The Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum prepares the student to provide skilled direct patient care in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient and sports medicine clinics, pediatric treatment centers and school systems. Under the direction of a physical therapist, the assistant uses physical techniques such as therapeutic heat and cold electrotherapy, massage, water and exercise regimes in the treatment of physical diseases and disabilities.
Students take academic and sequential professional studies on the Des Plaines campus.
Planned clinical experience is provided in medical facilities. Students in this curriculum are required to pay laboratory fees, to provide proof of health insurance, to purchase uniforms, to provide their own transportation to five assigned clinical facilities and to attend lecture-demonstrations at various physical therapy facilities in the area. Clinical assignments are made within a 50-mile radius of the Des Plaines campus. Graduates are eligible to take the Illinois state licensing examination for Physical Therapist Assistants. This curriculum is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.