This program prepares students to be entry-level physical therapist assistants who function effectively in an ever-changing healthcare environment. This two-year Associate in Applied Science program consists of five consecutive semesters of classroom and clinical education with a strong emphasis on professional standards. As a cohort, students progress from classroom to clinical experiences in a variety of physical therapy settings. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing examination. Students who anticipate seeking a state licensure outside of Illinois should contact the program director for assistance in locating specific requirements. This degree typically is not designed for transfer.
More information about a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Students in the PTA program should expect to be treated fairly, professionally and with mutual courtesy and dignity. Students have the right to privacy, confidentiality and non-discrimination. Students also shall not endure any form of harassment or misconduct on the part of the faculty or the clinical instructor and staff of a clinical facility. Students have the right to a safe practice environment in the lab and clinical setting.
Mission, Goal and Objectives
Program mission
Enhancing quality of life through learning by committing to academic excellence in physical therapy education; developing entry-level physical therapist assistants who function effectively in an ever-changing healthcare environment; and providing exceptional services to our academic, professional, and community partners.
Each student in this program must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions, a negative drug screen, and current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer: adult, child & infant or AED).
Students in health career programs are advised to consult the Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations, section 13.4. This regulation concerns completion of all courses in health career curricula being completed with a grade of C or better.
- Collaborate effectively as members of an inter-professional healthcare team by communicating in ways that are congruent with situational needs in all interactions within the role and responsibilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Incorporate sound clinical reasoning and problem solving to provide evidence-based and patient-centered care to diverse populations across the lifespan by effectively and efficiently carrying out the physical therapy plan of care as competent Physical Therapist Assistants under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist.
- Contribute to high-quality practice management in both patient care and non-patient care activities in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
- Exhibit expected clinical behaviors in a professional and culturally competent and sensitive manner and that are consistent with established core professional values and established ethical and legal guidelines.
- Pursue lifelong personal and professional development through self-assessment, career development and lifelong learning opportunities to improve knowledge, skills, and behaviors.
- Enhance quality of life and health and wellness of the community by promoting an awareness of social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy.
Admission Requirements
A competitive entry enrollment process is used for the PTA program because the program accepts a maximum of 20 new students each fall. Therefore, being accepted to KCC does not mean acceptance into the PTA program. The curriculum of record for students applying to, but not yet accepted into, competitive entry health careers programs will be the Associate in General Studies.
Prospective students can find more on the application process--including deadlines, PTA eligibility worksheet, essential physical capabilities and functions--on KCC's website.
Applicants who meet minimum records and academic eligibility requirements by the deadline move to the next step, the A2 Entrance Exam. Students who achieve a score of 70% or higher are ranked for program entry based on their test scores. Eligible students who are not offered a seat will be alternates.
How to apply
- Step 1: Apply to KCC
- Step 2: Make an appointment with a health careers advisor to let them know that you would like to apply to the PTA program: Advising: advising@kcc.edu, phone: 815-802-8500.
- Step 3: Request your high school and any college transcripts to be sent to KCC. Please do this before you meet with the advisor.
- Step 4: After meeting with an advisor, you will be directed to pay for and schedule your A2 test.
- Step 5: Complete 10 documented hours observation/volunteer time in physical therapy or 200 hours work experience in a physical therapy setting within two years of application. The Physical Therapy Observation/Volunteer or Work Verification form has full details.
General education courses
Courses listed in the General Education requirements section can be completed prior to program acceptance.
Program-Specific Courses
PHTA courses must be completed in the order shown in the course sequence
General Education
Courses must be taken prior to or in the semester where they are shown in the course sequence.
Fall semester
Spring semester
Interim & summer term
Fall semester
Spring semester
The PTA Program is proud of its success in consistently meeting required student achievement measures and its mission, goal and objectives as demonstrated by actual student outcomes, including graduation rates, ultimate licensure pass rates, and employment rates.
Graduation rates+
| Graduating Class | Number of students admitted to the original cohort | Number of students who graduated at the normally expected time | Number of students who graduated within 150% of the normally expected time | Graduation rate (% completing within 150% of the normal expected time) | Combined average over two years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 18 | 12 | 1 | 81.25% | 83.92% |
| 2022 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 80% | 80.6% |
| 2023 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 85.7% | 82.85% |
| 2024 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 87.5% | 85.1% |
| 2025 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 80% | 83.75% |
Data as of 11/3/2025
+CAPTE accreditation standard: At least 60%, averaged over two years.
Licensure examination pass rates++ and employment rates^
| Graduation Year | Number of graduates | First-time pass rate: number of graduates passing the licensure exam on the first attempt | Combined average over two years for first-time pass rate | Ultimate pass rate: Number of graduates passing the licensure exam | Percent of graduates who sought employment that were employed within one year following graduation | Combined average over two years for employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12 | 7 (58%) | 72% | 11 (92%) | 92% | 96% |
| 2022 | 9 | 8 (88.9%) | 73.5% | 8 (88.9%) | 100% | 96% |
| 2023 | 6 | 4 (66%) | 77% | 6 (100%) | 100% | 100% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 (100%) | 83% | 6 (100%) | 100% | 100% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4 (80%) | 90% | 4 (80%) | TBD | TBD |
Data as of 11/3/2025
++CAPTE accreditation standard for ultimate licensure pass rates: At least 85%, averaged over two years.
^CAPTE accreditation standard for employment rates: At least 90%, averaged over two years.
If you have any questions regarding Physical Therapist Assistant program outcomes, please contact the program director, Kimberly Libby, PT, DPT, at 815-802-8816 or email klibby@kcc.edu.
KCC is officially recognized by the Illinois Community College Board and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. The Higher Learning Commission is located at 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at KCC is accredited by
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: http://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 815-802-8816 or email klibby@kcc.edu.
The program is designed to meet and exceed the criteria and standards of all governing agencies to ensure the program quality necessary for successful operation and continuous quality monitoring and improvement. Accreditation is the extensive review process conducted by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) to assure quality- both that the quality of your course work is high and that the program produces people qualified to serve the public. In order to take the licensure exam, individuals must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited program.
Click the CAPTE logo to verify accreditation status.
To file a complaint with CAPTE: Complete the steps on the CAPTE complaints page.