Becoming A PT Aide in 17-Weeks: A Glance At What To Expect

A Physical Therapy Aide is an important member of the medical team. Working under licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, PT aides help patients build strength, regain mobility and live with less pain.

It’s an excellent career for anyone who loves taking care of people, and you don’t need any prior experience to get started. In just 17 weeks, MedCerts’s Physical Therapy Aide and Administration Specialist program can get you ready for the job market

What Makes MedCerts’ Program Special?

MedCerts is a certification-focused school. They cover the hands-on skills and medical knowledge you need to succeed as a PT aide, plus the customer service and administration skills that will make you an in-demand job candidate.

Once you’ve completed the program successfully, you can apply for your Physical Therapy Technician Certification or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant credential.

Course #1: Customer Service Professional

Medical patients are customers, and this course teaches you how to work with them skillfully. It’s a 16-hour course designed to be completed over the course of a week.

Once you’re done, you’ll officially be Customer Service Certified through the Professional Association for Customer Engagement.

Course #2: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology

This 6-week, 96-hour course teaches you about the 11 primary body systems, the structures they contain and the medical terms that refer to them.

You don’t need any prior medical knowledge to complete this course. Through interactive lessons and engaging visuals, you’ll come to understand how all of the different prefixes, suffixes, root words and abbreviations fit together.

This course will help you to communicate effectively with PTs and understand patient records.

Course #3: Medical Office Procedures and Administration

This 6-week course includes 64 hours of material. It’s your grounding in the day-to-day workings of the healthcare industry, from appointment booking to billing. Coursework includes:

• ‌HIPAA Regulations

• ‌Managing medical records

• ‌Medical procedure coding

• ‌Health insurance basics

• ‌Professional fees

‌These skills will make you indispensable in any medical office.

Course #4: Fundamentals of Physical Therapy

The four-week, 64-hour Fundamentals of PT course introduces you to the essential skills of the physical therapy aide.

You’ll learn the basics of PT practice and what your role will be as a PT aide. You’ll get an introduction to fundamental hands-on skills, including:

• ‌Preparing patients for PT sessions

• ‌Positioning, turning and transferring patients

• ‌Assisting the patient under the direction of physical therapists

• ‌Applying infection control practices in treatment areas

Throughout the Program: Student Support and Guidance

MedCerts believes in supporting students every step of the way. You’ll get access to student success advisors, educational consultants and career coaches, all of whom are dedicated to helping you land and thrive at your dream PT aide job.‌

The Takeaway

MedCerts’s 17-week Physical Therapy Aide program is comprehensive career prep. It covers customer service, healthcare office administration, medical terminology and hands-on PT aide skills.

All MedCerts students have on-demand access to one-on-one help, and you’ll get regular check-ins to make sure you’re doing well and feeling successful. It’s not just a series of classes — it’s an introduction to a career.