The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled health employee working under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to provide direct care to patients in a variety of health care settings. The professional care given by the Physical Therapist Assistant focuses on patients of all ages with temporary or permanent functional limitations due to illness, disease or injury. The PTA works closely with patients to restore function, prevent or relieve pain, prevent disability and restore physical coordination, strength and mobility through therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a five consecutive semester program which includes classroom, skills laboratory and clinical experience in various healthcare agencies. Once admitted to the program, the student must progress through the courses corresponding to the curriculum model. A "C" grade is required in all PTA curriculum courses for progression/completion. This program is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Students who have successfully completed the program will be allowed to sit for the National Board Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.

Physical Therapist Assistant application requirements include admission to Lake Land College; ACT scores or completion of the college Battery Assessment tests; completion with a "C" or better of one year high school biology or zoology, or Lake Land College (BIO100) Bio Science I within the past five years; and completion of the PTA Program application form (obtained from and returned completed to the PTA Program). It is the responsibility of students to see that their application file is completed by March 1 for consideration for the fall semester. In addition to tuition and fees, costs for the Physical Therapist Assistant program students include: workbooks, lab coat, physical examination and immunization, transportation to clinical experiences and the board exam/license fee.

See career track program (308) Physical Therapist Assistant Track when selecting a major. Lake Land College has cooperative agreements in place with Parkland College, Richland Community College and Danville Area Community College.

For additional information contact Martha Mioux, Director, at (217) 540-3551.  

Click here to fill out an application for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program