Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed healthcare providers who assist in delivering high-quality physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (PT). A combination of clinical practicum rotations and other learning experiences including the use of technology and online instructional enhancements, lectures, discussions, small group activities, and guided laboratory practice prepares graduates to be employed in a variety of clinical settings. This multidimensional educational approach fosters the development of individual responsibility and professional behaviors leading to successful lifelong learning.
Read more about careers in physical therapist assisting at the American Physical Therapy Association.
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, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.
CAPTE is the only recognized organization providing accreditation for physical therapist assistant and physical therapist programs in the United States.
Program accreditation provides students, graduates, and employers with information pertaining to the program’s skill, knowledge, value, and competency. These are the goals the program intends to impart to the students, to prepare them to enter the PTA profession. Graduation from an accredited program also provides the capability to apply for licensure in each of the states. By requiring programs to meet specific criteria and standards for accreditation, students have access to the best curriculum available in their field.
Accreditation of educational programs assures patients that students, who perform procedures, have appropriate supervision during the educational process. It also indicates that graduates will have met the minimum level of competency as defined nationally by the profession.
Through the process of programmatic accreditation and program review, educators are assured that their educational programs remain current with the profession and with standards developed through national consensus.
Must complete all steps listed below.
- Apply with ECC - how to apply
- Complete and submit your health professions application by March 15, the annual application deadline for the following fall admission.
- Create an account for AHCAS. The application cycle starts on 09/25 of each year for admission to the fall cohort of the following year (nominal fee).
- Complete the PTA Program Mandatory Information Course online. Self-Service. You should select the "CHP 900-PTA Information Session" to verify AHCAS completion. Complete the post-course Quiz and receive a Certification of Completion. After you complete the Quiz, please access the "Award "Tab and save your certificate. You will later upload it on AHCAS.
- Completed prerequisites BIO 110 or BIO 113, BIO 245, ENG 101, PSY 100, and Humanities and Fine Arts 3 course credit electives with a grade of C or better. Submit official transcripts to AHCAS for evaluation.
- Provide three references on AHCAS to support your application. The ECC PTA program will accept references from PTs, PTAs, faculty, teachers, coaches, and employers.
- Provide official transcripts from the college or university you have attended to the ECC Records Department. You must request a formal evaluation of your college course transcript.
- Please note: You must be 18 or older to sit for the state licensure examination.
If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact the program director, Barbara Ostrowska, at bostrowska@elgin.edu or 847-214-7289.
If you have questions related to submitting college transcripts, please get in touch with the Records department. Transferring college credit to ECC, please make sure you have applied for admission before submitting this request. Please remember that it is the student’s responsibility to request official transcripts for all colleges, universities, or the military and contact records at records@elgin.edu or 847-214-7386 to confirm all transcripts have been received before requesting the evaluation.
Note: All health professions programs require criminal background checks and drug testing. Students demonstrating a positive background check or positive drug test will be denied admission to health professions programs. Students demonstrating a positive background check or positive drug test while enrolled in health professions programs will be dismissed from the program.
The ECC PTA Program strives to be recognized as the preferred educational institution in Northwest Chicago suburbs. The PTA Program promotes professional behaviors, critical thinking skills, and competencies consistent with the physical therapy profession and essential for a career in physical therapy and the healthcare industry.
Before you start, make sure to visit the ECC PTA website to review details on the application requirements, degree plan, and ECC Health Professions Programs requirements. Below is an overview of what is needed to apply to the PTA program:
March 15, is the annual application deadline for the following fall admission.
If you have never taken a credit class at ECC, you must complete an ECC application for admission before submitting the Health Professions Application. Get more information on how to apply.
Admission Criteria Elgin Community College PTA Program
The application deadline is March 15.
