Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA)
All PTA courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session For more details, go to elgin.edu/visitecc.
A criminal background check, and drug test are required for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program. For more information please refer to elgin.edu/physicaltherapy.
PTA 110 Therapeutic Exercise (1)(.5,1)
Instruction in various therapeutic exercises, such as ROM, flexibility, stretching, and strengthening, will be provided with different exercise equipment. Topics include the basics of the exercise prescription to improve patient goals and outcomes while integrating postural concepts and safety awareness. Students will learn proper body alignment and posture during the performance of exercises. Various therapeutic interventions will be introduced, including exercises: aerobic Exercises, Balance and coordination exercises, flexibility exercises & ROM, postural awareness activities, strengthening exercises, and patient education regarding exercise performance for patients across the lifespan.(1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $285 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program and concurrent enrollment in PTA 112 and PTA 120.
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
PTA 112 Documentation Communication (3)(3,0)
This course introduces forms of documentation with emphasis on the SOAP format. Medical terminology related to physical therapy and the healthcare environment is an integral part of the course. Legal and ethical procedures regarding documentation are discussed. Students will be able to document an accurate and effective SOAP note utilizing appropriate medical terminology at the conclusion of this course. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $475 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Physical Therapy Assistance Program
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
PTA 114 Pathology (3)(3,0)
This pathology course will provide the student with a scientific study of the nature of various diseases and related causes, processes, development, and consequences. The course introduces students to pathologies of different human body systems and their effect on providing physical therapy interventions. In concurrent and subsequent PTA courses, advanced knowledge and clinical pathology application will be expected. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $455 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 110, PTA 112, PTA 120 . Concurrent enrollment in PTA 122, PTA 123, and PTA 125
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
PTA 120 Physical Therapist Assisting I (4)(3,2)
This course introduces the student to the history and principles of physical therapy; standards of practice and conduct for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants; the PT/PTA preferred relationship and respective roles and responsibilities; state and federal laws governing the practice of physical therapists and assistants; overview of the structure and organization of the U.S. health care system; general information about the professional organization and its impact on practice; principles and concepts related to patient practitioner interactions including psycho-social issues and cultural awareness; principles of patient education; documentation standards; basics of patient care services including transfers, assistive devices, patient instruction; data collection including vital signs, arousal, mentation and cognition; infection control measures; concepts of professional communications; basic clerical functions; and expected professional behaviors. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $840 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into PTA program.
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
PTA 122 Physical Therapist Assisting II (4)(2,4)
This course further develops and refines patient care skills acquired in PTA 120, with additional emphasis on professional behavior, the basics of scientific research and data analysis, and compliance with professional guidelines. Areas of study will include basic pharmacology, an introduction to soft tissue mobilization techniques, the basics of wound management, burn, lymphedema, and lymphedema management, and the study and practice of therapeutic modalities, including physical agents, electrotherapeutic agents, and mechanical and manual traction.(1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $740 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 110, PTA 112, PTA 120. Concurrent enrollment in PTA 114, PTA 123, and PTA 125
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
PTA 123 Clinical Practicum I (3)(0,9)
This first clinical experience provides an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge from PTA 120 and concurrent PTA 122 in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. This first of three affiliations meets two eight-hour days per week for nine weeks for total of 144 hours. The course includes weekly academic projects and activities completed under the supervision of the clinical instructor. The course assignments will emphasize and utilize the knowledge gained and correlate it with previously gained knowledge and skills. The course assignments include a presentation and clinical work environment-specific activities, including a review of medical records, executing patient care activities under the direction of CI and PT, discussing ethical and professional issues, and developing communication and documentation skills. The improved skill competency must be reflected in all areas of the Clinical Performance Instrument and rated at least Advanced Beginner.(1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $455 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 110, PTA 112, PTA 120. Concurrent enrollment in PTA 114, PTA 122, and PTA 125
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
PTA 125 Kinesiology (4)(2,4)
Kinesiology is the study of movement, combining concepts from other courses, such as anatomy, physiology, physics, and biology, and relating them to human movement. Understanding biomechanics, kinetics, osteo, and arthrokinematics is essential to physical therapy. This course will also serve as a further review of musculoskeletal function and its interdependence with other systems. This course will prepare students to understand joint structure and muscle function and aid them in learning how to execute treatment related to functional mobility and stability. Body structures previously studied in anatomy and physiology will be further examined as they apply to movement performance, posture, balance, and gait. Each major joint of the musculoskeletal system, as well as major body systems, will be reviewed. Students will learn joint mobility and soft tissue palpation skills, as well as data collection and measurements of ROM, muscle strength, length, and tone in laboratory practice, to prepare for patient data collection and execute appropriate treatment strategies. All course information will be related to applying clinical practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $640 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 110, PTA 112, PTA 120 and concurrent enrollment in PTA 114 PTA 122 and PTA 123 or instructor consent.
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
PTA 231 Physical Therapist Assisting III (5)(3,4)
This course further develops and refines patient care skills acquired in PTA 120 and PTA 122, advancing stretching and flexibility interventions, balance training, resistance training, aerobic training emphasizing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, functional training and assessment, fundamental orthopedic management, and the musculoskeletal system. Participants will become familiar with rehabilitation interventions for cardiopulmonary conditions and diseases, amputation and prosthetics, orthopedic surgeries and injuries commonly seen in physical therapy, associated interventions, and data collection techniques. The course builds on critical and clinical thinking skills necessary for the PTA to execute specific interventions and protocols established in the supervising physical therapist's plan of care. Specialized topics include physical therapy management and considerations for varied patient populations, including general orthopedics, joint surgeries, common sports injuries, amputees, healthy aging and geriatrics, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, pelvic floor, and uncomplicated pregnancy and post-partum status. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $975 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 114, 122, PTA 123 and PTA 125; concurrent enrollment in PTA 232
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
PTA 232 Clinical Practicum II (5)(0,15)
This clinical experience provides an opportunity to apply skills acquired in all previous PTA curriculum courses and concurrent PTA 231 in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. This second of three affiliations meets three eight-hour days per week for ten weeks (a total of 240 hours). The students will be able to participate in delivering physical therapy services in various clinical settings. The course includes weekly assignments and activities, including completing education presentations to the clinical staff members, performing patient care activities, data and patient care management activities, and reflecting on the process related to the delivery of PT services. The second clinical course requires improving the student's competency progression in the above-noted areas. The improved skill competency must be reflected in all areas of the Clinical Performance Instrument and rated at least Advanced Intermediate.(1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $725 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 114, 122, PTA 123 and PTA 125 and Concurrent enrollment in PTA 231
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
PTA 241 Physical Therapist Assisting IV (5)(3,4)
This course includes the theory and practice of skills needed in clinical practice as a PTA and interventions for patients with neurological deficits due to disease or trauma and common pediatric disorders. Other study topics will include the psychosocial issues related to rehabilitation, environmental barriers and adaptive modifications, prescription wheelchair seating systems, a study of typical and atypical motor development, neurotherapeutic rehabilitation techniques, and the effects of aging on functional movement across the lifespan. This course includes the management and application of physical therapy interventions, which require advanced problem-solving skills and critical thinking to apply effective PTA and safe strategies in executing the POC. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $925 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 231 and PTA 232 and concurrent enrollment in PTA 242
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
PTA 242 Clinical Practicum III (5)(0,15)
The students will participate in providing physical therapy in various clinical settings under the supervision of the CI and PT. Students will have the opportunity and be expected to apply skills learned in all the prior PTA classroom and clinical courses. This third rotation is full-time, 40 hours per week, for six weeks of clinical experience for 240 clinical hours. The course includes all aspects of the PTA clinical practice, patient care activities, weekly assignments, and special projects. Students will complete professional presentations, participate in the quality improvement processes, become familiar with interprofessional teams, and pursue lifelong learning activities. Emphasis on utilizing the knowledge gained in the PTA program via demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving abilities related to the clinical setting is expected. The third clinical course requires improvement in the student's skills and competency progression in all performance areas, as reflected in all areas of the Clinical Performance Instrument. The student must achieve Entry Level performance after this course. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $725 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PTA 231 and PTA 232 and Concurrent enrollment in PTA 241
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
PTA 250 Physical Therapist Assistant Seminar (2)(2,0)
Course explores current issues in Physical Therapy, including career options, professional organizations and governmental regulations. The role of the PTA as an integral member of the health care team is discussed. Students prepare for the physical therapist assistant licensing exam. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
SPECIAL NOTE: Explore the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $420 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PTA 241 and PTA 242
Semester(s) Offered: Spring