• Explain the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of the certified physical therapy aide in various healthcare settings
• Define medical terminology and word elements related to the practice of physical therapy
• Summarize human anatomy, functional body movements, and system disorders as they relate to physical therapy
• Identify proper positioning, patient transfers, common exercises, modalities, and medical equipment.
• Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior specific to healthcare settings
• Differentiate between tasks appropriate for a certified physical therapy aide and other healthcare professionals

Physical therapy professionals, especially physical therapy aides, are in high demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 19% growth in overall employment for physical therapy support positions between now and 2032.

The average salary for Physical therapist aides is around $33,520 per year, on average, according to BLS data. Pay rates for physical therapist aides can vary by location and the type of patients they serve.

Those who work in nursing or skilled care facilities earn around $42,000 per year. Therapy aide jobs in the offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists and audiologists pay around $31,200 per year.

There are no prerequisites to taking this course. To sit for the AMCA Physical Therapy Aide Certification Exam, candidates must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Holly Trimble earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from the University of Colorado, a master's degree in pediatric physical therapy from Boston University, and a master's degree in biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After working as a physical therapist for many years, Trimble transitioned into teaching. She has lectured on health-related topics to all age groups and works as an adjunct instructor of anatomy and physiology. She received an Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award and is the author of "College Success Now!"

What is a physical therapy aide? 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 it necessary to get a physical therapy aide certification?

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 the 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.