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.
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 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 with physical therapy practitioners and other members of the healthcare community.
Student learning outcomes:
- Students will be able to develop communication strategies for effective patient care.
- Students will be able to collaborate effectively with members of the healthcare team and the community, enhancing their ability to provide comprehensive physical therapy care and support.
Program Goal 2
Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes reflective of an entry level Physical Therapist Assistant.
Student learning outcomes:
- Students will be able to interpret and implement the components of the plan of care developed by the Physical Therapists in order to competently & safely perform the skills of an entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant.
Program Goal 3
Exhibit professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the scope of practice of a PTA.
Student learning outcomes:
- Students will be able to analyze clinical situations and respond in adherence to professional, legal, and ethical standards.
- Students will be able to monitor and implement changes in physical therapy practice based on evidence-based practice and research.
Program Goal 4
Explore contemporary practice to develop commitment to lifelong learning.
Student learning outcomes:
- Students will be able to actively participate in and share information from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and related professional organizations to promote engagement in professional opportunities while staying current in the field of physical therapy.
Program Goal 5
PTA Program faculty will offer a diverse range of impactful didactic and clinical learning opportunities for students.
Program Goal 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.
Prerequisites for Major Courses
- Background check and drug screening when applicable
- 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” in each course. Completion ofgeneral education courseworkwith a minimum grade of “C” for each course and cumulative grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0scale
- 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 PTA Program Director a minimum of one (1) month prior to starting the technical phase of the program.
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 | $37,224 total tuition for the PTA major ($12,408) per semester |
| University Registration Fee | $145 |
| University Application Fee | $55 |
| Education Fee | $2,940 ($980 per semester) |
| Required Textbooks | $6,000 ($2,000 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 | $350 |
| Examination and Licensure Fees | $862.50 |
| Transcript Fee | $5 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $48,622.50 |
| 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- $115 *(Fee varies by campus)
- CPR $35.00-$60.00 *(Fee varies by campus)
- HIPAA $15.95*(Fee varies by campus and service provider)
- BBP/OSHA $15.95*(Fee varies by campus and service provider)
- Medical Errors Training $15.95*(Fee varies by campus and service provider)
- Human Trafficking Training $15.95*(Fee varies by campus and service provider)
- Drug screen $35-$43 *(Fee varies by required services and service provider)
- Physical Examination $50-$200 *(Fee varies based on local provider)
- Immunizations $50-$150 *(Fees vary by campus and may be dependent on titer demonstration of immunity; required services at medical facilities, and the service provider)
- Clinical Compliance Tracking $100-$195 *(Fees vary by campus and required services at medical facilities, and the service provider)
- APTA membership fee $92
PEAT for PTA $79-$99 (NPTE Practice Exam) - NPTE Preparatory Courses: $150-$350 *(Fee varies by campus and by service provider)
- Florida Board of Physical Therapy Application Fee $180
- NPTE Licensing ExaminationRegistration and Processing Fees $493
- Prometric Testing Center Fee for NPTE $92
- Florida Jurisprudence Exam Registration and Processing Fees $65
- Prometric Testing Center Fee for Jurisprudence Exam $32.50
*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 Program 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
PTA Graduate Video
Keiser University Graduate, Lyndsey Cross, discusses how her degree in Physical Therapy from Keiser University helped change her life!
This program is available in the following Florida campuses:
Fort Lauderdale Campus, Fort Myers Campus, Jacksonville Campus, Lakeland Campus, Melbourne Campus, Miami Campus, Sarasota Campus, West Palm Beach Campus
Quick Contact
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.
