After spending time in a job that felt unfulfilling, Anthony Shibley needed a change. “I always knew that I could do more to help people,” he says.
Anthony found the answer at South University, Richmond with the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The program features academic lectures, hands-on labs, clinical coursework, and multiple clinical education experiences. In the clinical portion, students work with physical therapy patients in various healthcare settings.
“I knew that South would give me an opportunity to wake up every morning and do something that I would be passionate about,” Anthony explains.1 Anthony completed the PTA program and earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in 2014. Now, ten years later, he is still excited about his career and proud of his impact on patients.
Anthony is a PTA in home health, where he helps a wide range of people with many different diagnoses. It is a challenging and rewarding role. “The job itself is great,” he says. “Every day is different when you walk in somebody's house. I love it because you can apply your knowledge inside their environments.”
When working with patients, Anthony receives a care plan from a physical therapist. Based on that plan, he guides his patients in things like therapeutic exercise and balancing activities. In some cases, he uses modalities, which include hot and cold packs, electrical stimulation, traction, and more. The therapy plan can also involve manual therapy, a hands-on treatment involving manipulating and applying pressure to a patient’s joints and soft tissues.
“As the patient progresses, you'll have to change what you've been doing based on what you're seeing” Anthony explains.
For Anthony, being a home health PTA has many benefits, including working one-on-one with patients in their everyday environment. This setting allows him to give each patient his full attention.
“What life's like now compared to where it was before I started South? You can't compare it,” Anthony says. “Every day you wake up, you're enjoying what you're doing. If you can start your day like that, then that's a pretty good start. The rest is up to you.” 
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1South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2023.
