Southwestern Illinois College

PTA Program Data

Below is complete information including curriculum, learning format, tuition and fees, student outcomes, accreditation, student reviews, and application deadlines for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Southwestern Illinois College. Page updated: July 1st, 2025

Southwestern Illinois College PTA Program Overview

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville, IL, offers a comprehensive pathway to an Associate in Applied Science degree. This accredited program prepares students for licensure and employment as PTAs through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences. The curriculum spans five semesters—including one summer—and covers biological sciences, social sciences, and specialized PTA courses.
Students complete general education requirements at any SWIC campus or online but must attend all PTA-specific classes during the day at the Belleville Campus. Clinical placements are arranged throughout hospitals and facilities within the local district and St. Louis region—giving students exposure to diverse patient populations common in Southern Illinois.

Each year, 20 students are accepted into this competitive program. Graduates boast a strong two-year average licensure pass rate of 95.7% (2023/24), reflecting excellent preparation for state boards required by both Illinois and Missouri.

Tuition is affordable compared to four-year universities; financial aid options include scholarships like the Brenda Smith Memorial Scholarship for second-year PTA students. SWIC’s partnership with Maryville University also allows seamless transfer into bachelor’s or master’s programs in healthcare management after graduation.

With its experienced faculty, robust support services on multiple campuses including Granite City and Red Bud, high job placement rates locally due to proximity to major healthcare employers near St. Louis make SWIC an outstanding choice for aspiring physical therapist assistants in southwestern Illinois.

Video from Southwestern Illinois College

PTA Program Contact and Outcomes

Below is complete contact information for the PTA program director at Southwestern Illinois College as well as links to complete data on student outcomes and more information on the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Online PTA Schools

Compare Southwestern Illinois College’s PTA program to online PTA programs listed below.