The Morton College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program has a long-standing tradition of excellence, having graduated students since 1971. Morton College distinguishes itself through its strong commitment to student success. The PTA program is supported by a dedicated instructional team, including a PTA lab assistant and tutor who provide extensive resources such as one-on-one tutoring, group study sessions, open lab opportunities, and free National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) preparation sessions. This comprehensive support system ensures students are challenged academically while being fully supported throughout the program.

To get the most up to date information about the PTA Program make an appointment with your student success coach by call 708656 8000 Ext 2484 or email healthcarecareers@morton.edu. ‍

Observing, volunteering, or working in a physical therapy clinic are all ways of learning more about the field of physical therapy. Contact the American Physical Therapy Association, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305-3085. 1-800-999-2782. More information can also be found at apta.org and ipta.org.

The average number of people applying to the program and the number of people admitted varies from year to year based on different factors, including but not limited to the number of qualified applicants and the availability of clinical sites. You can see the most recent admission information on the PTA program here.

All applicants interview with members of the PTA admissions committee, where the applicant will visit three stations. There are two interview question stations and one demonstration station where the applicant will instruct an individual on a common task. All applicants are asked the same questions. The interview consists of questions related to the following areas:

• Motivation

• Expectation of Professional Role

• Problem Solving

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

• Conflict Resolution

• Empathy

• Communication Skills

• Demonstration Activity

The interviews will last approximately 20 minutes each. Please dress in interview attire.

The Office of Admissions and Records evaluates official transcripts to determine whether courses from other colleges will transfer. The student will need to follow the process to officially get their transcripts evaluated. It is highly recommended the student meet with their student success coach to discuss this process and look at their courses.  To schedule an appointment with your student success coach, please call 708 656 8000 ext. 2484.

All professional/technical content courses of the PTA Program, meaning those with a prefix “PHT” are only offered at fixed times, in a four-semester sequence and must be taken in the stated sequence. Upon selection for admission into the program, classes begin in the fall semester (August) of each year. Each successive semester of course work is dependent on satisfactory completion of the previous work, earning a grade of 75% or better in all courses, before progressing to the next semester. Currently, all of the professional/technical courses are offered during the weekdays and daytime hours. Consult the current schedule or speak with the program director about when courses are offered.

All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the end of the Spring semester during the application cycle in which the applicant is applying.  For example, if an applicant is applying to start the PTA program in Fall 2027, all required coursework must be completed by the end of Spring 2027. No exceptions will be made.

The professional portion of the program is four semesters in length.

Please visit the Morton College PTA program website where you will find the most updated financial fact sheet, which contains this information. Fees are subject to change as determined by fee increases affixed by the college.

Yes, PTA students must be able to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods of time, frequently bend and squat, and lift heavy loads. For the specific “Essential Skills” required of a PTA student please refer to the PTA program’s website.

It is recommended for best success that full-time students do not work, especially during the final semester of the program, which is the most intense for study and clinical education.

The student’s first clinical experience takes place in the third semester (fall of the second professional year) and consists of one full-time 4-week rotation (approximately 36–40 hours per week).

In the student’s final semester (spring of the second professional year), the student will complete two additional full-time clinical affiliations: one 6-week rotation and one 7-week rotation (36–40 hours per week).

The student is responsible for their own transportation to all clinical sites, and additional costs such as parking and meals may apply. While every effort is made to meet all students’ clinical needs, final placements are determined by the Academic Clinical Coordinator of Education (ACCE).

Before beginning clinical education, you must:

• Be BLS CPR certified

• Complete a physical examination

• Successfully complete a criminal background check (SSN number needed)

• Successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen

• Complete other health requirements including immunizations

If a student does not complete the required clinical education health requirements, they will not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences leading to not being able to continue in the program. If a student receives an unacceptable drug screen result, they will not be able to continue in the program.

Yes. The State of Illinois requires licensure by examination for all new graduates of a PTA Program. During the final semester, you will be given more information about application for licensure and an examination preparatory course is offered to assist in your success. There are instances when the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) may refuse to issue a license. Applicants convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may have difficulty obtaining a license. To obtain more information on the licensure process, and to review the list of potential situations where the IDFPR may refuse to issue a license, you are advised to contact the IDFPR in Springfield, Illinois (www.idfpr.com). If a student is interested in being licensed in another state they can visit fsbpt.org.

The State of Illinois requires that your PTA license be renewed every two years starting with the nearest year ending in an odd number (i.e. 2019/2021). Part of the requirement for renewal is mandatory continuing education of 20 contact hours for the two-year cycle. Your PTA degree constitutes all or part of your CEUs during the first licensure cycle after graduation. Information and exceptions about these requirements can be found through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786, by phone at (217) 782-0800 or (217) 782-8556, or on their website at www.idfpr.com or ipta.org in the PTA Rules of practice document.

PTA students must have daily access to a computer that is internet accessible and is compatible with Microsoft Word. Students are provided with iPads; however, if they prefer to use their own laptop, it must be purchased separately. Web based technology and computer mediated communication form an integral part of the PTA program. The PTA program is a day program. Class schedules will vary each semester. PTA students will be enrolled in 4-6 technical courses each semester. Each course will require additional study time outside of class meetings. You are required to purchase and read textbooks as indicated on the course syllabus. Applications DO NOT carry over from year to year. Applicants who are not admitted and who are still interested in the program must reapply to the PTA program each year. Admitted students who fail out of the program may be READMITTED to the program ONLY ONCE. Readmission is not guaranteed.