By Carol Newman

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at South University, West Palm Beach has been accredited since 1997 and is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Physical Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses and improve their overall mobility and pain management.

The PTA program at South University is an accelerated program where students, once accepted to the profession phase of the program, can complete their degree in 18 months. This program is delivered in an evening class format so students can maintain employment while completing their degree. The PTA program comprises a comprehensive curriculum with classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, and clinical experiences. Students are expected to gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and other relevant sciences. They also acquire knowledge on therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and the use of specialized equipment to assist patients in rehabilitation. Hands-on clinical experience is a vital component of any PTA program and relies on partnerships within various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. During these clinical rotations, students can apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios under the guidance of experienced Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.

Students earn an Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant upon completion of the program. Graduates who subsequently pass the licensure exam elect to pursue career opportunities in a myriad of settings, such as hospitals, private practices, sports and fitness facilities, schools, and home healthcare agencies. PTAs work closely with physical therapists to optimize the patient experience, helping them to regain their independence and enhance their quality of life.

The South University West Palm Beach faculty includes experienced physical therapists and educators dedicated to providing high-quality education to all students. The PTA program leadership includes the Program Director, Larry Jaffe, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Jermaine Bell, PT, DPT.

Lawrence “Larry” Jaffe has been a practicing Physical Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for over 23 years. He is a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association and specializes in the field of sports physical therapy. Larry graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford, Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Rocky Mountain University, and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Additionally, Larry is Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Select Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Y-Balance Test (YBT), Dry Needling, and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Certified. Larry completed his Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS) at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he later was hired to spearhead their pediatric Sports Physical Therapy Program. Since moving to Florida in 2005, he has held the position of rehab director in multiple facilities. Larry’s clinical areas of expertise include sports medicine, orthopedics, aqua therapy, and injury prevention. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Athletic Training Association, and the USA Swimming Sports Medicine Network. Larry has been an instructor for clinical education courses across the United States and the Philippines. As supported by the university to maintain the current trends in Physical Therapy, Larry serves part-time at the Inter Miami CF Academy as an Academy Athletic Trainer providing sports medicine support to youth soccer players in South Florida.

Jermaine Bell has a storied history as a school-based Physical Therapist with experience in various settings such as outpatient orthopedics, acute care, subacute, and home-based therapy. He has prior utilization management experience with health insurance managers while serving as an orthopedic care manager. Before becoming a Physical Therapist, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 4 years. Post-military, Jermaine attended the University of Michigan and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, then later a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine. Jermaine has always held an affinity towards academia with a passion in sharing his knowledge obtained through educational and clinical experiences. Throughout his career, he has maintained that education is often the most vital part of the clinical process, and overall success in the Physical Therapy profession plays a vital role in patient compliance and understanding. Jermaine’s educational goals aim to tailor the delivery of academic material to meet the learner’s needs to increase the ability to understand, retain, and implement the material.