Physical Therapist Assistant AAS

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program will prepare graduates for entry-level positions as physical therapist assistants (PTAs) working under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist (PT). PTAs work with people of all ages - from infants to the elderly - in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, school systems, home health care or skilled nursing facilities. Pending program accreditation, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for the physical therapist assistant administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Successful completion of the NPTE permits the graduate to work as a licensed PTA. A felony conviction may affect a graduates ability to sit for the NPTE or attain state licensure. Admission to McHenry County College does not guarantee admission to the PTA program. What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do? Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist (PT). PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the PT or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort. PTAs assist the PT in the treatment of individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.