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Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Graduates of this accredited program are prepared to perform physical therapy treatments and related duties under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Morton College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 708-656-8000 ext. 2380 or email cara.bonick@morton.edu.

To graduate, students must achieve a minimum grade of 75% in all coursework.

To graduate, students must achieve a minimum grade of 75% in all coursework. Graduates must take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to practice as physical therapist assistants in many states, Illinois included. Licensure in Illinois is controlled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington St., Springfield, IL 62786; (217) 785-0800 or (217) 782-8556; www.idfpr.com. Applicants with a conviction for a felony or misdemeanor may have difficulty obtaining a PTA license in Illinois. It is each student’s responsibility to determine whether he/she is in compliance with criteria for state licensure. Graduation from this program does not guarantee a passing score on the NPTE for the PTA. Prior to the start of clinical internships students will be required to undergo a background check, 10-panel drug screening and physical exam. A social security number is required to comply with the criminal background check.

All applicants must attend a mandatory information session. To schedule please call 708-656-8000 Ext 2484. 

Requirements for admission are:

  • Graduation from High School or High School equivalency (GED / HiSET / TASC): (foreign transcripts must be evaluated by ECE or WES and contain the statement “has the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma”).
  • Successful completion of the following college courses, by the end of the Spring 2026 semester, with a minimum grade of “C” in each and completed within 5 years of beginning the program (fall ’22 and after):
    • Rhetoric I (ENG 101) – Note: Applicants who have completed ENG 101 more than five years prior to beginning the program may have this requirement waived by placing into ENG 101 on the Morton College English placement exam (only test scores dated 9/1/23 and after will be valid) or if they have taken ENG 102 fall 2022 and after.
    • Medical Terminology for Clinicians (PHT 101, 2 credits, 3 credits) or equivalent – NOTE: Any Medical Terminology course taken that is over 2 credit hours will be viewed, when pertaining to points, as a 2-creditcourse
    • Anatomy and Physiology (Therapies) (BIO 152, 5 credits) or equivalent.
    • Fundamentals of Physics (PHY 100, 3 credits) or equivalent.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0
  • All applicants MUST attend a PTA information session during the current application cycle and meet with a Healthcare Advisor. Prior year attendance DOES NOT count (see PTA application packet for a list of dates).
  • Proof of residency status. Note: Applicants wanting in-district consideration (whether living in district or working in-district) must submit proof during the information session. 
  • General Education Program Requirements: The following courses are general education requirements for the PTA program, and it is highly recommended that they be completed prior to admission. All General Education courses must be completed with a “C” or better.  

                  

  • Participation in an interview for inclusion and exclusion purposes with the PTA Program Admission Committee. Interview letters will be mailed/emailed to eligible applicants after February 1, 2026 

NOTE: A criminal background check (requiring a Social Security number) and a physical examination are required for 2nd year clinicals. Admission into the PTA Program is selective. All prerequisite course work and other admission requirements must be met before final acceptance. Preference is given to in-district residents and residents from districts that have a current Joint Agreement with Morton College. Complete applications received and meeting the program requirements by the application deadline will be considered subject to program capacity. Applications do not rollover to the following year.

Students can be readmitted only once to the PTA program. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Program Goals:

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

  • The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that reflects current physical therapy practice and maintains compliance with the required
    standards and elements set forth by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will maximize the resources of Morton College and the PTA Program to support quality learning experiences and program development.
  • The Physical Therapist Assistant Program will show a commitment to community service through participation in activities which may include: health promotion, education, service, and/or
    advocacy for the profession of physical therapy.
  • The graduate will pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for the physical therapist assistant.
  • The graduate will demonstrate the skills necessary for entry-level practice as a physical therapist assistant and obtain a job as a physical therapist assistant
  • The faculty will conduct ongoing assessment to ensure the program quality and curriculum content are responsive to the needs of our students and community served by Morton College.
  • The faculty will be engaged in professional advancement and continuing education activities to promote evidence-based practice and current research in their teaching in order to provide
    quality instruction to meet the needs of students and the program.
  • The student will complete and pass all program courses in the technical phase of the PTA program.
  • The student will recognize the importance of professional growth and lifelong learning to the continued professional development of the physical therapist assistant.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Course Sequence

Pre-Admission Requirements

ENG 101Rhetoric I

3
PHT 101Medical Terminology for Clinicians

2
PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3
BIO 152Anatomy & Physiology (therapie

5
PHY 100Fundamentals of Physics

3
Humanities general education requirement

3
Total Credit Hours:18

Notes:

ENG 101, PHT 101, BIO 152, PHY 100: Indicates Program Prerequisites

PSY 101, Humanities general education requirement: These courses fulfill the AAS general education requirements for graduation.

First Semester

PHT 111Patient Management I: Basic Skills for the Pta

2
PHT 112Princ. of Prac. I: Intro to Pt

2
PHT 113Introduction to Disease

2
PHT 114Fundamentals of Kinesiology I

4
PHT 105Therapeutic Modalities I

1
 
ENG 102Rhetoric II

3
Or
SPE 101Principles of Public Speaking

3
Total Credit Hours:14

Note:

SPE 101, ENG 102: These courses fulfill the AAS general education requirements for graduation.

Second Semester

PHT 115Fundamentals of Kinesiology II

4
PHT 117Patient Management II : Tests & Measurements

2
PHT 122Therapeutic Exercise

2
PHT 123Systems and Interventions I: Orthopedics

3
PHT 124Introduction to Clinical Education

2
PHT 125Therapeutic Modalities II

1
Total Credit Hours:14

Third Semester

PSY 210Child Growth & Development

3
Or
PSY 215Life Span: A Survey of Human Development

3
 
PHT 212Systems & Intervention II: Neurology

3
PHT 217Clinical Internship

3
PHT 218Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Integument Management

2
PHT 219Special Populations: Pediatric and Geriatric

2
Total Credit Hours:13

Note:

PSY 210, PSY 215: These courses fulfill the AAS general education requirements for graduation.

Fourth Semester

PHT 220Advanced Physical Therapy Techniques

3
PHT 222Seminar in Health Career Lit.

2
PHT 224POP2: Professional Issues in P

2
PHT 225Clinical Affiliations II

5
Total Credit Hours:12

Notes:

The Health/Fitness general education requirement is met, as the required material is covered in the PTA program.

A fee for malpractice insurance is required.

Students enrolled in the PTA program are subject to the current policies and procedures in the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook.