Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

PTA.AAS.C30

Physical Therapist student (left) during a medical simulation.

Program Overview

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.

Program eligibility standards apply; consult a KCC advisor.

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Additional Program Information

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at KCC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org/.

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).

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.

Program Eligibility

Program eligibility/application process - Consult this information for steps to apply and enroll in a health program, deadlines, eligibility worksheets, and essential physical capabilities and functions.

Program Requirements

Major Courses

PHTA courses must be completed in the order shown in the course sequence

PHTA 1101Introduction to Health Care

1 Credit

PHTA 1115PTA Fundamentals I

5 Credits

PHTA 1133PTA Fundamentals II

3 Credits

PHTA 1172Pathology I for the PTA

2 Credits

PHTA 1243Manual Therapy for the PTA

3 Credits

PHTA 1246Kinesiology

6 Credits

PHTA 1272Pathology II for the PTA

2 Credits

PHTA 2001Professional Standards of the PTA

1 Credit

PHTA 2053PTA Clinical Practicum I

3 Credits

PHTA 2145Orthopedics for the PTA

5 Credits

PHTA 2156PTA Fundamentals III

6 Credits

PHTA 2185PTA Fundamentals IV

5 Credits

PHTA 2293PTA Fundamentals V

3 Credits

PHTA 2224PTA Clinical Practicum II

4 Credits

PHTA 2234PTA Clinical Practicum III

4 Credits

PHTA 2201Current Issues in PT Practice

1 Credit

Total Credit Hours:54

General education

Courses must be taken prior to or in the semester where they are shown in the course sequence.

ENGL 1613English I

3 Credits

SPCH 1553Introductory Speech

3 Credits

BIOL 2644Anatomy & Physiology I

4 Credits

BIOL 2654Anatomy & Physiology II

4 Credits

PSYC 1813Introduction to Psychology

3 Credits

Total Credit Hours:17

Total Credit Hours: 71

Suggested Course Sequence

PHTA courses must be taken in sequence.

Fall semester (first year)

ENGL 1613English I

3 Credits

BIOL 2644Anatomy & Physiology I

4 Credits

PHTA 1101Introduction to Health Care

1 Credit

PHTA 1115PTA Fundamentals I

5 Credits

PHTA 1172Pathology I for the PTA

2 Credits

PSYC 1813Introduction to Psychology

3 Credits

Spring semester (first year)

BIOL 2654Anatomy & Physiology II

4 Credits

PHTA 1133PTA Fundamentals II

3 Credits

PHTA 1243Manual Therapy for the PTA

3 Credits

PHTA 1246Kinesiology

6 Credits

PHTA 1272Pathology II for the PTA

2 Credits

Interim and Summer term

SPCH 1553Introductory Speech

3 Credits

PHTA 2001Professional Standards of the PTA

1 Credit

PHTA 2053PTA Clinical Practicum I

3 Credits

Fall semester (second year)

PHTA 2145Orthopedics for the PTA

5 Credits

PHTA 2156PTA Fundamentals III

6 Credits

PHTA 2185PTA Fundamentals IV

5 Credits

Spring semester (second year)

