This online Certified Physical Therapy Aide program prepares students to support physical therapists in clinical settings by performing non-clinical tasks such as setting up equipment, assisting patients with mobility, maintaining cleanliness and safety of therapy environments, and ensuring efficient office operations. This course aligns with the certification exam and includes both theoretical knowledge and practical applications through a structured 100-hour externship.
(Note: You will be responsible for selecting your externship site)
Physical Therapy Aide Course
Module 1: Introduction to Physical Therapy Aide Role
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History of physical therapy
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Scope of practice for aides
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The healthcare team
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Legal vs ethical responsibilities
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The role in patient care and outcomes
Module 2: Basic Anatomy and Physiology
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Overview of musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular systems
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Muscle and joint function
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Common injuries seen in PT settings
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Importance of rehabilitation and healing processes
Module 3: Medical Terminology
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Word parts and meanings
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Prefixes, suffixes, and roots
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Common terms used in rehab and PT charts
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Abbreviations and medical shorthand
Module 4: Patient Positioning and Body Mechanics
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Principles of proper body mechanics
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Transfers: wheelchair, bed, walkers
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Gait belts, slide boards, and lifting devices
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Fall prevention and support
Module 5: Therapeutic Modalities and Equipment
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Application and removal of hot/cold packs
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Setup and cleaning of TENS units, ultrasound, whirlpools
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Range of motion equipment
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Maintenance and inventory of therapy tools
Module 6: Infection Control and Safety Procedures
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Standard precautions
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Handwashing and PPE
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Environmental cleaning
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Emergency protocols and incident reports
Module 7: Documentation and Patient Records
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Introduction to SOAP format
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Recording vitals and progress
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Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
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Paper vs. electronic health records
Module 8: Interpersonal Communication Skills
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Active listening and empathy
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Working with elderly, disabled, and pediatric patients
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Cultural sensitivity in healthcare
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Conflict resolution and teamwork
Module 9: Administrative Duties
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Front office operations
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Scheduling appointments and follow-ups
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Billing and coding basics (ICD, CPT)
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Maintaining supply inventory
Module 10: Professionalism and Ethics
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Confidentiality and informed consent
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Patient rights and responsibilities
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Time management and dependability
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Preparing for job interviews and resumes
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