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 11.4. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 21 | 17 | 0 | 89.4% | 94.7% |
| 2018 | 19 | 13 | 1 | 100% | 94.7% |
| 2019 | 18 | 13 | 1 | 93.3% | 96.65% |
| 2020 | 18 | 13 | 0 | 86.6% | 89.95% |
| 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 | 7* | 87.5% | 85.1% |
Data as of 7/31/2024 - *Indicates that one student from this cohort is still enrolled and expected to graduate within 150% of the normally expected time.
+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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 17 | 16 (94.1%) | 97% | 17 (100%) | 100% | 100% |
| 2018 | 13 | 12 (92%) | 93% | 13 (100%) | 100% | 100% |
| 2019 | 14 | 13 (93%) | 93% | 14 (100%) | 100% | 100% |
| 2020 | 13 | 11 (92%) | 89% | 13 (100%) | 100% | 100% |
| 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% |
Data as of 10/1/2023
++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.
How many students are admitted to the program?
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program admits a new class of 20 students each year to begin in the fall.
What do I need to do to apply to the program?
The PTA program is designed to admit recent high-school graduates as well as adult learners. High school students should pursue advanced math (algebra) and science (biology and chemistry) courses to prepare for the PTA program. For the adult learner, prerequisite coursework may be required if previously completed coursework is more than five to seven years old. For chemistry and biology eligibility requirements, a student may petition to take the A2 Entrance Exam to meet an eligibility requirement if previous course work is too old to be considered. In this case, a passing score of 80% or better on the respective content area is required to meet the eligibility requirement.
For program entry requirements, consult a KCC health careers advisor or consult the PTA program of study in KCC's e-catalog PTA program applicants must also complete ten (10) hours of documented observation/volunteer in physical therapy or 200 hours work experience as a rehab tech or physical therapy aide within two years of application. For verification and documentation of observation/volunteer or work experience, please save and/or print this verification and documentation form.
Being accepted to KCC does not mean acceptance into the PTA program. A competitive entry enrollment process is employed due to limitations placed upon the number of students who may be accepted. The PTA program accepts 20 (twenty) new students into the program each fall.
Applicants who meet minimum records and academic eligibility requirements by the application deadline will be eligible to take the A2 Entrance Exam which is required for scoring for the competitive entrance process. After testing, all eligible students will be ranked based on test scores. In order to be ranked, the student must receive a minimum score of 70%. Eligible students who are not offered a seat will be alternates for the respective application year. Applications will continue to be accepted after the initial deadline, with eligible applicants being considered for program entry on a space available basis according A2 Entrance Exam scores.
Are CPR certifications, physical examinations, background checks, drug testing or any other medical testing required in order to complete an application?
No. The required physical exam, drug testing, background screening, and CPR certifications are completed once accepted to the program so that each will be current and valid throughout the clinical practicums. The student is responsible for these requirements.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The PTA program is an integrated two-year (five consecutive semester) program. Once admitted to the program, students must progress through the courses corresponding to the curriculum model. For example, students admitted to the program in August 2015 and progress successfully through the program will graduate in May 2017. It is the policy of the Health Careers Division that students complete the program degree requirements within 150% of the normally expected time. Students who are unsuccessful in doing so are withdrawn from the program and may pursue reentry in the same manner as a student who is applying to the program for the first time.
Is the program accredited?
KCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) North Central Association. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at KCC 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:http://www.capteonline.org/.
What is accreditation?
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.
How to file a complaint with CAPTE: Complete the steps on the CAPTE complaints page.
When are classes scheduled?
The program is full-time, during daytime, with lecture and labs each week. Academic classes are on KCC's Riverfront Campus. Clinical experiences are at local, regional, or national facilities. The locations based on the student’s educational needs/preferences and availability. Clinical experiences are full-time weekdays with occasional extended hours and weekends. Clinical travel expenses are the responsibility of the student. Open skills laboratories (voluntary) may also be available on weekends.
Following is the Riverfront Campus schedule as of Fall 2024. It is subject to change based on faculty and class availability.
- Monday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May I withdraw from the PTA program and later be re-admitted?
KCC and the PTA program faculty work very closely with students to optimize their ability to successfully complete the program, graduate, and pursue successful careers. In cases where students must withdrawal from the program, all re-admission requirements for the college must be met in addition to those requirements for the PTA program, which is also on a time-sensitive basis. The program completion policy applies to such situations.
Are PTA program courses transferrable?
The KCC PTA degree typically is not designed for transfer. KCC has partnered with several four-year colleges and universities to make it easier to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree. Specifically, the PTA program has partnered with Governors State University and has agreements with transfer guides for several programs of study. Students interested in transferring PTA coursework are encouraged to contact the school of interest to determine transferability of courses. Students can also meet with a transfer advisor in Student Affairs at KCC to discuss these bachelor's program partnerships.
What are the pathways to a career as a Licensed Physical Therapist (PT)?
Please consult the PDF Pathways to a Career as a Licensed Physical Therapist (PT).
Is it recommended that I observe or volunteer in physical therapy?
Yes. You are encouraged to observe or volunteer in various physical therapy settings to gain a better understanding about physical therapy and the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant within the health care team. Applicants must complete ten (10) hours of documented observation/volunteer in physical therapy or 200 hours work experience as a rehab tech or physical therapy aide within two years of application. Allow time to locate a site, establish a schedule and complete the hours. You can arrange for volunteer/observation experience at locations such as local hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient physical therapy clinics. Observation/volunteer hours must occur in at least two different physical therapy settings; a minimum of eight hours must be completed in an inpatient (hospital or extended care facility) physical therapy setting. See verification and documentation forms.
Can I work and go to school?
Students are cautioned that the PTA program is a rigorous course of study. The program faculty recommends that work hours be kept to a minimum during active enrollment in the program in order to optimize acceptable academic progress.
Is financial aid available?
Financial assistance is available to all eligible students at KCC in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. For further information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 815-802-8550 or visit the website.
Where can I get more information about Health Careers and the PTA program at KCC?
- Tour our campus and/or apply to KCC: visit.kcc.edu - apply.kcc.edu
- Plan your course schedule: Academic advisement - Phone: 815-802-8500
- For general questions: info.kcc.edu - Phone: 815-802-8100; en español: 815-802-8586
- Division of Health Careers, PTA program: Phone: 815-802-8816; email: klibby@kcc.edu
General resources
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For clinical sites/clinical educators
- Clinical Education Guidebook.pdf (Includes public comment policy)
For students/prospective students
- Student Guidebook - Combined with Health Careers Division Student Handbook
- Advanced Health Care Jobs
- Public complaint policy - www.kcc.edu/about/contact-us or www.kcc.edu/about/consumer-info (under the "complaints” heading)
Not affiliated with KCC
Learn more about this program: Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS