Physical Therapist Assistant

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.

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.

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

Students must meet the requirements below before beginning major courses in the Physical Therapist Assistant program:

• Background​ check​ and​ drug ​screening​ when​ applicable
• Completion of prerequisites Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and Human Functional Anatomy with a minimum of a “B” in each course. Completion​ of​general​ education coursework​with ​a​ minimum ​grade ​of ​“C”​ for ​each​ course​ and​ cumulative​ grade​ average ​of ​3.0​ on​ a​ 4.0​scale
• 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 ​in ​a ​Physical ​Therapy ​Inpatient ​Facility ​(Skilled​ Nursing ​Facility, ​Acute ​Care​ Hospital, ​Long-Term ​Acute ​Care​ Facility, ​or ​Inpatient ​Rehabilitation ​Hospital) ​and ​5 ​hours in ​a ​Physical ​Therapy ​Outpatient ​Clinic​ within ​1 ​year ​of ​beginning​ the​ PTA ​core.
• Meet with the PTA Program Director a minimum of one (1) month prior to starting the technical phase of the program.

• 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

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) requires public disclosure of the Physical Therapist Assistant program outcomes, including graduation rate, licensure examination pass rate, and employment rate. This information may be viewed by clicking here.

Click here for State Licensure Disclosure Information

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

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.

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.

The Physical Therapist Assistant programs 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). Learn more about Keiser University PTA program accreditation