Physical Therapy Aide

Course details

Stratford can help you take the first step toward a rewarding new career as a physical therapy aide. Beginning with medical terminology and working all the way up to physical therapy modalities, Stratford's course provides a thorough introduction to this exciting career field.

This is a great opportunity to learn the skills you need to work toward a rewarding career in this growing career field. View the complete physical therapy aide course outline.

Physical Therapy Aide Course Outline

Physical Therapy Aide Module 1

Medical Terminology

• Basic Word Structure
• Suffixes and Prefixes
• Organization of the Body
• Body Systems and Their Functions
• Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
• Common Abbreviations and Symbols

Physical Therapy Aide Module 2

Introduction to Physical Therapy

• The Rehabilitation Team
• The Role of the Physical Therapy Aide
• Career Opportunities for the Physical Therapy Aide
• Medical Ethics and Medical Law
• Legal Issues in the Workplace
• Communicating Effectively in the Physical Therapy Setting
• Medical Terminology and the Medical Record
• Understanding the Patient's Medical Records

Physical Therapy Aide Module 3
Scientific Principles, Medical Disorders, and Safety Issues

• Basic Structure and Function of the Human Body
• Applied Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System
• Joints and Movement
• Diseases and Disorders of Bones and Joints
• Using Physical Therapy to Treat Common Medical Disorders
• Using Physical Therapy to Treat Burns and Amputation
• Using Physical Therapy to Treat Genitourinary Disorders
• Safety in the Workplace
• Practicing Good Body Alignment and Movement
• Asepsis and Infection Control
• Performing Proper Hand Washing
• The Human Skeleton
• Major Muscles of the Body

Physical Therapy Aide Module 4

Patient Preparation and Physical Therapy Modalities

• Preparation for Patient Care
• Body Mechanics, Verbal Commands and Transporting Techniques
• Turning and Positioning the Patient
• Supine, Prone, Side-lying, and Sitting Positions
• Transferring the Patient
• Preparation for Beginning of Transfer
• Standing, Sitting, and Bathtub Transfers
• Drawsheet Transfers
• Pneumatic Lift Transfers
• One-person Transfers from Floor to Wheelchair
• Assisting with Ambulation and Gait Training
• Therapeutic Exercises
• Range-of-motion Exercises
• Physical Therapy Agents and Modalities
• Heat Therapies and Cold Therapies
• Specialized Clinical Procedures
• Traction, Ultrasound, Casts, and Reflex Tests