To become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Illinois, you must firstly graduate from one of the 17 accredited PTA schools in the state recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
After graduation, you’ll need to obtain a PTA license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which requires successfully passing the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE). While Illinois doesn’t mandate state-level jurisprudence exams, completion of the NPTE is essential for initial licensure.
On this page we provide detailed summaries of the PTA programs at Illinois’s top accredited schools as well as data on certification and licensing, salary and employment. This information provided has been thoroughly researched and reviewed and is up-to-date for 2024.
How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois
- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local Illinois and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois
- How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Illinois?
Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Illinois
| School Name | Address | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Black Hawk College | Moline | 6/30/2029 |
| City Colleges of Chicago | Chicago | 6/30/2033 |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | 6/30/2024 |
| Elgin Community College | Elgin | 12/31/2024 |
| Fox College | Tinley Park | 12/31/2026 |
| Heartland Community College | Normal | 12/31/2032 |
| Illinois Central College | Peoria | 6/30/2027 |
| Kankakee Community College | Kankakee | 12/31/2026 |
| Kaskaskia College | Centralia | 6/30/2031 |
| Lake Land College | Effingham | 12/31/2029 |
| McHenry County College | Crystal Lake | 12/31/2025 |
| Morton College | Cicero | 6/30/2028 |
| Oakton College | Des Plaines | 12/31/2029 |
| Prairie State College | Chicago Heights | 6/30/2028 |
| Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | 6/30/2028 |
| Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville | 6/30/2031 |
| William Rainey Harper College | Palatine | 12/31/2025 |
There are currently (2023) 16 fully accredited PTA schools in Illinois.
Black Hawk College, Moline
– Address: 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265-5870
– Phone: (309) 796-5393
– Email: abelsd@bhc.edu
Black Hawk College is a public institution with approximately 3700 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, fully accredited by CAPTE until 6/30/2029, is designed for 24 students per class. The program spans a duration of two years, following a full-time day format. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
The program’s 100% graduation rate over the past two years, thoroughly evaluates applications annually. With an ultimate pass rate of 87.2% on the National Physical Therapy Examination and a 100% employment rate within six months of passing the exam. The application process involves an annual review, requiring re-application for those not selected in the current cycle.
The Black Hawk College offers on-campus accommodation.
The total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $11,000.
Further details about the program can be found on the program page https://www.bhc.edu/program/physical-therapist-assistant-aas/.
City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College
– Address: 1900 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60612
– Phone: (312) 553-2500
– Email: edicapo@ccc.edu
Malcolm X College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 7300 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Malcolm X College spans two years, awarding graduates an Associate of Applied Science degree. Class sizes are capped at almost 35 students, providing a focused learning environment. The program, fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2033, follows a traditional full-time day format. To succeed, students must score 75% or higher on each midterm and final summative exam, with remediation required for scores below this threshold.
The program’s 2-year average graduation rate of 89.5%, a first-time licensure pass rate of 55% in 2023, an ultimate licensure pass rate of 70% in 2023, and a 100% employment rate over a 2-year period.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
Total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $12,000.
For more details on the PTA program, visit the college’s program page: https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/departments/Pages/Physical-Therapist-Assistant.aspx.
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
– Address: IC 1028 425 Fawell Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6708
– Phone: (630) 942-4076
– Email: dziakj@cod.edu
College of DuPage is a public college with an enrollment of approximately 20,000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at College of DuPage is a two-year, 5-semester program. With a class size ranging from 40 to 50 students, the program is conducted in a part-time evening format. Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. The PTA program is fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2024.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, tuition and fees exceed $13,000.
The program statistics include a graduation rate of 94%, a 100% employment rate within 12 months of licensure, and a first-time exam pass rate of 68%, with an ultimate pass rate of 91% 2-year average (2021-2022).
Further details can be found on the program page: (https://cod.edu/academics/programs/physical-therapist/index.aspx.
Elgin Community College, Elgin
– Address: Community College District 509, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123-3719
– Phone: [Not Provided]
– Email: bostrowska@elgin.edu
Elgin Community College is a public institution with approximately 8000 students.
The PTA program at ECC is a fully CAPTE-accredited Associate of Applied Science degree, completed over two years in a full-time day format. Classes maintain a modest size, with 20 students per class. The curriculum integrates 75% classroom and lab study, dedicating the remaining 25% to clinical education, including a 16-week full-time clinical experience.
