General Program Description
The program starts in August and runs for 2 years including two summer semesters. Students can expect to spend a minimum of 12 hours a week in the classroom or lab each semester. Students graduate upon completion of the second summer semester in June.
Clinical Experiences
Four clinical rotations are required starting the spring semester of the first year. Students spend 8 hours a week in clinical rotations during the fall and spring semesters and 40 hours per week for 5 and 6 weeks respectively each summer. Students must attend one general hospital, one nursing home, and one outpatient setting, and have the option of a specialization setting in pediatrics or rehabilitation. Clinical facilities are located within 50 miles of the college.
Faculty
There are three full-time faculty members. One of the full-time faculty members is engaged in clinical practice.
Enrollment
Oakton College has a total enrollment of about 10,000 students on two campuses. The PTA program accepts 32 students each year.
Admission
Applications are accepted from September 1 through January. Interviews begin in March. Students must have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma and a minimum of 18 on the ACT or 12 hours of college work, including a lab science with a minimum grade of C; high school biology or college-level biology with a minimum grade of C; high school or college-level physics; English-proficiency and reading assessment; a 10-hour visit to a physical therapy facility with documentation; an interview with the program chair; and a high school or college grade point average of 2.5. Please the program advisor for more information, [email protected]
Outcomes
87% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average). 96% of graduates passed the licensing exam (3-year average). 100% of graduates responding to surveys are employed.
Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition for in-district students is $91 per semester hour. Tuition for out-of-district students is $287.88 per semester hour. The approximate total cost for two years of tuition and fees for in-district students is $7498. There is extensive financial aid available to students ranging from loans to grants and scholarships. Some are based on need, some are based on academics, and some have residency requirements. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 847/635-1708.
Student life
Oakton Community College is a community-based institution serving the northwest suburban Chicago metropolitan area. There is no on-campus housing, but there are plentiful off-campus rentals. The PTA program is housed on the Des Plaines Campus located in a forest-preserve setting 15 minutes from O’Hare International Airport and within a 30-minute drive to all the cultural, entertainment, and recreational activities of Chicago and Lake Michigan.