Online Physical Therapy Aide Courses and Classes

Most online physical therapy aide classes are primarily suitable for beginners because they cover elementary theory. However, some institutions and professional organizations also provide classes for those who already work in the field but seeking additional and specialized training. These classes usually consist of independent study from a required text and build on a student's practical experience. Institutions usually award continuing education units for classes of that type.

Overview of Online Training Courses for Physical Therapy Aides

An associate degree, such as the Associate of Science in Physical Therapy or Associate of Science in Allied Health Science, is usually the minimum degree required for physical aide therapists. Even though online classes are available for academic degrees, additional in-person practice is usually required to round out a curriculum. In addition, most states require licensing based on practical experience for the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) credential. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy are possible advanced degrees for those seeking to become physical therapists; however, a bachelor's degree may be needed to enter a graduate-level program.

General Requirements for Online Courses

Classes with intensive graphic content require a high-speed connection to the Internet, and color laser printers are recommended to adequately capture the details in some of the images. Applications for video conferencing and instant-messaging are also useful for communication between students and professors.

Sample List of Online Physical Therapy Courses

Introduction to Physical Therapy Course

This course introduces the history, legal considerations, ethical issues, work environment and business practices of physical therapy. It also covers the proper use of various assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, treadmills, canes and handrails. Students discover procedures to move patients safely, manage treatment, implement exercise programs and prevent infection.

Medical Terminology and Human Physiology Course

Participants learn the medical terminology they will encounter in rehabilitation programs, medical offices, hospitals and assisted living facilities. They also study the component names for the human body's muscle, skeletal, nervous, glandular, sensory and organ systems. Course content also introduces the proper terms used in cellular anatomy, biology, chemistry and physiology.

Techniques to Improve and Maintain Balance Skills Course

This class addresses the nature of balance and coordination by examining the structure and working of the skeletal, muscular and vestibular systems. It also teaches techniques to diagnose possible pathological or neuromuscular causes for dizziness in patients. In addition, students review specific conditioning drills and exercises to correct balance and coordination issues.

Kinesiology and Sports Studies for Physical Therapists Course

Students review the basics of movement used in everyday life and in sports by studying the structures and joints of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscle groups. The course pays specific attention to the needs of athletes, and critical joints such as wrists, elbows, ankles, hips and shoulders are discussed in detail. Special consideration is shown for pediatrics, geriatrics and gender-specific populations.