Online Physical Therapy Aide Certification Course

WHAT DOES A PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE DO?

Physical therapy aides are responsible to support the overall therapy environment. They usually manage the cleanliness and safety of the clinic or work environment and help prepare the equipment for each patient’s visit. And they often help patients as they arrive and move around in the treatment facility. Some common duties include:

  • Cleaning the treatment areas
  • Setting up therapy equipment
  • Washing linens
  • Helping patients move to or from a therapy area
  • Handling clerical tasks, such as answering phones scheduling patients and checking patients into the clinic

 

IS A PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE THE SAME AS A PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT?

Physical therapy assistants work directly with patients to facilitate treatment. They may assist patients with exercise, massage, balance and other forms of therapeutic interventions. Physical therapy assistants often supervise the work of physical therapy aides.

 

IS CERTIFICATION NECESSARY FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDES?

The AMCA exam covers the following areas:

  • Patient care
  • Practice administration
  • Law and ethics
  • Patient preparation and positioning
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Safety and infection control
  • Therapeutic modalities

Each of these areas is critical to patient care, effective treatment and limiting liability for the physical therapist or employer organization.

 

IS PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE A GOOD CHOICE FOR A REMOTE CAREER?

Changes in health coverage after then Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2014 have shifted many physical therapy activities from the healthcare setting and into the patient’s home. As a result, physical therapy support activities now also take place in the home. The shift to homecare has also opened opportunities for independent and even traveling physical therapy professionals.