Physical Therapist Assistant is an Associate Degree program offered by Keiser University in Fort Myers, 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 DiplomaVerification of high school graduation with a standard diploma (transcript, diploma, etc.) or
- GED CompletionVerification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma) or
- Foreign Secondary CredentialProof 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 DiplomaApplicants 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 ApplicantsHome-schooled applicants who have a high school diploma are considered for admission.
- Entrance ExaminationAn 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 ExemptionCandidates 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 RequirementsAll 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 ScreeningBackground check and drug screening when applicable
- Anatomy Prerequisites and 3.0 AverageCompletion 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 ObservationComplete 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 DirectorMeet with PTA Program Director a minimum of one (1) month prior to starting the technical phase of the program.
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit 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.
- 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
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 load | Tuition 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
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
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.
| Eligible | Placed | In Field | Related Field | %Placed | %IF/RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 47 | 46 | 1 | 95.9% | 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.
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
Accreditations
Testimonials
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