Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant – Knoxville
Discover
Our Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program can prepare you to take on entry-level positions in the growing field of physical therapy in approximately two years. Through both classroom and in-the-field clinical training, you’ll develop the skills to assist physical therapists in delivering treatment plans that help patients from athletes to military veterans regain function, strength, and control. Our PTA program covers all aspects of physical therapy, including sports medicine, pediatrics, acute care, outpatient orthopedics, rehabilitation, extended care, and assisted living. The educational and practical instruction you receive while earning your degree will prepare you to enter a broad range of medical environments where you can make a direct positive impact on your patients’ quality of life. Demand for physical therapy assistants is high, which gives you the opportunity to specialize in a field that aligns with your interests and professional goals.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Professional communication
- Documentation and medical records
- Patient management
- Patient rehabilitation techniques
- Therapeutic exercise and muscle testing
See All Physical Therapy Programs
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tuition and Fees
Available Locations
Ranked #1 in
Tennessee 2023-2024
for Associate Level
Physical Therapist Assistant
Ranked #2 in the
Southeast Region
2023-2024 for
Associate Level
Physical Therapist Assistant
Ranked #6 in the
Nation 2023-2024
for Associate Level
Physical Therapist Assistant
Examples of Scholarships and Grants That May Be Available (Check with Your Campus Financial Aid Office For More Information)
South College Promise
TN Promise
Yellow Ribbon
Concentrations in this Program
Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
-
Like making others feel better or more comfortable -
Enjoy working as part of a team -
Have a passion for the human body and really understanding all of its functions -
Want to help people like athletes and military professionals recover and gain their range of motion back -
Maintain professionalism with patients, families, and care providers
Go even further with South College!
Mission and Student Outcomes
Mission/Purpose
The mission of the South College PTA program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, competent professionals who have the skills necessary to meet the career demands of an entry-level physical therapist assistant and, thereby, serve the diverse needs of their communities. A comprehensive curriculum is maintained, which includes verifying the competence and professionalism of students. To promote an optimal educational experience for all students, diversity in teaching methodology is also practiced. As role models, those involved with the program strive to exhibit the professional attributes expected in the physical therapy profession.
Program Goals and Expected Outcomes
- Graduates will be competent physical therapist assistants who work under the supervision of physical therapists.
- Students/graduates will demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
- Student/graduates will implement appropriate physical therapy treatments based on the plan of care established by a licensed physical therapist.
- Students/graduates will understand the role of the physical therapist assistant and work in a manner consistent with their state practice act and APTA’s Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Graduates will pass the national physical therapist assistant licensure exam.
- The program will maintain a comprehensive curriculum developed and taught by qualified faculty in accordance with accreditation standards.
- Faculty will continually develop and improve a comprehensive didactic curriculum.
- Faculty will continually develop and improve a comprehensive clinical education plan.
- The program will maintain adequate physical and monetary resources to facilitate a learning environment.
- The program’s mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives will be consistent with those of the college.
- The program, through its faculty and students, will show a commitment to the private and professional communities through activities of continuing education, service, and advocacy for the physical therapy profession.
- The program will provide faculty with professional development opportunities relevant to their topics of instruction, licensure requirements, areas of weakness noted on assessment tools, and desired areas of professional growth.
- Faculty and students will participate in community service activities
- Faculty will be advocates for the physical therapy profession
| Classes of 2022 | Classes of 2023 | 2 yr. Average | |
| # Enrolled in the Program Cohort 1 Cohort 2 | 14 7 | 8 7 | |
| % that Graduated Cohort 1 Cohort 2 | 93% (13/14) 86% (6/7) | 75% (6/8) 100% (7/7) | 89% (32/36) |
| % that Passed Licensure Exam (if attempted per FSBPT) Cohort 1 Cohort 2 | 86% (12/14) 67% (4/6) | 67% (4/6) 100% (7/7) | 82% (27/33) |
Additional Information
Admission Requirements (AS PTA)
General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the Associate of Science degree program in Physical Therapist Assistant. Applicants interested in this program are required to visit the college and meet individually with an admissions representative and a program advisor to ascertain if their goals can be met by the college. Prospective students declaring PTA as their major must be generally admitted to South College and meet the following requirements in order to be considered for full admission to the program:- Meet minimum score requirements required by the program on the college entrance examination, OR present documentation of a score of 19 or higher on the ACT Assessment examination, OR have earned transfer credit of 15 semester (23 quarter) hours with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), OR achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 for the program’s pre-requisite general education courses (ENG 1201 English Composition, ENG 1211 English Composition with Research, BIO 1110 Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 1120 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, BIO 1130 Anatomy & Physiology II, BIO 1140 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab, AHS 1010 Medical Terminology, COM 1261 Effective Speaking, MAT 1200 College Algebra w/Statistics and Angles, and a Psychology elective course- PSY 1811 General Psychology or PSY 1821 Human Growth and Development. *Effective Speaking (COM 1261) OR the Psychology Elective (PSY 1811 or PSY 1821 ), OR the Humanities Elective may be completed after beginning PTA major coursework but prior to taking PTA 2210.
- Complete and submit the South College AS PTA Program Application and Checklist.
- Submit three (3) letters of reference utilizing the program’s reference form. These reference forms will be scored and must average seventy-five percent (75%) or better.
- Complete all required general education core courses and earn the minimum grade of “C” or higher.
- Complete BIO 1110 Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 1120 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, BIO 1130 Anatomy & Physiology II, and BIO 1140 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab with at least a 2.50 grade point average. The necessary grades must be achieved on the first or second attempt (all postsecondary attempts counted) unless approved by department chair.
- Complete PTA 1010 Introduction to PTA, PTA 1030 Pathophysiology, and PTA 1500 Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology with a grade of “C” or better earned on the first or second attempt only. A grade of “C” is equivalent to 75%.
- Submit proof of at least sixteen (16) hours of observation and/or work hours in a physical therapy setting using the form provided by the PTA program. Transfer credit for Kinesiology or Pathophysiology classes to the South College PTA program from another institution will be considered on an individual basis. For a PTA class to be considered for transfer into the South College PTA program, the class must have been comparable in hours and content, must have been taken within the last five years, and a grade of “B” or higher must have been received for the class. For final transfer approval, a course description or syllabus may be required.
Accreditation
The South College Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program offered at the Knoxville and Nashville campuses is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) (3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305, 703-706-3245, www.capteonline.org). The last review was conducted in 2013 with reaccreditation granted through 2024. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 629-802-3126 or email mwray@south.edu.
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
More InfoDoes South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
More InfoIs South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
More InfoHow do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Apply NowDo you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
More InfoLooking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
More InfoWhat Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
More InfoDoes South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
More Info