The program boasts a commendable 2-year average graduation rate of 89.6%. The 2023 passing rate on the first attempt stands at 92.9%, while the ultimate ECC passing rate in 2022 was 84.6%. In comparison to the national average, ECC outperforms with an 87.5% ultimate pass rate for U.S. accredited candidates in 2023.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $9000.
Further details about the PTA program can be found on the program’s page: (https://elgin.edu/academics/departments/physical-therapist-assistant/.
Fox College, Tinley Park
– Address: 18020 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477
– Phone: (708) 444-4500
– Email: kkulinski@foxcollege.edu
Fox College is a private for-profit institution with an enrollment of approximately 400 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Fox College spans 18 months, offers a focused curriculum. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention. The program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree and holds full accreditation from CAPTE until December 31, 2026.
Program statistics for the 2021-2022 academic year include an 80.8% graduation rate, a first-time NPTE pass rate of 78.0%, an ultimate NPTE pass rate of 92.0%, and an employment rate of 91%.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition for the PTA program at Fox College exceeds $39,000.
Prospective students can find more details on the program, including admission requirements, on the program page: https://www.foxcollege.edu/our-programs/physical-therapist-assistant.
Heartland Community College, Normal
– Address: 1500 W Raab Road Normal, IL 61761-9446
– Phone: (309) 268-8673
– Email: Daryl.menke@heartland.edu
Heartland Community College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 4,500 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Heartland Community College spans two years, with a class size of 16 students per year. The program is offered in a full-time day format. Graduates of the PTA program receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum is fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2032.
The program licensure pass rates: a 92.6% overall pass rate for the 2022-2023 academic year, a 96.7% first-time licensure pass rate for 2021-2022, and a 100% ultimate licensure pass rate for the same period.
The campus doesn’t offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program are over $13,000.
More details about the program can be found on the program page at https://www.heartland.edu/academicDepartments/hhs/pta.html.
Illinois Central College, Peoria
– Address: 5407 N University Street Cedar Hall 105X Peoria, IL 61614
– Phone: (309) 690-7530
– Email: jfeeny@icc.edu
Illinois Central College is a public community college with approximately 10,000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Illinois Central College is a full-time day format lasting two years or six semesters and 70.5 Total Credit Hours. Each class accommodates a small class size of 24 students. Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2027.
The program 86% graduation rate over a 2-year average. Employment rates for survey respondents average 100%, and first-time exam pass rates stand at 71%, with a 95% ultimate pass rate.
On-campus accommodation is available, providing students with a convenient housing option.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $11,000.
Further details about the PTA program can be found on the program’s page: https://icc.edu/programs/physical-therapist-assistant/.
Kankakee Community College, Kankakee
– Address: 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901
– Phone: (815) 802-8816
– Email: klibby@kcc.edu
Kankakee Community College is a public institution with an approximate enrollment of 2200 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2026, admits 20 students per class. This two-year (five consecutive semesters) program follows a full-time day format of an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The program graduation rate of 82.85% over 2022-2023 and a first-time pass rate of 77%, the program’s ultimate pass rate of 88.9% for 2022. Graduates demonstrate employability, with a combined two-year employment rate of 94.5%. The KCC PTA degree typically is not designed for transfer. KCC has partnered with several four-year colleges and universities to make it easier to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree.
The Kankakee Community College does not offer on-campus accommodation.
The total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $13,000.
More details about the program can be found on the program page https://kcc.smartcatalogiq.com/current/Academic-Catalog/Programs-of-Study-by-Area/Health-Careers/Physical-Therapist-Assistant-AAS.
Kaskaskia College, Centralia
– Address: 27210 College Road Centralia, IL 62801-7800
– Phone: (618) 545-3220
– Email: awoltering@kaskaskia.edu
Kaskaskia College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 3400 students.
The PTA program, fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2031, is designed for a cohort of 24 students, adhering to a Hybrid Curriculum Model spanning five semesters, including three full-time clinical internships. The program typically takes two years to complete and awards graduates with an Associate in Applied Science degree.
With a commitment to academic excellence, Kaskaskia College’s PTA program has a 69% graduation rate over a two-year average (2019 and 2020). 100% of graduates successfully passed the licensure exam, and all respondents to employment surveys from the same period reported being employed.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program at Kaskaskia College exceed $17,000.
Further details and program information can be found on the program page https://www.kaskaskia.edu/academics/academic-departments/physical-therapist-assistant/.
