Physical Therapy Student Spotlight: Itzel Mendoza

Aurora resident Itzel Mendoza initially considered a career in nutrition, but quickly shifted to physical therapy after chatting with a friend who suggested the path. 

In March 2021, she applied for a rehabilitation technical position. At the time, Mendoza was in the process of learning more about the physical therapy field and finishing prerequisites for the program. 

After enrolling in Elgin Community College’s (ECC) Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program in fall 2023, she was able to observe physical therapists in hospitals and clinics, which helped her discover that she is most interested in pelvic health therapy, particularly in the outpatient clinic setting. 

“I would like to encourage students who don’t know what to do for a career path to look into physical therapy,” Mendoza said, who is in her second year of the PTA program. “ It's a really rewarding career, and a lot of patients are very thankful for you for being there during a very hard time with them. It's an amazing process to watch.” 

Mendoza credits her physical therapy professor, Kim Tarver, who has encouraged her and her peers.

One of her most memorable moments has been in the Clinical Practicum class, where students apply their clinical skills in a local health clinic. 

This particular class includes a presentation where students select a topic to present. Mendoza chose pelvic health and the important role physical therapy plays during the postpartum period for patients.

She plans to graduate in May 2026, with plans to pursue certification in pelvic health therapy through ECC’s continuing education programs. She hopes to treat patients with pelvic health issues such as pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, or complications during pregnancy. 

“I would like to [help expand awareness] about the pelvic health world, and continue learning myself within that field,” Mendoza said.