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Physical Therapist Assistant, AS (PTA)

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant prepares students for employment as a skilled licensed health care worker under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. A Physical Therapist Assistant assists in the management of conditions such as arthritis, amputation, fractures, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, wounds, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, cardiac and pulmonary pathology, sport injuries, work injuries and other types of injuries and/or pathologies.

The accreditation status of the Physical Therapist Assistant program is published on the Accreditation page of the University website. This information is also published in the University Catalog.

Physical Therapist Assistant As Pta - Associate Degrees

PTA Graduate Video

Program Mission

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

Program Goals and Student Learning Objectives

The following Goals and Student Learning Outcomes are designed to meet Keiser University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program mission and its objectives.  Graduates of the program are prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants and by the completion of the program:

Program Goal 1
Communicate and collaborate within the healthcare environment and with members of the community.

  • SLO I – Students will develop communication strategies for effective patient care.
  • SLO II – Students will be able to collaborate with members of the healthcare team and the community.

Program Goal 2
Demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes reflective of an entry level Physical Therapist Assistant.

  • SLO III – Students will be able to interpret and implement the components of the plan of care developed by the physical therapist.
  • SLO IV – Students will competently perform the skills required of the entry level Physical Therapist Assistant.
  • SLO V – Students will implement clinical reasoning and judgment to effectively manage patient care.

Program Goal 3
Exhibit professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the scope of practice of a PTA.

SLO VI – Analyze clinical situations and respond in adherence with professional, legal and ethical standards.

SLO VII – Identify and implement safety protocols in all aspects of practice.

Program Goal 4
Explore contemporary practice to develop commitment to lifelong learning.

  • SLO VIII – Monitor and implement changes in physical therapy practice based on evidence-based practice and research.
  • SLO IX – Participate and share information from APTA and related professional organizations.

Program Goal 5
PTA Program Faculty will provide a variety of effective didactic and clinical learning experiences.         

Program Goal 6
PTA Program Faculty will engage in professional development and service to meet the needs of the program and University

Prerequisites for Major Courses

  • Background check and drug screening when applicable;
  • Completion of prerequisites Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and Functional Human 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 Skilled Nursing Facility (nursing home) and 5 hours in a Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic.

Program Outline

To receive an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, students must earn 74.0 credit hours. Program requirements are as follows.

Each course in the PTA major is a prerequisite for the subsequent course and therefore must be passed with a minimum “C” grade in order to proceed successfully through the program.

Lower Division Courses

Physical Therapist Assistant Major Courses (48.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant 5.0 credit hours
Kinesiology 4.0 credit hours
Functional Modalities 4.0 credit hours
Therapeutic Exercise I 4.0 credit hours
Therapeutic Exercise II 2.0 credit hours
Patient Care Procedures 4.0 credit hours
Tests and Measurements 4.0 credit hours
Pathophysiology 5.0 credit hours
Rehabilitation 4.0 credit hours
Clinical Experience I 5.0 credit hours
Clinical Experience II 7.0 credit hours
Behavioral Science (3.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Psychology 3.0 credit hours
Computers (3.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Computers 3.0 credit hours
English (3.0 Credit Hours)
English Composition I 3.0 credit hours
English Composition II 3.0 credit hours
Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
American Literature 3.0 credit hours
English Literature 3.0 credit hours
Mathematics (3.0 credit hours)
Intermediate Algebra 3.0 credit hours
Natural Science (11.0 credit hours)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4.0 credit hours
Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4.0 credit hours
Human Functional Anatomy 3.0 credit hours

Estimated Student Costs

Estimated Student Cost for Physical Therapist Assistant Program Major
Tuition for PTA Program Major $33,072 total tuition for the PTA major ($11,024 per semester)
University Registration Fee $145
University Application Fee $55
Education Fee $2,940 ($980 per semester)
Required Textbooks $3,000 ($1000 per semester)
Student Materials and Equipment Cost $100
Required Resources Cost:
– APTA Membership
– PEAT Exam
$92
$79-$99
Background Check, Physical, and Pre-Clinical Costs $750
On-Site Review Course $300
Examination and Licensure Fees $851.10
Transcript Fee $5
Total Estimated Cost $41,409.10
Other Fees
Withdrawal Fee (if applicable) ($100)
Re-Entry Fee (if applicable) ($150)

Required and Optional Fees for Programs (Published in the University Catalogue)

