Become a Certified Physical Therapy Aide

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.

A physical therapy aid holding a patient's hands.

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.

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.

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

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!"

 

FAQ

Physical Therapy Aides

Expand FAQ List

  • 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

  • Physical therapy assistants work directly with patients to facilitate treatment. They may assist patients with exercise, massage, balance and other forms of therapeutic interventions. Physical therapy assistants often supervise the work of physical therapy aides.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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)