How to Become a Physical Therapy Aide Online
Looking to become a Physical Therapy Aide through an online program? Blackstone’s online Physical Therapy Aide Course offers anatomy and medical terminology, administrative office skills, office technology, time and stress management, critical thinking skills, working effectively on a team, medical ethics and HIPAA. While a physical therapy aide is not a licensed practitioner, they are an important member of the physical therapy team. Prepare for your physical therapy aide career through Blackstone Career Institute’s renowned online courses with online certificates. Obtain the education and physical therapy aide online training you need to secure a competitive salary in today’s job market.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapy aides is projected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job outlook in these positions have an optimistic outlook of 40%. Tasks include helping patients into or out of the therapy area, cleaning treatment areas, washing linens, and the handling of clerical tasks. The average salary for physical therapy aides typically is around $23,880 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39, 230.
Education
Physical therapy aides typically have a high school diploma or GED. They usually gain clinical experience through on-the-job training that can last from about a week to a month. Employers often prefer to hire applicants with computer skills. If you are in need of a computer skills course, Blackstone offers a certificate course titled Intro to Computers to help you qualify for jobs in the Physical Therapy Aide field.
Aides aren’t required to have previous experience, although it helps, and will receive on-the-job training to prepare them for the role.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Each state requires different physical therapist aides to be licensed and/or certified. It is important to check with the state licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state you plan to work. Certification typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapy aide program, such as Blackstone Career Institute’s Physical Therapy Aide online program. Physical therapy aides also may need to take continuing education courses to keep their license, which are also offered through Blackstone’s online certificate courses. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements from this site: https://blackstone.edu/about-us/state-licensing/
View from the field:
“As far as my experience it was great. The material was very helpful and provided a lot of information without overloading. I took this course because I plan on pursuing my Physical Therapy Assistant Degree with hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist within the next 5-8 years.
-C. Shepherd, Physical Therapy Aide Graduate
Important Qualities
Compassion. Physical therapy aides should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain, and they must have empathy to help their patients.
Detail oriented. Like other healthcare professionals, physical therapy aides should be organized and have a keen eye for detail. They must keep accurate records and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.
Dexterity. Physical therapy aides should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.
Interpersonal skills. Physical therapy aides spend much of their time interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; therefore, they should be courteous and friendly.
Physical stamina. Physical therapy aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients. They must often kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods. They should enjoy physical activity.
