Physical Therapy Aide Technician

Certificate Program

Physical Therapy Aide Technicians provide assistance in the treatment of patients in a wide variety of clinical settings, ranging from hospitals to outpatient orthopedic facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapy aides is projected to grow 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The non-credit Physical Therapy Aide program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) provides a basic overview of the rehabilitation process including anatomy, treatment modalities, medical terminology and ethics, gait assistive devices, and note recording. The course provides a foundation to initiate a career as a Physical Therapy Aide. It also provides a starting point for further studies in the field of rehabilitation.

The program includes 60 hours of class, which is held on the CSULB campus, as well as at an off-campus rehabilitation setting located less than a mile away. As part of the curriculum, students will be provided with two hours of volunteer/observation hours at a local physical therapy office.

Please note: This program is not associated with any CSULB minor or major degree, and does not guarantee a job upon completion.

  • Students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy as an aide, assistant, or therapist will benefit from this introductory class
  • Classroom facility and off-site clinical setting provide students with opportunities for hands-on education
  • Prepares students for an introductory rehabilitation aide position
  • Course includes equipment such as a gait belt, reflex hammer, and goniometer
  • The instructor brings more than 30 years of experience as a clinician
  • Textbook included with the cost of the program
  • Basic human anatomy and medical terminology
  • Patient positioning and measuring the range of motion using a goniometer
  • Use of ambulatory assistive devices for patient transfers
  • Note recording and modality application
  • Students will be required to participate in class, pass all quizzes and exams, and pass practical components as instructed