PHTA 2293PTA Fundamentals V

3 Credits

PHTA 2224PTA Clinical Practicum II

4 Credits

PHTA 2234PTA Clinical Practicum III

4 Credits

PHTA 2201Current Issues in PT Practice

1 Credit

Program Cost

Minimum credit hours required for completion: 71
Tuition and fees - $161.00 per credit hour $161.00
$11,431.00
Course Fees:
BIOL 2644 Anatomy & Physiology I 25.00
BIOL 2654 Anatomy & Physiology II 25.00
ENGL 1613 English I 5.00
PHTA 1101 Introduction to Healthcare 25.00
PHTA 1115 PTA Fundamentals I 225.00
PHTA 1133 PTA Fundamentals II 225.00
PHTA 1172 Pathology I for the PTA 25.00
PHTA 1243 Manual Therapy for the PTA 200.00
PHTA 1246 Kinesiology 200.00
PHTA 1272 Pathology II for the PTA 100.00
PHTA 2001 Professional Standards of the PTA 50.00
PHTA 2053 PTA Clinical Practicum I 100.00
PHTA 2145 Orthopedics for the PTA 175.00
PHTA 2156 PTA Fundamentals III 175.00
PHTA 2185 PTA Fundamentals IV 175.00
PHTA 2201 Current Issues in PT Practice 175.00
PHTA 2224 Clinical Practicum II 125.00
PHTA 2234 Clinical Practicum III 125.00
PHTA 2293 PTA Fundamentals V 200.00
2,355.00
2,355.00
Books:
BIOL 2644 Anatomy & Physiology I1 467.85
ENGL 1613 English I 81.35
PHTA 1115 PTA Fundamentals I 215.30
PHTA 1133 PTA Fundamentals II 97.25
PHTA 1172 Pathology I for the PTA 141.75
PHTA 1272 Pathology II for the PTA 92.75
PHTA 1243 Manual Therapy for the PTA 215.30
PHTA 1246 Kinesiology 337.95
PHTA 2001 Professional Standards of the PTA 70.35
PHTA 2053 PTA Clinical Practicum I 69.25
PHTA 2145 Orthopedics for the PTA 94.90
PHTA 2156 PTA Fundamentals III
293.20
PHTA 2185 PTA Fundamentals IV 222.85
PHTA 2201 Current Issues in PT Practice 112.65
PHTA 2224 PTA Clinical Practicum II 37.30
PHTA 2293 PTA Fundamentals V 173.80
PSYC 1813 Introduction to Psychology 211.80
SPCH 1553 Introductory Speech 162.60

3,098.20
3,098.20
Supplies:
PTA Student Kit* 150.00
KCC PTA polo shirts** 30.00
Clinical Badge (1st free, Replacement - $5) 0.00
180.00
180.00
Additional Program Costs
A2 Entrance Exam Fee (per attempt) 37.00
CPR Certification 53.00
Background Check and Drug Screening 68.00
Physical Examination/Tests/Etc. 385.00
APTA Student Membership (Includes IL chapter dues) 90.00
Comprehensive Written Final Exam (Exit Exam)*** 0.00
633.00
633.00
Additional End-of-Program Costs
Pictures (optional) 40.00
PTA Exam Review Course 200.00
Graduation Fees 20.00
260.00
260.00
TOTAL $17,957.20
All prices are subject to change. Please visit Hammes Bookstore on KCC’s website for the most up-to-date textbook prices.
1 The same textbook is used for both BIOL 2644 (Anatomy & Physiology I) and BIOL 2654 (Anatomy & Physiology II).
2 The same textbook is used for both PHTA 1172 (Pathology I for the PTA) and PHTA 1272 (Pathology II for the PTA).
Special Note: PTA program texts are commonly used as references and even as required texts for multiple courses in the curriculum.
*Ordering information provided by PTA Program Director. Prices may vary if student purchases items elsewhere or purchases items separately.
**PTA class will order together. Prices may vary if purchased separately. Students are also expected to have dress casual dark or khaki pants and appropriate shoes. Clinical sites may have different or additional dress code requirements which are the expense of the student.
***If more than four attempts to pass successfully are required, students must purchase the PEAT, a cost of $99.00 plus processing fees.
NOTE : Upon graduation, application and licensure fees are the responsibility of the graduate. For testing in Illinois, dual application and testing fees include: FSBPT = $400, Exam (CTS) = $ 98.00, Prometric = $70.00. After successful completion of examination, notification of the $100.00 licensing fee will be received by IDFPR. Listed costs do not include applicable processing fees. Licensure is required to practice as a physical therapist assistant in many states, including Illinois.
All prices are subject to change. Please visit Hammes Bookstore for the most up-to-date textbook prices.

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