Physical Therapy Aide

Physical Therapy Aide Module 1
Physical Therapy Profession

• Why Physical Therapy Matters
• Who is the Physical Therapy Aide?
• PT Aide vs. PT vs. PTA
• Where PT Aides Work
• Physical Therapy Care Team
• Working with Departments and Providers
• How Patients Enter and Move Through the Care System

Physical Therapy Aide Module 2
Scope of Practice and Medical Terminology

• Ethics in Healthcare Support Roles
• Professional Boundaries
• Patient Relationships
• Workplace Professionalism Standards
• Recognizing and Reporting Ethical Concerns
• Medical Language
• Musculoskeletal System
• Nervous System and Movement
• Directional Terms and Body Positions

Physical Therapy Aide Module 3
Communication Skills

• Professional Communication
• Active Listening and Nonverbal Cues
• Communicating with Patients and Families
• Cultural Awareness and Communication Barriers
• Handling Difficult Situations and Escalating Concerns

Physical Therapy Aide Module 4
Safety, Infection Control and Emergency Procedures

• Standard Precautions and Infection Control
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Body Mechanics and Injury Prevention
• Workplace and Equipment Safety
• Recognizing and Responding to Emergencies

Physical Therapy Aide Module 5
Patient Transport, Positioning and Mobility Assistance

• Principles of Safe Patient Handling
• Wheelchair and Gait Belt Use
• Transfer Techniques
• Positioning Patients for Treatment
• Assisting with Ambulation and Mobility Devices

Physical Therapy Aide Module 6
Therapeutic Equipment, Modalities and Treatment Environment       

• Common Physical Therapy Environment
• Understanding Therapeutic Modalities
• Preparing and Maintaining the Treatment Area
• Equipment Cleaning, Maintenance and Safety Checks

Physical Therapy Aide Module 7
Administrative Duties

• Patient Documentation
• HIPAA and Protecting Patient Privacy
• Scheduling and Front-Office Duties
• Insurance and Billing Basics
• Recordkeeping and Supply Management
• Working with Pediatric Patients
• Working with Geriatric Patients
• Supporting Orthopedic Patients
• Supporting Neurological Patients
• Adapting Care for Diverse Needs

Physical Therapy Aide Module 8
Conditions and Treatment Plans        

• Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
• Common Neurological Conditions
• Common Cardiopulmonary and Post-Surgical Conditions
• Understanding Treatment Plans
• The Aide’s Role in Supporting Patient Progress

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**