Lake Land College, Effingham
– Address: Kluthe Center 1204 Network Centre Drive, Effingham, IL 62401-4656
– Phone: (217) 540-3535
– Email: mmioux@lakelandcollege.edu
Lake Land College, a public institution with approximately 3800 students, offers a PTA program at the Kluthe Center.
The program spans two years or five semesters, accepting 24 students in a full-time day format. Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science degree, and the program is fully CAPTE accredited until December 31, 2029.
With an 88% acceptance rate, the PTA program at Lake Land College graduation rate of 48.9%. The licensure pass rate averages 83.3%, with a first-attempt pass rate of 79.2%. The 100% of graduates seeking employment as PTAs within one year of licensure secure positions.
The campus does not provide on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $10,000.
More details can be found on the program page: https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/academic-programs/academic-models-extra-info/?acadprog=AAS.PTA.
McHenry County College, Crystal Lake
– Address: 8900 U.S, Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
– Phone: (815) 479-7796
– Email: clouderman@mchenry.edu
McHenry County College is a public community college with an enrollment of approximately 7800 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at McHenry County College is a two-year endeavor. With an average class size of around 20 students, the program follows a full-time day format and awards graduates an Associate of Applied Science degree. Fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2025, the program credit hour requirement of 60.
Statistics include a 2023 graduation rate of 56%, a first-time pass rate on licensure exams of 100%, and a 100% ultimate pass rate. Additionally, 100% of graduates seeking employment secured positions within one year of graduation.
The campus, while not offering on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $10,000.
Prospective students can find detailed program information on the official PTA program page: https://www.mchenry.edu/pta/.
Morton College, Cicero
– Address: 3801 South Central Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804-4300
– Phone: (708) 656-8000
– Email: cara.bonick@morton.edu
Morton College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 3600 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Morton College spans two years or four semesters, with an average class size of almost 25 students. The program operates in a full-time day format, providing a comprehensive curriculum leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. Fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2028, the program ensures clinical experiences in the Fall and Spring Semesters.
Program outcomes for 2021-2022 reveal an 87.05% completion rate within the expected time frame, with a 100% employment rate for graduates seeking PTA positions within a year post-graduation. The National Physical Therapy Exam pass rates, both overall and on the first attempt, stand at 75% and 44.95%, respectively.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $12,000.
Further details and program specifics can be found on the official Morton College website: https://www.morton.edu/academics/programs/physical-therapist-assistant/.
Oakton College, Des Plaines
– Address: 1600 East Golf Road Des Plaines, IL 60016-1234
– Phone: (847) 635-1629
– Email: mmendoza@oakton.edu
Oakton College is a public institution with an approximate enrollment of 7600 students.
The campus offers a fully CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The PTA program spans two years or four full semesters, conferring graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree. With a class size of 32 students, the program operates in a full-time day format.
The PTA program at Oakton College outcomes, as evidenced by the Two-year Average Program Outcome Data for 2021 and 2022 graduates: an 80% graduation rate, a 100% first-time pass rate, a 100% ultimate pass rate, and a 100% employment rate. The program’s accreditation is valid until December 31, 2029.
The campus does not provide on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $12,000.
Further details about the program can be found on Oakton College’s program page: https://www.oakton.edu/academics/list-of-programs/physical-therapist-assistant.php.
Prairie State College, Chicago Heights
– Address: 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411-8226
– Phone: (708) 709-2947
– Email: cfawcett@prairiestate.edu
Prairie State College is a public institution with an approximate enrollment of 12,000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Prairie State College is fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2028. With a class size of 24 students, the program spans two years or five consecutive semesters, awarding graduates an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The curriculum has 74 credit hours, aligning with the program’s goals and outcomes. The 2021 graduation rate was 75%, with a 100% employment rate within 12 months of licensure. The NPTE first-time pass rate in 2021 was 50%.
The Prairie State College campus does not provide on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $20,000.
Further details about the program can be found on the program page: https://prairiestate.edu/academics/academic-programs/allied-health/physicaltherapistassistant.aspx.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
– Address: College of Health and Human Sciences, 1365 Douglas Drive Carbondale, IL 62901-2834
– Phone: 618-453-7289
– Email: jfrman@siu.edu
Southern Illinois University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 8000 students.
The PTA program, fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2028, spans two years with a class size of almost 20 students. The program operates in a full-time day format, awarding graduates an Associate in Applied Science degree.
