Keiser University

Physical Therapist Assistant

Fort Lauderdale Campus
Associate Degree
Physical Therapist Assistant
Keiser University is accredited by SACSCOC. This program is accredited by CAPTE at the Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, Miami, Sarasota and West Palm Beach campuses.
Keiser University offers this program on campus.
$12,908 per semester. This program spans 5 semesters at full-time enrollment.
To receive an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, students must complete 74 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 20 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).
A one-time $55 application fee applies on enrollment (subject to annual review).
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid, including grants and federal student loans.

Physical Therapist Assistant is an Associate Degree program offered by Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The program takes 20 Months to complete, with tuition of $12,908 per semester.

Program Overview

Keiser University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical education to prepare students for a rewarding career in rehabilitation services. Students learn to assist licensed physical therapists in providing physical therapy services to patients recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or working to improve mobility and function. The curriculum covers essential topics including medical terminology, therapeutic exercises, physical agents, clinical education, and hands-on training in patient care techniques.

Program Mission

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Keiser University offers an Associate of Science Degree that is designed to prepare a diverse student body to become effective, knowledgeable, safe, and competent entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants who will practice under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.

Program Goals

  • Communicate and collaborate within the healthcare environment with physical therapy practitioners and other members of the healthcare community.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes reflective of an entry level Physical Therapist Assistant.
  • Exhibit professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the scope of practice of a PTA.
  • Explore contemporary practice to develop commitment to lifelong learning.
  • The PTA Program faculty will offer a diverse range of impactful didactic and clinical learning opportunities for students.
  • PTA Program Faculty will actively participate in professional development and community service to address the evolving needs of both the program and the University.

Program Highlights

  • CAPTE accredited program ensuring quality education standards
  • Small class sizes providing personalized attention and instruction
  • Comprehensive clinical education at diverse healthcare facilities
  • Experienced faculty who bring clinical expertise to the classroom
  • State-of-the-art laboratory facilities for hands-on training
  • Preparation for the national physical therapy examination
  • Financial aid available for students who qualify

What sets this Program apart

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Physical Therapy Career:

  • Therapeutic exercise techniques
  • Patient assessment and measurements
  • Functional modality applications
  • Medical terminology proficiency
  • Clinical documentation skills
  • Professional communication methods
  • Evidence-based practice implementation
  • Patient education strategies
  • Rehabilitation program execution
  • Collaborative healthcare teamwork

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Admission Requirements and Process

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Therefore, effective July 1, 2025 Anatomy and Physiology I & II courses must be taken exclusively in an on-ground delivery mode for students enrolling in a healthcare program that leads to State licensure and/or national certification. Additionally, students who completed Anatomy and Physiology I and/or II at another institution may elect to transfer in these courses provided the courses (1) meet all institutional transfer of credit requirements and (2) were completed within five years of the date of enrollment. For courses taken over three years prior to the date of enrollment, the University reserves the right to administer a competency-based assessment with a minimum grade threshold as part of the transfer of credit process for these courses.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma
    Verification of high school graduation with a standard diploma (transcript, diploma, etc.) or
  • GED Completion
    Verification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma) or
  • Foreign Secondary Credential
    Proof of graduation from a foreign institution that is comparable to a United States secondary school, as determined by a member agency of the National Association of Credential…
  • Earned Degree in Lieu of Diploma
    Applicants will not be required to provide proof of high school graduation when they provide the following: Verification of an earned degree from an institution recognized by the…
  • Home-Schooled Applicants
    Home-schooled applicants who have a high school diploma are considered for admission.
  • Entrance Examination
    An applicant must make arrangements to take Keiser University’s entrance examination (administered at the University) or provide results of his/her Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT),…
  • Entrance Test Exemption
    Candidates seeking general admission to the University are not required to take the general admission test upon providing written proof of an associate or higher degree earned…
  • Allied Health Program Requirements
    All candidates must achieve the required entrance examinations scores and all other requirements for admission to specific bachelor and associate degree allied health programs.
  • Background Check and Drug Screening
    Background check and drug screening when applicable
  • Anatomy Prerequisites and 3.0 Average
    Completion of prerequisites BSC2085C, BSC2086C, and BSC2084 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and Human Functional Anatomy with a minimum of a "B"…
  • 10 Hours of PT Observation
    Complete a minimum of 10 hours of physical therapy observation or work experience during the last 12 months before entering core. The 10 hours observation must consist of 5 hours…
  • Meeting With PTA Program Director
    Meet with PTA Program Director a minimum of one (1) month prior to starting the technical phase of the program.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact an Admissions Counselor
    Contact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
  2. 2
    Attend an Open House or Campus Visit
    Attend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
  3. 3
    Meet With Your Admissions Counselor
    Schedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
  4. 4
    Submit an Application
    Submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.
    Apply Now

Program Schedule

To receive an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, students must complete 74 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 20 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

At Keiser University tuition and fees are charged to the student by the semester. Each semester is 16 weeks. Keiser University students are charged by the semester for the scheduled credit hours.

