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South University — West Palm Beach Physical Therapist Assisting Program

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Program Description

Are you looking for physical therapist assisting programs in West Palm Beach, Florida? The Associate of Science (AS) in Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA) degree program at South University’s West Palm Beach campus, prepares physical therapist assistants who reflect the highest standards of professional practice and conduct.

The professional preparation phase of the South University — West Palm Beach Physical Therapist Assisting associate’s degree program consists of four academic quarters of lecture and laboratory courses. An additional two quarters are spent in full-time clinical experiences. The academic program is taught in the evenings at the West Palm Beach campus.

Clinical Experience and Externship

An integrated clinical experience of 60 hours occurs during the first six weeks of the fourth 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 108 hospitals, nursing homes, sub-acute facilities, and outpatient centers with which the program has entered into clinical agreements.

Accreditation and Licensure

The PTA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. State licensure is a requirement for professional practice in each state in which South University offers the PTA program. Specific information regarding application for licensure will be available to the student during the last term of study. Licensure or registration is not required in every state for the physical therapist assistant to practice. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from individual state licensing boards.

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 — West Palm Beach, 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.

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



  • Gainful Employment Information for this program –-

    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.

    Books & Digital Resources$3720
    Program Fees$175
    Room & Board*$17032
    Tuition$47205
    *optional where available

    Median Debt
    Q:

    What are my financing options to pay for the program?

    A:

    Data for this program is unavailable. If you have questions, please talk with your admission representative.

    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 81%.

    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.