Academic Program Model

Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS.PTA)

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 PTA 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. Physical therapy is a physically demanding job. Students need to have good general health and the strength, stamina and flexibility necessary to carry out assignments.

Housed at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham, Illinois, the PTA program is a five consecutive semester program which includes classroom, skills laboratory and clinical experience in various healthcare facilities. 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 program curriculum courses for progression/completion.

The PTA program at Lake Land College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org.) If needing to contact the PTA program directly, please call 217-540-3551 or email mmioux@lakelandcollege.edu.

The PTA program was initially granted accreditation in 1994, and has been granted reaccreditation in 1999, 2008 and 2018. The next reaccreditation site visit is scheduled for 2028. Students who have successfully completed the program will be eligible to sit for the National Board Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.

The PTA program is competitive and selects 24 students for each fall class. PTA application requirements include admission to Lake Land College; completion of the PTA program application form (obtained from the PTA website); completion of the college placement assessment tests (PTA applicants are eligible to take the college placement assessment tests more than twice); and completion of the one (1) Biology prerequisite course (one year high school biology/zoology/A & P, or Lake Land College BIO 050, Basic Anatomy and Physiology; or BIO 100, Bio Science I; or BIO 225, Human Anatomy and Physiology I; or BIO 226, Human Anatomy and Physiology II; or equivalent) with a "C" or better within the past five (5) years. 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 PTA program include: physical examination and immunization, CPR certification, workbooks, criminal background check, drug testing, clinical attire, transportation to clinical experiences (attempts will be made to keep travel distance no greater than 75 miles one way or 1.5 hours) and the board exam/license fee.

Download the PTA Selection Process Sheet and Checklist from the College website for the complete application procedure.

Interested students should submit the Intent to Enroll form and list their major as Physical Therapist Assistant Track (AAS.PTA.TRK) when selecting a major.

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.

Extra Resources

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Clinical Instructors