UPDATE
Introducing: Penn Foster’s Physical Therapy Aide Career Diploma Program
While Ashworth College is no longer accepting enrollments in our Physical Therapy Aide Career Diploma Program, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.
Open the door to a career in the medical field with Penn Foster. In our online Physical Therapy Aide Career Diploma Program, you’ll gain the need-to-know skills to work as a physical therapist aide. At the end of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an optional work experience to gain hands-on experience.
LEARN MORETake the Next Steps Towards a Career You Want
Penn Foster’s online Physical Therapy Aide Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. With flexible, online courses, you can learn skills and knowledge on your schedule, from home.
Why Penn Foster?
Penn Foster has been on a mission to help people like you launch, accelerate, and thrive in their careers for more than 125 years. We provide students with a quality education that fits your busy lifestyle and budget, offering over 100 self-paced, career-relevant programs across our College, Career School, and High School. The program you choose is structured to fit your learning needs so you can achieve your goals, and is designed to work with your schedule, anytime, anywhere you want to study. With a focus on relevant skills and career preparation for the job you’re after, Penn Foster can help you graduate with confidence and help provide a pathway towards your career goals.
ACCELERATE YOUR PROGRESS
Enroll online at any time, start classes immediately, and graduate in your own time.
STRENGTHEN YOUR SKILL SET
Develop practical, on-the-job techniques for basic patient care and assisting physical therapists.
BOOST YOUR LONG-TERM PROSPECT
As the population ages and people stay active longer, physical therapy continues to be a rewarding career choice.
What You'll Learn in Penn Foster’s Physical Therapy Aide Diploma Program
- Medical terminology, what the parts of the musculoskeletal system are and how to identify common dysfunctions, disorders, and conditions within them.
- How to utilize both cold and heat treatments, as well as the purpose of cryotherapy, heat treatments, deep heating treatments, and the role of an aide in administering heat treatments.
- Different types of exercises, including range of motion, strength and coordination, and ambulation and gait training.
- Personal, patient, and environmental safety as well as standard first aid.
Penn Foster’s Online Physical Therapy Aide Program Curriculum
As part of our Physical Therapy Aide Program curriculum, students learn the fundamental skills needed to begin an entry-level career as a physical therapy aide. Your courses include:
- Anatomy and Body Systems Terminology
- Common Physical Disorders
- Physical Therapy Treatments
- Exercise and Mobility Training
- Customer Service
- Workplace Health and Safety
Physical Therapy Aide Program FAQs
Physical therapy aides assist and support the physical therapist and other staff in clinical settings. Major duties include preparing the treatment area, patient care, and equipment, in addition to performing minor activities under the supervision of a physical therapist.
To become a physical therapy aide, you must have a minimum of a high school diploma. No certification is required and you will receive on-the-job training, but additional training and education like a career diploma can help give you a competitive edge in this growing job market.
The average yearly salary for a physical therapy aide in 2023 was $58,740.†
A career as a physical therapy aide can be a good career if you enjoy working with people and helping others. You'll learn to assist in the physical rehabilitation of individuals after injuries, surgeries, and illness, helping to improve their quality of life.
State requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.