Meet Waddie Freeman, South University PTA Graduate
Today, Waddie Freeman is CEO of a home health agency in Tampa. Earning his Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree at South University, Tampa in 2012 helped him get his start in healthcare and gave him a solid foundation upon which to grow.
A Strong Background: Military Service and Prior Education
Before attending South University, Waddie already had a lot of work, education, and life experience under his belt. For starters, Waddie held two degrees: a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Duquesne University. He had also spent 10 years in the United States Army, with six years of active duty during Desert Storm and the Iraq War. Waddie served as a military intelligence Morse code interceptor as well as a transportation and movement NCO. He received many awards for his service. The list includes the Presidential Unit Citation Award, the Army's Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), and nine Army Achievement Medals (AAM) for outstanding achievement.
Motivated by Major Surgery: Pursuing a PTA Degree
After having open-heart surgery, Waddie had a medical retirement from the US Army in 2010. Following his surgery, Waddie had several months of physical therapy rehab. Dealing with these physical limitations was a new challenge for him. The experience left an impression, and he felt called to join the physical therapy field. One of the reasons he chose South University, Tampa was its military education benefits, including the school’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. He enrolled in January 2011. By the end of 2012, Waddie had finished his AS in Physical Therapy Assistant degree and passed his PTA exam.
The South University faculty and staff did much to support his success as a student, including taking the time to give him additional training when he did not perform well on a test or lab. Looking back, Waddie describes the value of his education as priceless.
Growing a PTA and Healthcare Career After Graduation
After graduating from South University and becoming a PTA, Waddie accepted a full-time PTA job at a local rehabilitation center. After about a year there, he accepted a role in a veteran's hospital. That PTA role aligned well with his experience and allowed him to work with a population he was passionate about helping. Waddie enjoyed working with veterans so much that he started his own home health agency providing seniors and veterans with personal and nursing care services in 2016. His experience, professionalism, and knowledge in patient care helped the business to succeed. In 2020, he received a Medicare license and accreditation from the nationally recognized Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
In 2022, Waddie added his business to the Interim HealthCare franchise network, which has over 300 individually owned and operated locations around the country. As CEO of Interim HealthCare of East Tampa, Waddie is responsible for managing the home health agency’s overall operation and services, ensuring compliance with regulations, and overseeing patient care. So far, Waddie has been thriving in his role. In 2024, he was recognized with Interim’s Exceptional Growth Award for a New Franchise Partner. In the future, he hopes to open additional offices in two more counties.
As he continues to grow, Waddie has advice for others who aspire to build successful careers in health. He shares, “You must believe to achieve!”
Inspired by this graduate success story?
You too can make your goals become reality. Our practical, career-focused programs, including our healthcare programs, are designed to help you get started. Request information to speak with our Admissions team.
We want to hear from more South University graduates!
Share your own experiences and career story if you’re a South University grad. Visit the South University Alumni Site and fill out the form to share your alumni story today!
--
Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
