Certified Physical Therapy Aide

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.

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Course Objectives

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.

Curriculum (click to expand)

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)

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start any time.

Instructors

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!"