A semester of sixteen (16) weeks may consist of four (4) consecutive four (4) week terms or two (2) consecutive eight (8) week terms or one (1) consecutive sixteen (16) week semester of instruction.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • October 26th, 2026
  • November 23rd, 2026
  • January 11th, 2027
  • February 08th, 2027
  • March 08th, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 10th, 2027
  • June 07th, 2027
  • July 05th, 2027
  • August 02nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Per Semester Tuition
≈ $12,908
Total Program Cost
≈ $48,622.5
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Semester credit loadTuition per semester
Full time (12 to 17.99 credits)$12,908.00
Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits)$9,681.00
Half time (6 to 8.99 credits)$6,454.00
Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits)$3,227.00
Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required)$16,135.00

Required fees

  • Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
  • Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
  • Education fee — $980.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
  • Annual health insurance plan — $2,169.00 where applicable to allied health programs, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Keiser University publishes a total estimated cost of approximately $48,622.50 for the Physical Therapist Assistant program, which it states includes tuition, education fees, textbooks, materials, clinical requirements, and examination fees.

Curriculum

The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree at Keiser University prepares competent, entry-level healthcare professionals to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Through comprehensive coursework in kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, patient care procedures, and clinical experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to assist in treating patients with diverse conditions including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, cardiac pathology, and developmental delays.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
PHT1000CIntroduction to Physical Therapist Assistant5
PHT1121CKinesiology4
PHT1216CFunctional Modalities4
PHT1227CTherapeutic Exercise I4
PHT1228CTherapeutic Exercise II2
PHT1251CPatient Care Procedures4
PHT1261CTests and Measurements4
PHT1300CPathophysiology5
PHT2143CRehabilitation4
PHT2810Clinical Experience I5
PHT2820Clinical Experience II7
PSY1012Introduction to Psychology3
CGS1000CIntroduction to Computers3
ENC1101English Composition I3
ENC2102English Composition II3
AML1000American Literature3
ENL1000English Literature3
CWL1000Contemporary World Literature3
MAT1033Intermediate Algebra3
BSC2084Human Functional Anatomy3
BSC2085CHuman Anatomy and Physiology I4
BSC2086CHuman Anatomy and Physiology II4

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Keiser University’s physical therapist assistant program enter the workforce prepared to provide quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings. This associate of science degree prepares you for professional licensure and opens doors to careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. Licensed physical therapist assistants work collaboratively with physical therapists to implement treatment programs that help patients restore function, improve mobility, and manage pain.

Career Pathways in Physical Therapy

  • Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
  • Acute care hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Pediatric therapy centers
  • Sports medicine facilities
  • Home health agencies
  • School-based therapy programs
  • Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals
  • Industrial rehabilitation settings
  • Long-term care facilities

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AS Physical Therapist Assistant.

EligiblePlacedIn FieldRelated Field%Placed%IF/RF
494746195.9%95.9%

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

What to expect as a Keiser University student

Keiser University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program gives you the education, clinical training, and professional preparation needed to launch a meaningful career in rehabilitation services. With CAPTE accreditation, experienced faculty, quality clinical education sites, and strong employment rates, our program sets you up for success in this growing healthcare field.

Campus Address

Fort Lauderdale Campus
1500 Northwest 49th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Why Accreditation Is Important

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Keiser University’s Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, Miami, Sarasota, and West Palm Beach Campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 223053085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
  • Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
  • Credits earned toward a respected credential

Accreditations

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Images

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CAPTE Verification
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Top Questions About Earning a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

Can I complete the PTA program online at Keiser University?
No. The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree requires on-campus attendance for laboratory sessions and clinical education experiences. The program includes hands-on training in therapeutic techniques, patient care procedures, and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities that cannot be replicated in an online format.
What's the difference between a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapist Assistant?
A Physical Therapist (PT) holds a doctoral degree and performs comprehensive patient evaluations, develops treatment plans, and provides direct patient care. A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) holds an associate degree and works under PT supervision to implement treatment programs, assist with therapeutic exercises, and provide patient education according to the established plan of care.
What careers can I pursue with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree?
Graduates are prepared to take the national physical therapy examination. As a licensed physical therapist assistant, you can pursue employment in various settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, pediatric centers, sports medicine facilities, and school-based programs. PTAs assist in treating patients with orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, developmental delays, cardiac and pulmonary pathology, and other health-related conditions.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Is financial aid available for the PTA program?
Absolutely. Students in the PTA program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
Is the program accredited?
Yes. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Keiser University accreditation. The Physical Therapist Assistant program maintains specialized programmatic accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which establishes educational standards for physical therapy programs.
What licensure requirements PTAs need to meet?
After graduation, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Successful completion of this exam, along with meeting state-specific qualifications, allows you to obtain professional licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant. State boards of physical therapy regulate licensure requirements, which may vary by geographic location.
How long does it take to complete the PTA program?
The Physical Therapist Assistant program requires 20 months to complete when attending full-time. The exact completion time varies based on your course load, any transfer credits, and your individual academic progress.
How much does it cost to earn a Physical Therapist Assistant degree?
The total estimated cost for the Physical Therapist Assistant program runs approximately $48,622.50, which includes tuition, education fees, textbooks, materials, clinical requirements, and examination fees. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement options. For the most accurate estimate based on your individual situation, speak with an admissions advisor.
What courses make up the PTA curriculum?
The PTA curriculum includes courses such as Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant, Kinesiology, Functional Modalities, Therapeutic Exercise I and II, Patient Care Procedures, Tests and Measurements, Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation, and Clinical Experience I and II. General education courses cover behavioral science, computers, English composition, humanities, mathematics, and the sciences including Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Human Functional Anatomy.
Ready to get started?
Apply to Physical Therapist Assistant at Fort Lauderdale Campus.
Physical Therapist Assistant