With an acceptance rate of 87.5%, a combined graduation rate of 60%, and an employment rate of 100% for the graduating classes of 2020-2021, the PTA program at Southern Illinois University demonstrates a commitment to academic success and post-graduation outcomes. Additionally, the NPTE Weighted Ultimate Two-Year Pass Rate stands at 88.64% as reported by FSBPT for the years 2019-2020.
The Southern Illinois University offers on-campus accommodation.
Total tuition and costs for in-state students exceed $39000.
For those seeking detailed program information, the official page is accessible at https://academics.siu.edu/health-professions/physical-therapist-assistant/.
Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville
– Address: 2500 Carlyle Avenue, Belleville, IL 62221-5859
– Phone: (618) 235-2700
– Email: jeannette.saak@swic.edu
Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 7,000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Southwestern Illinois College is a full-time, two-year curriculum. With a class size of around 20 students, the program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion. Fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2031, the PTA program boasts a solid reputation.
For aspiring physical therapist assistants, the program follows a full-time day format across five semesters. The licensure pass rates reflect the program’s commitment to a 100% two-year average for 2021-2022, with a first-time taker pass rate of 89.47% in 2022.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
Total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $14,000.
For more details on the PTA program at Southwestern Illinois College, visit their program page at https://www.swic.edu/academics/career-degrees/health-sciences/physical-therapist-assistant/.
William Rainey Harper College, Palatine
– Address: 1200 W, Algonquin Palatine, IL 60067-7398
– Phone: (847) 925-6861
– Email: mdillon@harpercollege.edu
William Rainey Harper College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at William Rainey Harper College is a two-year, full-time day format. With a class size limited to 24 students, the program awards graduates an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum is fully accredited by CAPTE until 12/31/2025, ensuring a comprehensive and quality education.
The program statistics include a graduation rate of 73.17%, an NPTE First Time Pass Rate of 100%, an NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate of 100%, a Licensure Pass Rate (2-year average) of 89.65%, and an Employment Rate (2-year average) of 100%.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $11,000.
Further details about the program can be found on the program page https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/health/physical-therapist-assistant/index.php.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Illinois and neighboring areas.
PTA Certification Exam Requirements in Illinois
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Illinois you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.
Illinois does not have any requirement to undertake any local state-level jurisprudence exams. However, all candidates seeking initial licensure in the state must complete the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE).
The purpose of the state exam, where required, is to ensure that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.
The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering into the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Illinois PTA License Requirements
To work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois, you need a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. After graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing both the state exam and the national certification exam is required.
Licenses must be renewed every two years, involving 40 hours of continuing education.
The Department of Professional Regulation regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: Attn: Health Services Section, 320 W. Washington St., 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: (217) 782-8556
Website: http://www.idfpr.com
Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PT’s and PTA’s.
The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license that will allow a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.
Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Illinois
| Average Salary | $65,190 |
| Hourly Wage | $31.34 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $48,190 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $81,300 |
| # Employed | 4,420 |
In Illinois, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is $65,190, surpassing the national average by 4%. The average hourly wage is $31.34. Among the 4,420 employed individuals, the top 10% earned up to $81,300, while the bottom 10% earned $48,190. These figures highlight a favorable earning landscape for Physical Therapy Assistants in Illinois compared to the national average.
In Illinois, from 2018 to 2022, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants increased by $5,710, marking a 10% positive change. However, employment experienced a slight decline, with 50 fewer individuals employed in 2022 compared to 2018. Looking ahead, there is a projected 21% growth in PTA employment in Illinois from 2020 to 2030, indicating a potential increase in demand for these professionals in the coming years.
There are approximately persons currently employed as PTA’s in Illinois.
PTA Salaries and Employment in Illinois by Metro Area
The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $53,350 | $25.65 | 50 |
| Cape Girardeau | $52,500 | $25.24 | 80 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $47,500 | $22.84 | 50 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $51,460 | $24.74 | 120 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights | $61,470 | $29.55 | 2,430 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $53,760 | $25.84 | 90 |
| Elgin | $53,530 | $25.73 | 370 |
| Kankakee | - | - | 30 |
| Peoria | $59,490 | $28.60 | 160 |
| Rockford | $51,330 | $24.68 | 100 |
| Springfield | $55,960 | $26.91 | 70 |
| St. Louis | $51,310 | $24.67 | 1,170 |