Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Aide

HTH E34 - Physical Therapy and Sports Medical Aid-

This comprehensive 60-hour Physical Therapy Aide Program prepares students for a career in the growing field of physical therapy. The physical therapy (PT) aide is generally responsible for carrying out the non-technical duties of physical therapy, such as preparing treatment areas, ordering devices and supplies, and transporting patients. Under the direction of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, an aide will provide services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. The physical therapy aide may be employed in a variety of settings including: hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home care agencies, outpatient clinics, community health centers and sports medicine clinics. Students will learn how to restore loco-motor function to the human body through alleviating and correcting movement dysfunction. Note: This program does not include a national or state certification as part of its overall objectives. 

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 30 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy services is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an older population and growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $31,410 in May 2022.

Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent

Key areas and topics include:

  • Introduction to physical therapy; history and evolution of physical therapy; role of the PT aide in the rehabilitation team
  • Ethical and legal issues affecting the physical therapy aide
  • Parts and types of effective communication
  • Abbreviations and medical terminology
  • Anatomical positions; structures of the musculoskeletal system and function of each (bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles, joints)
  • Basic anatomy
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Ambulation and gait training
  • Measuring vital signs; disorders of the circulatory
  • Strengthening and exercise
  • Types of physical therapy modalities
  • Stretching and direction of movement
  • Common anatomical injuries and the associated modalities
Students will also perform and be evaluated on common clinical skills necessary to function as a physical therapy aide, including patient positioning, and transfer, use of transfer belt, ambulation using crutches/walker and cane, range of motion exercises and obtaining accurate vital signs.

Spring 2025
HTH E34 301
February 3 to April 16, 2025
Mondays and Wednesdays
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H Building, Room H-124

In the event we are unable to meet in person, labs will be held virtually and led by your instructor.

Tuition: $999* (Textbooks not included)
* = Additional college registration and technology fees may apply.  

For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3500, or email us.