Physical Therapy Aide Course

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

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

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

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

---

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 state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships.

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 course material is presented may vary.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition