Physical Therapist Aide - Certificate

This program has been submitted to the Department of Education for review of financial aid eligibility.

Certificate

Faculty Advisers

Kristin Kjensrud: 503-491-7464 | Room AC2768 | Kristin.Kjensrud@mhcc.edu

Program Description

The profession of physical therapy addresses movement and mobility challenges affecting individuals from all populations across the lifespan who are recovering from injury or illness.

The Physical Therapist Aide Certificate prepares learners for entry-level employment as a physical therapist aide and satisfies all pre-program requirements for entry to the Mt. Hood Community College Physical Therapist Assistant AAS degree program. It is designed for people who wish to begin work in the field of physical therapy quickly and meet requirements for future education and career advancement. 

Physical therapist aides (PT Aides) work under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to perform delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations including:

  • Providing assistance to a licensed clinician during patient care, patient transport, direction and monitoring of an established exercise plan, and assisting with the performance of therapeutic modalities as prescribed and appropriate. 
  • Maintenance of a clean, safe patient treatment area, including set-up of clinic spaces, cleaning equipment, and performing laundry and stocking duties 
  • Assist staff with reception and clerical duties as needed.

Program Learning Outcomes​

Upon completion of the Physical Therapist Aide Certificate, the learner will:

  • Use numerical information and quantitative reasoning skills to solve real-world problems.
  • Demonstrate effective oral, non-verbal, and written communication strategies appropriate to the healthcare workplace.
  • Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, cognitive development, medical terminology, and discipline-specific concepts during the performance of treatment and non-treatment related tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed clinician.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems in the health care setting.
  • Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for others' cultural practices and views.
  • Collaborate effectively as a member of the health care team.
  • Practice ethical behavior in academic and professional settings.
Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
PA101 Introduction to Physical Therapy Careers 2
BI231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Course offered online) 4
MO111 Medical Terminology (Course offered online) 4
HE262 Basic Life Support (Course offered online) 1
Health / Physical Education 1
 Credits12
Second Quarter
Winter
PA102 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Applications 1
PA111 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Affiliation 1
BI232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Course offered online) 4
PSY201Z Introduction to Psychology I (Course offered online) 4
WR121Z Composition I (Course offered online) 4
 Credits14
Third Quarter
Spring
PA103 Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Practice 2
BI233 Human Anatomy and Physiology III (Course offered online) 4
MTH065
or MTH058
 Beginning Algebra II (Course offered online) (or higher)
or Quantitative Reasoning I
 4-6
 Credits10-12
 Total Credits36-38

PA101 Introduction to Physical Therapy Careers

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Aide program.

This course is designed to introduce the profession of physical therapy. Foundational concepts will be discussed including the scope of physical therapy practice, career opportunities within the profession, and an introduction to fundamental physical therapy practices including infection control techniques, universal precautions, body mechanics, and safety procedures. Learners will also have the opportunity to contextualize their concurrent courses in the framework of physical therapy.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define and describe the scope of each member of the physical therapy team in order to collaborate effectively as a member of the healthcare team
  2. Reflect on the learner’s identity and strengths as related and valuable to the field of physical therapy
  3. Articulate contextualizing factors for common concurrent courses, including A&P I, Medical Terminology, and Basic Life Support
  4. Demonstrate professional/medical ethics, patient confidentiality, universal precautions, body mechanics, and safety procedures

PA102 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Applications

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, or higher placement, and PA101, MO111, HE262, and BI231; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: WR121Z, PA111, PSY201, and BI232.

This course is designed to develop effective communication skills appropriate to the physical therapy workplace, including writing skills necessary for medical documentation. Learners will deepen their understanding of professional values, characteristics of effective healthcare teams, and will explore culture differences and biases which may influence interactions with others.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate effective patient communication strategies.
  2. Discuss strategies to improve team effectiveness in healthcare.
  3. Reflect on the unique nature of cultures and identities and their impact on health and healthcare.
  4. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, written composition, and psychology to the practice of physical therapy.
  5. Articulate an expanding awareness of personal connections to the core values of the physical therapy profession.

PA103 Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Practice

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: PA102, PA111, BI232, and WR121Z; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: MTH058 and BI233.

This course is designed to provide foundational context in preparation for entry to the physical therapy profession. Practical concepts include introductory kinesiology, introduction to durable medical equipment, effective set up of physical modalities, and essential elements of equitable practices in healthcare. Learners will also have the opportunity to contextualize their past and concurrent courses in the framework of physical therapy.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe basic kinesiology concepts as they relate to human posture, stability, and movement.
  2. Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and quantitative reasoning to physical therapy practice.
  3. Safely and effectively use select durable medical equipment as directed by a licensed clinician.
  4. Safely and effectively perform setup and application of common physical modalities as directed by a licensed clinician.
  5. Articulate awareness of equitable practices in healthcare settings.

PA111 Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Affiliation

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: PA101, MO111, HE262, and BI231; each with a grade of "C" or higher. Co-requisite: PA102, WR121Z, PSY201, and BI232.

This course is designed to provide the clinical expertise necessary to work as a Physical Therapist Aide. This is a 30-hour clinical education experience in conjunction with a local physical therapy practice. The learner will spend time at a clinical site in the community working under direct supervision of a licensed clinician to learn, practice, and demonstrate competency in the Physical Therapist Aide position.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Implement standard infection control practices during the performance of assigned tasks.
  2. Perform assigned patient care related tasks safely, ethically, and effectively under the direct supervision of a licensed clinician.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication with an emphasis on empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during interpersonal interactions.
  4. Record relevant care information as directed by a licensed clinician using clear, discipline appropriate language.
  5. Incorporate self-reflection on own performance and feedback provided by others to improve skills.