Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

In just two years, Elgin Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students to be successfully employed. Our state-of-the-art lab spaces let them practice using the equipment they’ll use in the field. We also partner with clinics to give students hands-on clinical experiences; many students receive job offers from those internships. If you're passionate about fitness, wellness, and helping others, becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA) could be ideal.

Successful PTAs have exceptional communication skills and enjoy working with people of all ages. ECC’s program teaches you how to create exercise programs for patients with various mobility levels and use effective treatment methods. You will also learn to problem-solve and collaborate with other healthcare team members.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The job outlook for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) is very positive. This growth is expected to be driven by an aging population and an increased need for rehabilitation services. PTAs will be in high demand, helping reduce physical therapists' workload and enabling them to treat more patients. Roughly 25,500 job openings are projected each year over the next decade.

Overall, the job outlook for PTAs is very good, and the field is expected to grow in the coming years. Refer to Career Coach to learn more about similar occupations and compensation.

Physical Therapist Assistant Application Deadline

The applications must be submitted by March 15 to be considered for the following Fall admissions.

• Admit one time per year - Fall only.

How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant in the United States, you must graduate from an accredited PTA program. The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Afterward, you must pass a state-administered national exam to obtain licensure or certification, which most states require.

A PTA program typically lasts two years (five semesters). The curriculum covers primary content areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, and clinical pathology. It also includes behavioral sciences, communication, ethics, and values.

Approximately 75% of the PTA curriculum is classroom (didactic) and lab study; the remaining 25% is dedicated to clinical education. On average, PTA students spend 16 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences.

What sets the ECC physical therapist assistant program apart?

ECC’s PTA program has proven outcomes in the last 15 years. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Physical Therapist Assisting. They can take the PTA state licensure exam, preparing them for entry-level employment in the physical therapy field. We have a track record of passing all our students on the PTA state licensure exam. Plus, over 90 percent of our graduates are employed as PTAs yearly. Learn more about our program effectiveness.

How long does it take to become a physical therapist assistant?

Elgin Community College’s PTA program can be completed in five semesters over two years, including a 10-week summer semester. The program comprises 71-74 credit hours, including classroom and laboratory components. PTA students complete three clinical rotations, in which they learn under the direction and supervision of a licensed PT.

What does a physical therapist assistant do?

As a PTA, you will work under the direction of licensed physical therapists (PTs). You’ll assist people of all ages with various health issues and medical diagnoses. Your kinesiology and biology knowledge will help you use exercise and movement to reduce pain and improve patients' mobility. The ultimate goal is to restore optimal function.

A successful PTA empathizes with patients with illnesses and disabilities while demonstrating strong knowledge and clinical skills. A career in physical therapy is challenging but extremely rewarding. Common areas of employment include:

Learn more about PTA careers and work settings from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Elgin Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call the PTA Program Office at 847-214-7289 or email bostrowska@elgin.edu.

Getting a Job in Physical Therapy

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant?

PTs are mainly concerned with diagnosing patients and developing a rehabilitation program tailored to the patient’s prognosis. PTAs focus more on preparing patients to be diagnosed and assisting in executing the rehabilitation plan. Becoming a PT requires an advanced degree, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This typically takes three years of schooling after earning a bachelor’s degree.

What type of student does well in the PTA program?

Our program welcomes a diverse range of students, from recent high school graduates to those working as rehabilitation aides. Many of our students already have bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology or exercise science.