Physical therapy aides work with physical therapists to provide a positive experience
for patients undergoing physical therapy treatment.
About This Program
In this cetificate program course you will learn foundational physical therapy principles, medical terminology, tasks, and responsibilities
needed to work as a certified physical therapy aide.
Become A Certified Physical Therapy Aide
This 100% online coursewill 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 aposition as a physical therapy aide extern.
Physical Therapy Aide jobs can vary based on the state, city, county, and grade level
you choose to work in.
What is a Physical Therapy Aide?
Physical therapy aides are responsible to support the overall therapy environment.
They usually manage the cleanliness and safety of the clinic or work environment and
help prepare the equipment for each patient's visit. And they often help patients
as they arrive and move around in the treatment facility. Some common duties include:
Cleaning the treatment areas
Setting up therapy equipment
Washing linens
Helping patients move to or from a therapy area
Handling clerical tasks, such as answering phones scheduling patients and checking
patients into the clinic
There's a growing need for physical therapy aides. In fact, PT aide jobs will grow
over 25% by 2030
Physical Therapy Aide Career Outlook
Physical therapy professionals, especially physical therapy aides, are in high demand.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists physical therapy assistants and aides
among its fastest-growing career areas.
The BLS projects 27% growth in overall employment for physical therapy support positions
between now and 2028. This is over five times faster than overall expected job growth.
The BLS attributes the growth in demand for physical therapy to the aging Baby Boomer
demographic. According to the BLS, Boomers are staying active later in life than previous
generations commonly did. As a result, experts anticipate a surge in health concerns
as the Boomers reach the age at which heart attacks, strokes and mobility-related
injuries become common.
In addition to education and region, factors such as specialty, industry, and employer
also influence a Physical Therapy Aides' salary.
Physical Therapy Aide Salary Expectations
In 2021, the average Medical Administrative Assistant made:
an average hourly wage of $14.60
an average yearly salary of $30,370
The top 4 States with the highest employment level in Physical Therapy Aides are:
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.
Q: Is certification necessary for physical therapy aides? A: The AMCA exam covers the following areas:
Patient care
Practice administration
Law and ethics
Patient preparation and positioning
Anatomy and physiology
Safety and infection control
Therapeutic modalities
Each of these areas is critical to patient care, effective treatment and limiting
liability for the physical therapist or employer organization.
Q: Is physical therapy aide a good choice for a remote career? A: Changes in health coverage after then Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2014 have shifted
many physical therapy activities from the healthcare setting and into the patient's
home. As a result, physical therapy support activities now also take place in the
home. The shift to homecare has also opened opportunities for independent and even
traveling physical therapy professionals.
Course Details
Prepare to take and pass the AMCA Physical Therapy Technician/Aide certification exam
Understand the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of the certified physical
therapy aide in various healthcare settings
Build knowledge of 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
There are no prerequisites to take the course.
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
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)
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,
and a master's degree in biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After
working as a physical therapist for many years, Trimble transitioned into teaching.
She has lectured on health-related topics to all age groups and works as an adjunct
instructor of anatomy and physiology. She received an Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award
and is the author of "College Success Now!"
Take Your Education and Career to the Next Level!
Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
668 Robert and Trudie Perkins Way
Tallahassee, FL 32310
