MCC's physical therapy assistant program accepting applications until April 15

Interested in joining one of the fastest growing and top 10 best health care jobs? McHenry County College's Physical Therapy Assistant program is accepting applications through Friday, April 15.

The program is one of the top in the nation and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

"PTA is a great career option for students who have an interest in science and helping others," said Christen Louderman, PT, DPT, program chair of the PTA program at MCC. "Plus, the job outlook for this profession is growing rapidly. Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow 40 percent nationally through 2024."

The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of health care settings under the direction of a physical therapist. PTAs are trained to conduct therapeutic exercises, traction, ultrasounds, electrotherapy, balance and gait training, motor learning and development, and patient and family education. In addition to patient/client care, PTAs may also participate in activities related to billing and coding, quality improvement, risk management, and other administrative activities.

As part of their studies, students use the hands-on PTA lab at MCC to practice various techniques they learn in class. They also complete four clinical experiences in local facilities working alongside a licensed PT or PTA, giving them plenty of experience applying their knowledge to real patients even before graduating.

The application can be found at www.mchenry.edu/pta/application.html.

If you have questions, email clouderman@mchenry.edu or call (815) 479-7592.