Physical Therapy Aide

course overview

Help people get back on their feet 

The physical therapy aide plays an important part in helping people recover from injuries, improving their mobility, resuming their active lives and returning to their jobs.

The Cengage Education Physical Therapy Aide course gives students the skills they need to work with other medical professionals in physical therapy offices, hospitals, clinics and schools.

You’ll learn how to prepare a treatment room and make sure patients are performing their prescribed exercises correctly.

The course is a useful starting point on the path to becoming a fully qualified physical therapist.

on completion of your course

 Upon completion of this course you will be awarded a Cengage Education Physical Therapy Aide Certificate.

key areas of learning

Introduction to physical therapy aide

The physical therapy aide

Medical & body systems terminology

Common physical disorders

Physical therapy treatments

Exercise & mobility training

Customer service

Workplace health & safety

subjects you’ll cover

Introduction to physical therapy aide This subject focuses on the history & achievements of the physical therapy profession. It also discusses the typical responsibilities & clinical duties of an aide today.

The physical therapy aide Responsibilities of an aide Administrative & clinical tasks Effective communication Inventory control & maintenance procedures Appropriate level of aide supervision

Medical & body systems terminology Prefixes, suffixes & combining forms Medical terms The human body Anatomical position, directional terms, planes, quadrants & regions Body cavities

Common physical disorders Common dysfunctions, disorders & conditions of the musculoskeletal system The inflammatory process post injury Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis Function of the vertebral disk Predisposing factors for osteoporosis Effects & common locations of a hernia

Physical therapy treatments Utilising heat in the treatment of patients Superficial heat modalities

Exercise & mobility training Body mechanics Appropriate techniques for bending, lifting, reaching, pulling, transferring & moving objects The centre of gravity, base support & pelvic tilt

Customer service Definition of customer service Ensuring that quality care is being provided Customer service skills Customers, patients & personnel Factors that may affect the interaction with patients The importance of communicating effectively in a health care setting

Workplace health & safety Safety in the workplace Temperature, humidity & ventilation Lighting, colour & noise The importance of patient privacy in the healing process Potential accidents & hazards in the health care environment Fall prevention techniques & tips

assessment details

 9 multiple choice exams

Extra learning materials included

Introduction to Medical Terminology - Textbook

Medical Dictionary

Body Systems Terminology - Tape

Exercise and the Physical Therapy Aide - Video

Terminology flash cards

entry requirements

No entry requirements apply to these courses.