Physical Therapy Aide
Distance Learning Course Summary

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 program is specifically designed to serve as an introduction or enhancement of the theoretical knowledge required for the vocational application of this subject. It is intended to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training and is not intended as a substitute for licensing or certification requirements, which may include an apprenticeship or additional training, as required by law.

We take great pride in providing you with the most up-to-date textbooks and equipment. One or more of the above-mentioned subjects may, therefore, change if updating becomes necessary during the course of your studies. The order in which the material is presented may vary.