Southern Illinois University

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 Southern Illinois University. Page updated: July 1st, 2025

Southern Illinois University PTA Program Overview

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to launch students into a rewarding healthcare career. This two-year, CAPTE-accredited program blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the field. Students complete approximately 70 credit hours covering subjects like anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, therapeutic exercise, and clinical practice.
Admission is competitive due to high demand and limited class sizes—an advantage for students who value personalized attention from experienced faculty. SIU’s PTA curriculum emphasizes practical skills such as patient preparation, treatment area management, equipment usage, and implementing treatment plans under licensed physical therapists’ supervision.

Located in Carbondale—a vibrant college town near Shawnee National Forest—SIU provides access to diverse clinical settings throughout southern Illinois. The university supports student growth through small classes and close-knit campus life while maintaining affordable tuition compared to many regional programs.

Graduates enjoy strong job prospects; according to national trends and local employer partnerships fostered by SIU’s Health Professions division, demand for PTAs continues to rise both regionally and nationwide. Most alumni secure employment soon after graduation in hospitals, outpatient clinics or rehabilitation centers across Illinois.

For more information about costs or admissions requirements—including application deadlines—prospective students can contact SIU Admissions at 618-453-2121 or visit the campus for a firsthand look at their facilities.

Video from Southern Illinois University

PTA Program Contact and Outcomes

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

Online PTA Schools

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