Physical Therapy Aide

Stratford's physical therapy aide course is designed to provide you with practical and fundamental information about the work of a physical therapy aide.

Physical therapy aides often work closely with physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to provide the most comfortable and productive sessions for patients.

A physical therapy aide is often responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and well organized, and might escort patients in wheelchairs, perform clerical duties, or order supplies.

Stratford's convenient home study program is designed to help you learn the skills and actions involved in this career field. Our proven distance learning methods allow you to learn quickly and could potentially give you a competitive edge in the job market. Why wait? Enrol today!

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

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.