Directly impact your community by becoming a physical therapist assistant! Find ways to help people of all ages and abilities, and in a variety of settings. You will work with people to rehabilitate after injuries, manage chronic conditions, avoid surgery and prescription drugs, and create healthy habits. PTAs provide services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. They help to maximize the patient’s quality of life. Physical therapist assistants implement components of patient care, obtain data related to the treatments provided, and collaborate with the physical therapist to modify care as necessary.
PTAs help the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. But PTAs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.
The director has been working in this field for more than 30 years and continues to teach and maintain a private practice.
Martha Mioux – Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor/Program Director; Massage Therapy Instructor/Program Director
217-540-3551 mmioux@lakelandcollege.edu
Jessie Palmer – Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor 217-540-3552 jhutchison@lakelandcollege.edu
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, you must progress through the courses corresponding to the curriculum model. A “C” grade is required in all PTA curriculum courses for progression/completion.
As a physical therapist assistant, you will work 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. You will need to have good general health and the strength, stamina and flexibility necessary to carry out assignments.
The PTA program is competitive special admission and selects 24 students for each fall class.
PTA application requirements include:
It is the responsibility of students to see that their application file is completed by March 1 for consideration for the fall semester. For more information, visit the Special Admissions page, the Applications page, or email Martha Mioux at mmioux@lakelandcollege.edu
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.
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 2029. Students who have successfully completed the program will be eligible to sit for the National Board Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistants.