About

Rita Ator, PT, DPT, ATC

Dr. Ator graduated with High Honors from the University of Illinois Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and received her Athletic Training education from Eastern Illinois University. She subsequently attended Evidence in Motion from which she received her transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. Dr. Ator is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Orthopedic Section, Education Section and Oncology Section. She became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist in 2013 and completed her Orthopedic Residency with Evidence in Motion in 2014. Additionally, she completed her Certificate in Manual Therapy through the Institute for Advance Musculoskeletal Treatment in 2017 and Dry Needling Certification in 2019. She has additionally pursued certification as a running analysis through Run DNA and as a Cancer Exercise Trainer through ACSM. Her research interests include clinical education, outpatient physical therapy/orthopedic treatment methods including aquatic therapy, use of taping, various treatment methods and student development. She will be engaging in further studies toward a Master’s in Aging Studies and Doctor of Health Science through the University of Indianapolis in August 2022. Rita has been involved in clinical education for over 30 years with numerous universities, has served as a facilitator for the BOC athletic training practical exam and has been adjunct faculty at North Central College in Naperville, IL for over 20 years for athletic training. Rita enjoys spending time with the students and guiding them in their pursuit of higher education in the field of physical therapy practice.