Physical therapy assistant info program set

Those interested in enrolling in Elgin Community College's physical therapist assistant program are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today in the auditorium of the Advanced Technology Center on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

ECC representatives will outline the entrance requirements and admission process, describe the physical therapist assistant program, and explore employment options. The session is free and reservations are strongly encouraged.

The demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow more than 27 percent through 2014. They work under the supervision of a physical therapist performing a variety of tasks, including exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, traction and ultrasound. They practice in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, homes and schools.

In the U.S. the median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant in 2004 was $37,890, with the middle 50 percent earning as much as $44,050. The highest 10 percent earned more than $52,110.

There is an average of 105 annual openings for physical therapist assistants in the five-county area of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and McHenry, and national placement rates are over 97 percent. With current graduation rates 30 percent short of demand, this is definitely a career worth exploring, according to ECC officials.

Students should apply to the program by Feb. 15 to be considered for fall 2008 entry.

For a program brochure and an application, or to make a reservation for the information session, contact the Office of Admissions at (847) 214-7385 or admissions@elgin.edu. For specific information about the physical therapist assistant program, call (847) 214-7350.