Selection Criteria
(This section is used to rank applicants)
1. Completed PTA Information course online (10 points)
2. Academics. Students will receive points for each grade earned for pre-requisite courses.
- BIO 110 or BIO 113, BIO 245, ENG 101, PSY100, and Humanities/Fine Arts elective (3 credits) course
- A: 16 points, B: 12 points, C: 8 points
- General education courses related to the PTA program with a grade of C or higher are reviewed.
- Anatomy & physiology courses must be within 10 yrs. old of the application due date.
- Maximum points 80, min 40 points.
3. References/ Evaluation scoring.
- Each reference item max score is 5 pts/ 11 sections.
- Maximum points 65 points, min 30.
- PTACAS Reference/Evaluation Form is used for the application process.
Applications are rated based on the scores accumulated from the above-listed categories. Applicants who score in the top twenty are accepted to the program.
Admission Notes
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet all requirements and ensure that all documentation is on file.
- Accepted applicants must be 18 years of age before the program starts.
- All correspondence regarding enrollment applications will be emailed to the ECC email address.
- Applicants should be aware that it may take up to several weeks for the College to receive transcript(s) from the sending institution(s).
- Official transcripts will be evaluated as they are received; applicants must request the formal evaluation.
- Qualified applicants not selected may be placed on the waitlist.
- It is very important that you make financial aid preparations well in advance of any deadlines so that you know exactly what resources are available to you.
- All applicants admitted to the program must complete all program requirements before the start of the first fall semester.
- Criminal background checks and drug testing are required for all health professions programs. Students with unfavorable background checks or positive drug tests will be denied admission to health professions programs.
- If you have any questions regarding the process, please do not hesitate to contact the ECC PTA PD, Dr. Barbara Ostrowska at 847-214-7289 or bostrowska@elgin.edu.
Program goals include:
1. To prepare graduates who possess entry-level skills and knowledge that will function under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
Program Outcome: Develop the knowledge and skill to provide accurate, appropriate, and safe interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist.
- Collect, understand, and analyze written, verbal, performed, and observed data about a patient.
- Provide accurate and appropriate interventions within the plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
2. To ensure graduates possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to real-world situations for contemporary evidence-based practice.
Program Outcome: Demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving and critical thinking skills regarding patient care.
- Apply knowledge of principles, indications and contraindications for physical therapy interventions.
- Make adjustments within the plan of care to accommodate the patient condition and other variables.
3. To graduate students who practice effective communication skills in the clinical work setting.
Program Outcome: Practice effective communication skills in the clinical setting with members of the healthcare team, patients and their families and provide appropriate education.
- Demonstrate effective oral, written and nonverbal communication with patient's, families and members of the interdisciplinary health care team.
- Educate colleagues, volunteers, patients and families. Caregivers and other members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
4. To graduate individuals that demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors.
Program Outcome: Develop a professional code of conduct regarding their roles as a PTA which includes ethics, safety and lifelong learning.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors consistently in the classroom, lab setting and clinical environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the role of the PTA .
- Discuss and apply concepts of multi-cultural awareness in professional behavior in the classroom and clinical environment.
5. Employ qualified and effective faculty that maintains contemporary practice and academic development in educational foundations, maintain progress for tenure and promotion, and are involved in the profession.
- Faculty members demonstrate contemporary practice knowledge, academic development in educational foundations, progress for tenure and/or promotion, and involvement in the profession.
6. Facilitate participation in the communities served by providing and assessing educational needs.
- Faculty members contribute to community service and promote lifelong learning.
Physical Therapist Assistant Courses
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 .
PTA 112 Communication and Documentation (3)(3,0)
This course introduces forms of healthcare communication, including accepted written physical therapy documentation. Medical terminology related to physical therapy and the healthcare environment is integral to the course. Legal and ethical procedures, including professional guidelines and regulations, laws, and practice acts regarding professional physical therapy documentation, are discussed. Students will be able to utilize appropriate communication strategies with various clients and supervising clinicians, construct accurate, medically defensible documentation to support medical necessity, the need for skilled intervention, and billing procedure, and address all pertinent parts of the care plan while 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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
