Learn foundational physical therapy principles, medical terminology, tasks, and responsibilities needed to work as a certified physical therapy aide.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Webcam and microphone for certification exam testing.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Principles and Techniques of Patient Care
• Medical Terminology for Health Professions

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Physical therapy (PT) aides support physical therapists and physical therapy assistants in tasks related to the running of a clinic. PT aides are important physical therapy team members—and there's a growing need for these trained professionals. Additionally, PT aide jobs will gain 1,300 new openings by 2032.

This online physical therapy aide program will help you master the skills you need to work as an in-demand physical therapy aide. This physical therapy aide certification course prepares PT aides to perform non-medical tasks in the physical therapy office, including setting up appointment rooms, preparing treatment tools, and observing and documenting patient visits.

During physical therapy aide training, you will prepare for the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide certification exam offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) and walk through everything you need to know to land a PT aide job post-course completion.

1. The Physical Therapy Profession
2. Medical Terminology
3. Organization of the Human Body
4. Principles of Pathology and Its Treatment
5. Infection Control
6. Body Mechanics
7. Positioning and Draping Patients
8. Transferring Patients Safely
9. Wheelchair Basics
10. Pressure Injuries
11. Joint Movement and Gait
12. Ambulation Aids
13. Ambulation-Related Activities
14. The Skeletal System
15. The Muscular System
16. Treatment of the Skeletal and Muscular Systems: Exercise
17. Treatment of the Skeletal and Muscular Systems: Physical Agents
18. The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
19. The Nervous System
20. Treatment of the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Nervous Systems
21. The Remaining Organ Systems
22. Communication in the PT Facility
23. Records and Charting
24. Legal and Ethical Issues
25. Your Career Roadmap:The Job Search and Future Opportunities (Optional Lesson)

What you will learn

• Explain the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of the certified physical therapy aide in various healthcare settings
• Define medical terminology and word elements related to the practice of physical therapy
• Summarize human anatomy, functional body movements, and system disorders as they relate to physical therapy
• Identify proper positioning, patient transfers, common exercises, modalities, and medical equipment.
• Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior specific to healthcare settings
• Differentiate between tasks appropriate for a certified physical therapy aide and other healthcare professionals

How you will benefit

• Holding AMCA Physical Therapy Technician/Aide certification validates your skill set
• Developing transferable skills increases employment opportunities at healthcare settings, including physical therapist offices, hospitals, and nursing home facilities

Holly Trimble

Holly Trimble earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado, a master's degree in Pediatric Physical Therapy from Boston University, a master's degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. After working as a physical therapist for many years, Dr. Trimble transitioned into teaching. She has lectured on health-related topics to all age groups and has taught middle and high school science courses in both private and public school settings. She currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology for a local community college system, where she has taught for the past 15 years. Holly received the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award both of the years she was nominated and is the author of the eBook, "College Success Now!"