The purpose of physical therapy is to restore loco-motor function to the human body through alleviating and correcting movement dysfunction. Physical Therapy has become a valuable part of total patient care and rehabilitation. Physical Therapy Aides, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, assist with specific components of treatment interventions. A substantial increase in the amount of physical activity in the general population has resulted in a significant increase in the need for physical therapy services. 

The Physical Therapy Aide is generally responsible for carrying out the non-technical duties of physical therapy, such as preparing treatment areas, ordering devices and supplies, and transporting patients. As a result of the increase in physical activity among adult populations, the number of sports related injuries has increased substantially - escalating the need for physical therapy services and Physical Therapy Aides. This comprehensive program prepares students for entry level Physical Therapy Aide positions as supportive personnel in a Physical Therapy practice.

NOTE: This is an entry-level program for Physical Therapy Aides. State certification/license in physical therapy generally requires at least 1 to 2 years of formal education.

• Program Objectives
• Skills-Based Labs and Activities

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Introduction to Physical Therapy
• History and Evolution of Physical Therapy
• Role of the PT aide in the rehabilitation team
• Ethical and legal considerations for aides
• Parts and types of effective communication
• Abbreviations and medical terminology
• Basic Anatomy, Anatomical Position
• Structures of the Musculoskeletal System and function of each
• Range of motion exercises
• Ambulation and gait training
• Measuring Vital Signs; Disorders of the Circulatory
• Strengthening and exercise
• Types of physical therapy modalities
• Stretching and direction of movement
• Common injuries and associated modalities
• Clinical skills: patient positioning, and transfer, use of transfer belt, ambulation using crutches/walker/cane range of motion exercises; accurate vital signs

As part of this program, Learners will complete the following hands-on labs and activities:

• Handwashing
• General Patient Care
• Patient Positioning
• Vital Signs
• ROM Exercises - Upper and Lower Extremities
• Exercises for Total Hip Replacement Patient
• Exercises for Cerebrovascular Accident - Stroke
• Use of a Gait Belt or Transfer Belt
• Use of Assistive Devices for Ambulation
• Compression Stockings, Binders, and Elastic Wraps
• Patient Transfers
• Undressing and Dressing a Patient for Treatment
• Making an Occupied Bed
• Applying Hot and Cold Compresses
• First Aid and CPR

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Physical Therapy Aide

 

Job and Externship Placement Services

Regardless if you elect to pursue national certification or not, if you enroll and successfully complete this program, assuming you pass a background check and drug screen, you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement services. All students who successfully complete this program (and pass a background check and drug screen) will have access to the RTW Externship or Job placement services at no additional cost.