Course description
This course begins with an overview of the history of physical therapy and lays out the differences between a physical therapist and a physical therapy aide. We describe career opportunities and outline the skills required to complete the daily work of a physical therapist and therapy aide. We provide some important medical technology and examine the general equipment used in physical therapy before explaining the use of orthotics. We also study the treatments for common medical disorders, including elbow range of motion (ROM) impairment and different forms of modality and ways to increase mobility, like ice massages.
The course then investigates the basic structure and function of the human body, including the different types of muscle tissue and common cardiopulmonary pathologies. We lay out the difference between the axial and appendicular skeleton. We then show you how to correctly turn and position the patient and include tips for lifting and ‘scooting’ transfers. You will also learn about pressure ulcers and bed mobility. Finally, we cover therapeutic exercise techniques, agents and modalities ranging from the use of crutches to hydrotherapy.
You can protect yourself and your patients from injury by learning the different methods for transferring them to and from chairs, beds and wheelchairs. The different therapeutic exercises provided by this course can help your patients to recover and regain full use of their bodies. This course describes the day-to-day work of a therapy aide and the traits that might make you good at this rewarding job so sign up to gain a valuable new skill that can enable you to help others.
Upcoming start dates
Training content
Introduction to Physical Therapy
Description: This module introduces you to physical therapy including the history of physical therapy and the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapy aide.
- Learning Outcomes
- The Profession of Physical Therapy
- Current Practice for Physical Therapists
- Lesson Summary
Career Opportunities and Skill Sets
Description: In this module, you will learn about career opportunities and skill sets involved in the role as a physical therapist. You will also learn about the day to day work of a therapy aide.
- Learning Outcomes
- Fields of Work for Physical Therapists
- Skill Sets for Physical Therapist Aide
- Pain Scale for Physical Therapy Patient
- Lesson Summary
Medical Terminology
Description: In this module, you will learn about medical technology as well as general equipment used in physical therapy and what Orthotics is used for.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- General Equipment for Physical Therapy
- Orthotics: AFO and KAFO
- Lesson Summary
Treatment of Common Medical Disorders
Description: In this module, you will learn about treatments of common medical disorders including various range of motions, such as elbow ROM, and different forms of modality such as ice massages.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Treatment of Common Medical Disorders
- Treatment using Modalities
- Range of Motion (ROM)
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Physical Therapy Aide - First Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: First Assessment - Introduction to Physical Therapy Aides
Basic Structure and Function of the Human Body
Description: This module teaches you about the basic structure and function of the human body including different types of muscle tissue, common cardiopulmonary pathologies, and the difference between the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
- Learning Outcomes
- Musculoskeletal System
- Cardiopulmonary System
- Neurological System & Neurological Illnesses
- Skeletal & Muscle System
- Lesson Summary
Turning and Positioning the Patient
Description: In this module, you will learn about Turning and Positioning the Patient including tips for lifting and methods for scooting transfers. You will also learn about pressure ulcers and bed mobility.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Turning and Positioning the Patient
- Body Mechanics: Lifting
- Transfers: Safely Moving Patients
- Lesson Summary
Therapeutic Exercises, Agents and Modalities
Description: In this module, you will learn about therapeutic exercises, agents and modalities ranging from the use of crutches to hydrotherapy.
- Learning Outcomes
- Physical Therapy Agents and Modalities
- Assisting with Gait Training
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Physical Therapy Aide - Second Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: Second Assessment - Treatment and Movement of a Patient
Course assessment
- Assessment: Diploma in Physical Therapy Aide - Course Assessment
Certification / Credits
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Outline the history of physical therapy
- List the different facilities in which a physical therapy aide can work
- Explain the terms for positions and orientation of the patient and describe those positions
- Identify the range of motion for different joints in the body
- Describe neurological illnesses that physical therapy can help alleviate
- Discuss different methods for transferring a patient to and from chairs, beds, wheelchairs, etc
- Recognize equipment to assist with gait training
- Identify the correct body mechanics for lifting activities
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Alison is the world’s largest free online empowerment platform for education and skills training, offering thousands of CPD-accredited courses and a range of impactful career development tools. It is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making it possible for anyone,...