Physical Therapy Aide

Physical Therapy Aide Program

Take the first steps towards a career in healthcare with Penn Foster's Physical Therapy Aide Career Diploma. Learn to help patients manage pain and rebuild movement after injuries, illness, and surgeries. 

  • Helps prepare you to work in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and sports medicine centers.
  • Aids in the development of strong communication techniques, improving patient advocacy and understanding.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $250 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program

$789

$1,039 Save $250

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

physical therapist helping patient use walking bars.

What You Will Learn

  1. Medical terminology, what the parts of the musculoskeletal system are and how to identify common dysfunctions, disorders, and conditions within them.
  2. How to utilize both cold and heat treatments, as well as the purpose of cryotherapy, heat treatments, deep heating treatments, and the role of an aide in administering heat treatments.
  3. Different types of exercises, including range of motion, strength and coordination, and ambulation and gait training.
  4. Personal, patient, and environmental safety as well as standard first aid.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Physical Therapy Aide Career Outcomes

Physical Therapy Aide

AVG SALARY*

$31,410/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

44,500


Our online Physical Therapy Aide Program can help you develop the skills needed to work with physical therapists in a multitude of settings including hospitals, clinics, and sports medicine centers.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information. Penn Foster Career School is not approved or regulated as a school by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Physical therapy is regulated entirely by state licensure laws and practice acts and by federal laws relative to federal programs like Medicare. The physical therapist can and should determine what activities the aide should provide, but that is not regulation. Duties in each state vary. The aide position in Physical Therapy is an unregulated, unlicensed, non-certified, nonregistered profession. There are no requirements for an aide in any state. The program is not sufficient for an assistant position in any state. Assistants require specific educational training, certification, and licensure examinations in every state.

Physical Therapy Aide Program Curriculum 

  • 5 courses
  • 16.3 CEUs
  • 10 exams
  • Optional work experience


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 1 month
  • Average time = 5 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

As part of our Physical Therapy Aide Program curriculum, students learn the fundamental skills needed to begin an entry-level career as a physical therapy aide. Your courses include:


  • Anatomy and Body Systems Terminology
  • Common Physical Disorders
  • Physical Therapy Treatments
  • Exercise and Mobility Training
  • Customer Service
  • Workplace Health and Safety

Show Full Curriculum
physical therapy aide helping patient.

Physical Therapy Aide Work Experience Option

This program includes an optional work experience to help you practice your physical therapy aide skills. Looking to your future, we’re providing you with this work experience option supplement that can be used to help you find a position as a trainee in a medical facility.

Physical Therapy Aide Student Stories 

Penn Foster students have started new careers, earned certifications, and more after graduating. Learn more about their experiences in the Physical Therapy Aide Program.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Becca B.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“Teaches skills that are actually used in the field, and get hands on experience as well.”

Looking for healthcare training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
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Physical Therapy Aide Program Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career as a physical therapy aid with our online Physical Therapy Aide Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today! 

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $250 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program1

$789

$1,039 Save $250

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $100 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program1

$939

$1,039 Save $100

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$1,039

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Healthcare Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced 

Interactive

  • Digital study guides 
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Simulations and videos 

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty 
  • Dedicated student services 
  • Robust learning resources 

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Physical Therapy Aide Program FAQs

What does a physical therapy aide do?

Physical therapy aides assist and support the physical therapist and other staff in clinical settings. Major duties include preparing the treatment area, patient care, and equipment, in addition to performing minor activities under the supervision of a physical therapist.

How do you become a physical therapy aide?

To become a physical therapy aide, you must have a minimum of a high school diploma. No certification is required and you will receive on-the-job training, but additional training and education like a career diploma can help give you a competitive edge in this growing job market.

How much does a physical therapy aide make?

The average yearly salary for a physical therapy aide in 2021 was $31,410.*

Is physical therapy aide a good career?

A career as a physical therapy aide can be a good career if you enjoy working with people and helping others. You'll learn to assist in the physical rehabilitation of individuals after injuries, surgeries, and illness, helping to improve their quality of life.