Online Certificate

Physical Therapy Aide Certificate

Gain Foundational Skills for Physical Therapy Support Roles

6 Months*

To Complete

Anytime

Enrollment

8-10 Hours

Weekly Commitment

Overview

Details

Careers

Certification

Cost

What can a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate do for you?

A Physical Therapy Aide Certificate prepares you to assist physical therapists by supporting patients before, during, and after therapy sessions. The certificate program focuses on the practical tasks that keep rehabilitation environments organized, safe, and effective.

If you’re interested in healthcare and want a shorter, skills-focused certificate program that introduces you to physical therapy settings, this certificate is a great fit.

Becoming Qualified as a Physical Therapy Aide

The 100% online Physical Therapy Aide Certificate at Arcadia University helps you build foundational knowledge for entry-level support roles in rehabilitation environments.

The curriculum emphasizes real-world responsibilities while staying within the scope of the physical therapy aide role.

You’ll learn how to:

Prepare treatment areas and organize therapy equipment

Assist with patient positioning, transfers, and mobility

Support therapeutic exercises and range-of-motion activities under supervision

Apply basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology

Follow safety, infection control, and professionalism standards

Communicate clearly with patients and healthcare teams

Record and document therapy support activities

Comprehensive Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Proficiency in English for communication and documentation
Physical ability to assist patients with movement, positioning, and equipment
Comfort working in hands-on healthcare environments
Access to appropriate technology for online coursework

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Prepare and maintain physical therapy work areas, equipment, and supplies
Support patients during therapy sessions under the direction of medical staff
Monitor and document patient activities, responses, and treatment support
Communicate effectively with patients and members of the healthcare team

Is a Rewarding Career as a Physical Therapy Aide Right for You?

Take our Online Certificate Readiness Quiz

This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and provides you with a personalized report to find out if a short-term online certificate is right for you. The report identifies your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

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What Can You Do with a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate?

Earning a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate can help you pursue entry-level support roles within healthcare and rehabilitation settings. These roles focus on assisting physical therapists and physical therapist assistants with non-clinical, supportive tasks that help patients receive care efficiently.

Careers to Explore

A Physical Therapy Aide Certificate can open the door to diverse career opportunities in the healthcare field.

As a graduate of this certificate program, you may be able to find employment as a:

Rehabilitation Aide
Therapy Aide
Rehabilitation Support Assistant
Clinical Support Worker

High Earning Potential for Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physical therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034--much faster than the average for all occupations.**

Physical Therapy Aide Certification and Training

11 Month* Diploma | $60,050 median annual salary**

16% Job Growth Between 2024-2034**
Graduates hired by massage clinics, hospitals, & health spas
Advance into Exercise Physiology, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Examination and much more!

* Program length when completed in normal time
** https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm visited on October 31, 2025.

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this certificate are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Build Skills Employers Look for in Physical Therapy Support

This certificate prepares you with practical knowledge commonly expected in physical therapy support roles. The certificate program also supports preparation for industry-recognized certifications, including:

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Certified Physical Therapy Aide

American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Physical Therapy Technician Certification

You will receive a complimentary voucher for each of these certification exams.

Certification eligibility and requirements are determined by the certifying organizations and may include additional criteria beyond course completion

How Much Does a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate Cost?

$2,549

Total Tuition

Connect with an admissions representative to explore payment plans available to you.
Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need to complete an accredited training program, gain hands-on experience, and obtain certification. Certification is not always required but is highly recommended to enhance job prospects and career growth.

Pharmacy tech training covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical terminology, medication preparation, drug interactions, prescription processing, and customer service skills. Training also includes hands-on experience to prepare students for pharmacy work.

With pharmacy technician certification, you can work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, clinics, and other healthcare settings, assisting pharmacists with medication preparation, dispensing prescriptions, and managing inventory. Certification can also open doors for career advancement in the pharmacy field.

A pharmacy technician certification demonstrates your expertise and competency in the field, while a license is required in some states to work as a pharmacy technician legally. Certification may be voluntary in certain regions, but a license is often a legal requirement to practice in others.

The Pharmacy Technician training at Arcadia University covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical terminology, medication dispensing, drug interactions, customer service, and pharmacy law. The certificate will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively in a pharmacy setting.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Physical Therapy Aide Right for You? Get More Info….

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*Certificate length when completed in normal time.
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-Aides.htm

Arcadia University partners with Core Education, a third-party operating partner, to offer high-quality, industry-recognized certificate programs. This partnership enables us to provide additional learning opportunities while ensuring the programs meet our institution’s standards and align with our mission to support workforce development and bring access to education to anyone seeking to learn more.

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