Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

The South College Physical Therapist Assistant program is a 24-month program leading to an Associate of Science degree. Classes are taught in the morning, afternoons, and evenings, Mondays through Fridays. Class schedules may change at the discretion of the institution. Students should be committed to considerable out of classroom preparation and study. Certain methods classes require off-campus site attendance.

Clinical education internships are required and administered by South College and take place in a variety of health care delivery facilities in the Knoxville metropolitan area and beyond. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from these off campus educational sites. Students are responsible for costs associated with any emergency services needed while participating in off-site educational activities.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the Physical Therapist in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist Assistant works under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains, and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others (American Physical Therapy Association).