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 10 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 digital textbook is accessed via links in the course lessons:
- Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 9th edition (eBook)
The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- Pierson and Fairchild's Principles & Techniques of Patient Care
Physical therapy (PT) aides support physical therapists and physical therapy assistants in tasks related to running a clinic. Physical therapy aides are important physical therapy team members—and there's a growing need for these trained professionals. Additionally, physical therapy aide and assistant jobs are projected to grow 19% by 2032, with roughly 27,500 new openings per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The training you will receive during your online physical therapy aide program will help you master the skills you need to work as an in-demand physical therapy aide. This includes understanding a certified physical therapy aide's role, responsibilities, and qualifications in various healthcare settings. Increase your knowledge by learning to define medical terminology and word elements related to physical therapy and summarize human anatomy, functional body movements, and system disorders as they relate to physical therapy.
By completing your physical therapy aide certification course online, you can become proficient in performing non-medical tasks in the physical therapy office, including setting up appointment rooms, preparing treatment tools, and observing and documenting patient visits.
During your physical therapy aide course, you will also prepare for the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) exam offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) and walk through everything you need to know to land a physical therapy aide job post-course completion.
- The Physical Therapy Profession
- Medical Terminology
- Organization of the Human body
- Pathology and Its Relationship to Homeostasis
- Infection Control and Safety Procedures
- Body Mechanics
- Pressure Injuries
- Positioning and Draping Patients
- Transferring Patients
- Wheelchair Basics
- Joint Movements and Gait
- Assistive Devices
- Ambulation-Related Activities
- The Skeletal System
- The Muscular System
- Treatment of the Skeletal and Muscular Systems: Exercise
- Treatment of the Skeletal and Muscular Systems: Physical Agents
- The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
- The Nervous System
- Treatment of the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Nervous Systems
- The Remaining Organ Systems
- Communication in the PT Facility
- Records and Charting
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Patent Administration and the Environment within the PT Facility
- Your PT Aide Career: Certification and Job Search
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
- Stand out to employers by holding the AMCA PTTC credential, further validating your skill set
- Develop transferable skills that increase employment opportunities in healthcare settings, including physical therapist offices, hospitals, and nursing home facilities
- Launch an exciting and rewarding entry-level healthcare career
Dr. Tara Caberwal
Dr. Tara Caberwal is an accomplished assistant professor at Campbell University, where she is dedicated to advancing the field of physical therapy. She is a graduate of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and holds multiple specialized certifications, including Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT) and Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) and is recognized as a board-certified clinical specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS).
Her commitment to professional development is evident through her extensive postgraduate training, including a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) from Andrews University's post-professional program. Additionally, Dr. Caberwal has earned her fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), further establishing her expertise in the field.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Caberwal primarily focuses on the rehabilitation and wellness of active-duty military personnel at Fort Bragg, NC. Her unique blend of academic prowess and hands-on experience allows her to provide exceptional care and contribute significantly to the health and recovery of those she serves.