Physical Therapist Aide - Certificate
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Physical Therapist Aide certificate is designed for students seeking entry-level employment in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings. The curriculum introduces foundational healthcare and rehabilitation skills that prepare students to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Coursework includes topics such as patient support, therapeutic exercise assistance, patient transport, clinic safety, therapeutic modalities, and healthcare office procedures. Students develop practical skills used to support patient care and maintain safe and effective rehabilitation environments.
The Physical Therapist Aide program is workforce-focused and prepares students for entry-level roles in physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and related healthcare settings. The certificate also satisfies pre-program requirements for entry into the MHCC Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS) degree program.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- 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.
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
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.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PA101 | Introduction to Physical Therapy Careers | 2 |
| BI231Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MO111 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| HE262 | Basic Life Support | 1 |
| Health / Physical Education | 1 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| PA102 | Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Applications | 1 |
| PA111 | Physical Therapist Aide Clinical Affiliation | 1 |
| BI232Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| PSY201Z | Introduction to Psychology I | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| PA103 | Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Practice | 2 |
| BI233Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher) or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4-6 |
| Credits | 10-12 | |
| Total Credits | 36-38 | |