PACE NONCREDIT COURSE:
Certified Physical Therapy Aide (Voucher Included)
Areas of Study
Course Type
Overview
Hours: 190 | CEUs: 19 | Duration: 9 months
Become A Certified Physical Therapy Aide
Physical therapy aides work with physical therapists to provide a positive experience for patients undergoing physical therapy treatment. This 100% online course will teach you the concepts, skills and practices to become a certified physical therapy aide. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to take the American Medical Certification Association’s (AMCA) Physical Therapy Technician/Aide certification exam. The course also includes an externship starter kit with resources to secure a position as a physical therapy aide extern.
There’s a growing need for physical therapy aides. In fact, PT aide jobs will grow over 25% by 2030. This online course will help you master the skills you need to work as a physical therapy aide.
Not only will you be prepared for the AMCA’s Physical Therapy Technician/Aide certification exam, but an externship starter kit will also walk you through everything you need to know to land a PT aide externship.
Disclaimer: To qualify for the externship applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the externship application process does not guarantee an externship. COVID may be affecting the externship process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.
Key Concepts
Curriculum
- The Physical Therapy Profession
- Medical Terminology
- Organization of the Human Body
- Principles of Pathology and Its Treatment
- Infection Control
- Body Mechanics
- Positioning and Draping Patients
- Transferring Patients Safely
- Wheelchair Basics
- Pressure Ulcers
- Normal and Abnormal Gait
- Ambulation Aids
- 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 Rest of the Organ Systems
- Communication in the PT Facility
- Records and Charting
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Your Career Journey (Optional Lesson)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this course prepare for a certification?
Yes. The course prepares students for the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) through American Medical Certification Association AMCA.
What kind of salary can I expect as a physical therapy technician/aide?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average physical therapy technician/aide salary is $29,200, with the highest 10% earning more than $37,920. This is especially true in high demands states like California, Texas, New York, and Georgia.
What is the difference between a physical therapy aide and an assistant?
The Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) states that the main difference between these two positions (physical therapy assistant vs. physical therapy aide) is the level of treatment provided to patients. A physical therapy aide does not directly engage in patient treatment but instead supports the physical therapist and assistant by performing clerical duties and preparing equipment, among other tasks.
On the other hand, the physical therapy assistant has a more hands-on role, helping implement patient treatment plans under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist—requiring a higher level of education and commanding a higher salary than aides.
What is a physical therapy technician/aide?
Physical therapy aides are any support personnel who perform designated tasks related to the operation of the physical therapy service. In fact, WebPT.com states that these tasks are activities that do not require the clinical decision-making of the physical therapist or the clinical problem-solving of the physical therapist assistant.
What do physical therapy technicians/aides do?
According to the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), a physical therapy technician/aide works under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain with tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients and performing clerical duties.
Physical therapy technicians/aides typically do the following:
- Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment
- Wash linens
- Help patients move to or from a therapy area
- Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling patients
- Gait training
- Prepare patient transport
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
When can I start 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.
How long does it take to complete this course?
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.
What if I don’t have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
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.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job?
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.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is noncredit, 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.
How can I get more information about this course?
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.
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Course Requirements
Requirements: Hardware Requirements: Software Requirements: Other: 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: Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.
Course Prerequisites
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!”
