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Why Major in Physical Therapy

A person using a walker

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the Quad-Cities Campus provides students with a comprehensive education and hands-on clinical experience across a wide regional area. With up to 24 spots available per incoming class starting every fall, this program offers a fantastic opportunity to launch a rewarding career in physical therapy. The Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant equips students with the skills to confidently execute physical therapy procedures under the guidance of licensed professionals while preparing them to integrate critical thinking and evidence-based practice into patient care across a variety of health care environments.

Students in the program learn to collaborate and communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers and interprofessional health care teams to support a patient-centered continuum of care. The curriculum emphasizes culturally sensitive, equitable and inclusive treatment approaches while strengthening students’ ability to analyze clinical data, adapt treatment plans using sound clinical judgment, and advocate for underserved and marginalized patient populations. In addition, students develop professional conduct grounded in the APTA’s Core Values, ethical standards, and legal regulations for physical therapist assistant practice. Through self-assessment and lifelong learning practices, graduates are prepared to grow within an ever-changing health care field and make a meaningful impact helping others restore their physical well-being.

Locations
Quad-Cities Campus
Formats
On-campus
Number of Credits
69
Next Start Date
Fall
Financial Aid Eligibility
Yes

New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) AAS until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.

Careers In Physical Therapy

Admission Requirements

  1. High school graduation or equivalent.
  2. A physical examination prior to any clinical coursework.
  3. The program admits up to 24 students for each incoming class.
  4. Fill out application.
  5. Interview with PTA selection committee. The interview is part of a written and oral selection process.
  6. Minimum of “C” average in courses previously completed at Black Hawk College and any courses transferred from other colleges.

Students must also successfully document and meet all health and background checks required by academic departments and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or courses.

Application

Applications are no longer being accepted for Fall 2026 admissions.

Applications for Fall 2027 will be available starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Is the PTA program accredited?

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Black Hawk College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 309-796-5394 or email abelsd@bhc.edu.

How much does it cost to complete this program?

In-district Cost

Expense Type Amount

Tuition
First year: ($174 x 32 credits)
Second year: ($177 x 29 credits)
Fifth semester: ($180 x 8 credits)

$12,141
Lab fees ($75/credit hour in core classes) $3,225
Books (four semesters) $1,250
Parking tags (two years) $100
Approximate overall cost $16,716

BHC PTA Financial Fact Sheet 2025 (PDF)

What are the graduation rates and other student outcomes of this program?

Graduation Rate

  • 2025: 78.6%
  • 2024: 100%
  • 2023: 100%
  • 2022: 100%
  • 2021: 100%

Cumulative last two years: 90.6%

Ultimate Pass Rate (National Physical Therapy Examination)

  • 2025: TBD
  • 2024: 76.5%
  • 2023: 81.3%
  • 2022: 89.5%
  • 2021: 85%

Cumulative last two years: 78.8%

First Time Pass Rate

  • 2025: TBD
  • 2024: 70.6%
  • 2023: 63%
  • 2022: 68.4%
  • 2021: 80%

Employment Rate (six months after passing National Physical Therapy Examination)

  • 2025: 100%
  • 2024: 100%
  • 2023: 100%
  • 2022: 100%
  • 2021: 100%

Cumulative past two years: 100%

Will the PTA degree transfer toward a PT degree?

Students interested in pursuing a Master or Doctorate of Physical Therapy should contact the specific PT program for more information on transferable courses. Generally, only the biology and general education classes are transferable.

Will applying early increase my chances of being accepted to the PTA program?

Yes, as the selection process is very competitive. Applications will be accepted starting September 1. Applications postmarked on or before October 31 will be granted an interview in February. Applications postmarked after October 31 will be notified of an interview if there are remaining spots available in the upcoming class.

Is there a waiting list for the PTA program?

No. The program reviews the application pool every year and students not selected must re-apply to be considered for the next class.

Professional Licensure

Black Hawk College (BHC) programs are designed to meet licensure or certification requirements in Illinois. Completion of a BHC program may not satisfy requirements in other states. Below is a list of states and whether this BHC Physical Therapist Assistant program meets or does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in those states. If a state is not listed, BHC has not made a determination regarding whether the program satisfies that state’s educational requirements for licensure or certification.

States where completion meets educational requirements for professional licensure

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Contact

Quad-Cities Campus

309-796-5341 or
309-796-5000

East Campus

309-854-1724