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function and the increasing use of physical therapist assistants to reduce the cost of therapeutic services.

Government economists expect job growth for physical therapist assistants to be much faster than the average for all careers through 2014. In fact, Physical Therapist Assistant is one of the top 10 fastest growing careers.

Tuition Data for this program at South University, Tampa, FL

Below is the current tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

Room & Board*$0
Program Fees$175
Tuition$47205
Books & Digital Resources$3600

The financial aid office uses an estimate of direct and indirect costs to determine how much financial aid a student may be eligible for. Direct costs include tuition, fees, some books and supplies, and institutional housing. Indirect costs include estimates of other living expenses, transportation and personal expenses. Housing costs may be considered direct or indirect. Examples of the costs of attendance estimates used can be found by clicking here.

*optional where available



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    Program Costs
    Q:

    How much will this program cost me?

    A:

    Below is the institution tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

    Room & Board*$25132
    Program Fees$175
    Tuition$47205
    Books & Digital Resources$3600
    *optional where available

    Median Debt
    Q:

    What are my financing options to pay for the program?

    A:

    In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, 94% of graduates used loans to finance their education. The median debt for program graduates:

    • Federal Loans: $25953
    • Private Educational Loans: $0
    • Institutional Financing plan: $0

    Success
    Q:

    How long will it take me to complete this program?

    A:

    The program could take as little as 24 months to complete.

    57% of graduates from this program finished in this time.

    Q:

    What percentage of students find employment in their field or a related field?

    A:

    According to EDMC calculations, the job placement rate for students who graduate from this program is 83%.

    Q:

    What are the job opportunities for graduates of this program?

    A:

    For more information on job opportunities in this field of study: ONET Online. The job opportunities link is for general information purposes. The program you have selected could have different outcomes. Please check with your admissions registrar for detailed information.