  • Background Check $60 or as required by the applicable agency
  • AHCA Level II Background $88- $93 *(Fee varies by campus)
  • CPR $15.95-$35.00 *(Fee varies by required services and service provider)
  • HIPAA $15.95-$35.00 *(Fee varies by required services and service provider)
  • BBP/OSHA $15.95-$35.00 *(Fee varies by required services and service provider)
  • Medical Errors Training $15.95-$35.00 *(Fee varies by required services and service provider)
  • Drug screen $30-$46 *(Fee varies by required services and service provider)
  • Physical Examination $50-$200 *(Fee varies based on local provider)
  • Immunizations and Clinical Compliance Tracking $50-$150
  • APTA membership fee $92
  • PEAT for PTA $79-$99 (Board Practice Exam)
  • On-Site Review Course $100-$300 *(Fee varies by campus and by service provider)
  • FL Physical Therapy Board Application Fee $180
  • NPTE Licensing Examination Registration and Processing Fees $493
  • Prometric Testing Center Fee $82.60
  • FL Jurisprudence Exam Registration and Processing Fees $66
  • Prometric Testing Center Fee $29.50

*(Fees vary by campus and may be dependent on titer demonstration of immunity; required services at medical facilities, and the service provider)

Note: To view the PDF file linked above you will need to have Adobe Reader. To download a free copy of this software click here or go to the Adobe website at www.adobe.com.

PTA Outcomes

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.

State Licensure Disclosure

My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.

Jessica Kircher

Going to Keiser University was one of the greatest experiences in my life. All of my deans, professors, and staff made me feel that I was a part of something very special, and I am. I would recommend for anyone to get their education at Keiser University.

Belinda Haney

The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.

Justin Pugh

If not for my education at Keiser I probably would not be where I am today, in both life and career. It is because of going to Keiser and the instructors I had that I joined a club started by Mr. Williams, The Lakeland Shooters Photography Group, which allowed me to venture into an amazing and very creative field that I use to enhance all aspects of my life.

Anthony Sassano

The Design program at Keiser University was filled with real world learning and hands on instruction… Based on the portfolio I created while a student at Keiser University, I landed a job in Graphic Design for a major online retailer immediately after graduation.

Ty Fitzgerald

The year and a half I spent in the program better prepared me for attaining a job in the field…As a hands-on learner, the project-centered teaching was perfect for me.

Jackson Tejada

Keiser University has given me the opportunity to embrace a career change… It has opened the door for a timely graduation and quick return to the work force…

Dale Caverly

Without the education I received at Keiser University, I would not be where I am today!

Meisha Ebanks, R.N.

I not only received an excellent education but also encouragement and training that built my self-confidence every day.

Nidia Barrios

I realize the amount of knowledge I gained and feel that the educational experiences have developed me in to a person who can move higher up the career ladder.

Carlos Ramirez Flores

Keiser University’s MBA program has renewed my mind, changed the way I think, and given me a new sense of purpose.  The professors transformed my attitude and behavior, gave me the self-confidence I was lacking, and restored my energy.

Connie Sue Centrella

It has been great attending and graduating from Keiser University.  Because of the small class sizes, I was able to build good relationships with classmates and professors.  The PA professors care very much about the progress and success of the students and have been great advisors every step of the way through the program.

Annelise Merriner, PA-C

Attending Keiser University and getting my degree was the best decision I have ever made.  The small class sizes and personalized attention helped me get my degree quickly.  The hands-on experience and the education landed me a job at a neighboring law firm.

Dedrick Saxon

I chose Keiser because it had everything—small classes, caring professors, hands-on learning, and counselors that are really there for you.  I feel like I’m part of a family here, not just a number.

Natalie Dou

After being denied for several promotions at my current employer, I decided that I needed to further my education.  Since graduating from Keiser with my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I have been promoted and I am able to obtain positions that weren’t available to me before.

Laurie Williams

Beyond the curriculum of the courses, the lessons the instructors have taught me have paid dividends in my real work experiences. How to respond to criticisms, project and time management, interview skills, the list goes on and on. At the end of the day, they not only showed me how to design, but they taught me how to be a professional.

Ryan Bushey

Keiser helped change my life by getting my education at the right school! I had been going to another school before, I dropped out because I felt that I was not getting enough information. When I found out about Keiser, I was pleased because the instructors were great.

Nadege Dor

My decision to attend Keiser University has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I chose to enroll in the Information Technology program… The one-class-a-month pace helped incredibly with my self-discipline.

Marla Hadley

The BA for Business Administration at Keiser has to be one of the best in the nation. Keiser takes the basics that are taught at the Associates level and uses them to strengthen your skills and knowledge.

Vivian R. Howard, BA in Business Administration Graduate

I found that Keiser University’s Nuclear Medicine program of advanced studies and small class size was a perfect fit. I never came across a faculty member who wasn’t truly interested.

Gustavo Gonzalez, Nuclear Medicine Technology Graduate