Certified Physical Therapy Aide (Voucher Included)

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...

9 Months / 190 Course Hrs

Open Enrollment

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Middlesex College

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Learning method

Instructor-led

$2,295

Self-paced. Study on your own schedule

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Details + Objectives

Course code: GES189

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

How the course is taught

Self-paced, online course
9 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
190 course hours

Outline

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

Instructors & Support

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.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. You do not need any prior experience or training in this field.

Certification Requirements:

To sit for the AMCA Certification Exam, candidates must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

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

FAQ

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average physical therapy aide salary is $33,520, with the highest 10% earning more than $43,980. This is especially true in high-demand states like California, Texas, New York, and New Jersey. With faster-than-average projected growth of 19% through 2033, this field is a great entry point.

Upon completion of this nine-month course, you will be prepared to start your career as a PT aide. Becoming a PT aide is a great way to get started in the physical therapy field and does not require an advanced degree.

A physical therapy (PT) aide is a crucial support team member on the physical therapy team. The PT aide assists with non-medical tasks and does not directly engage in patient treatment. The PT aide supports the physical therapist and assistants by performing clerical duties and preparing equipment, escorting patients to treatment rooms, and observing and documenting patients before, during, and after treatment, among other tasks.

Yes. Our physical therapy aide certification course prepares you for the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) through the American Medical Certification Association AMCA.

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive nine (9) months to complete the course.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

Certified Physical Therapy Aide (Voucher Included)

Middlesex College