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 employment.

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

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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.

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.”

Crystal May
Class of '14
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management-South University, Richmond
“The staff was the heart of my experience at South. The staff worked together to provide a positive learning environment and truly had passion in educating the students. The staff helped me identify my strength and interest in the financial avenue of healthcare, and helped me see the benefits of pursuing this career. South University gave me the tools I need to be successful and validated my capabilities to be a successful professional.”

Cassandra Rhodes
Class of '08
Master of Healthcare Administration-South University, Columbia
“By furthering my education, I was given several opportunities for promotion and life-long learning and skill application. South University successfully prepared me for my current career by allowing me to learn more about the healthcare management systems.”

Timothy A. Stroy, Sr.
Class of '10
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting-South University, Columbia
“I am so grateful to my mother, Lessie Stroy, and the faculty and staff of South University for their support and encouragement. They gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and into what was, for me, the unknown. That's where I found what I was really looking for.”

Julie Long
Class of '12
Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management-South University, Atlanta
“I develop business plans, new services and service lines to bring in new business for the hospital, so I work on proposals and projects all the time, which is just what we did in my healthcare finance class. I was also able to apply what I learned in my human resources class to the workplace and implement it immediately.”