Five Things to Consider About Physical Therapy Aide Programs

About Sports Rehab program

Do you desire to work in the booming health and wellness industry but don’t have the education you need? Becoming a doctor takes at least seven years, and nurse’s training will consume about four years of your life, but there is another way.

Physical therapy aides are vital and respected members of health care offices and hospitals, and you can become trained and ready for employment in months, not years!

What does a physical therapy aide do?

Physical therapy aides are individuals who assist physical therapists with their patients. A typical day may include scheduling appointments, helping patients in and out of therapy rooms, supporting patients in the use of therapeutic equipment, communicating with other health care providers, and performing clerical work. In general, physical therapy aides ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Although physical therapy aide programs can be completed in a short period of time, it is important to choose a program that will prepare you thoroughly for all aspects of this challenging career.

You may prefer a particular training program because it is close to your home, or it costs a little less than the others you’ve researched. Those are important things to consider, but there are several factors you need to evaluate when selecting a physical therapy aide program, and some are more important than others.

Accreditation

You do not need a license to work as a physical therapy aide, but it’s important to choose a school that is accredited. This will give you an edge when competing in the job market. When you are applying for your first position as a physical therapy aide, employers will be evaluating any experience you may have, as well as your professional training.

Class Size

You don’t want to choose a program where there are so many students enrolled that you get lost in the crowd. Smaller class sizes allow for increased interaction between students and instructors, and that is something to consider when choosing a physical therapy aide program.

Hands On Training

Programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on training are the most beneficial for students. Practical experience is just as important and necessary as academics, and allows students to get a taste of what it’s like to be “on the job”.

Smaller classes allow for more personalized training.

Course Content

Training that teaches what is necessary to perform as a physical therapy aide is essential. However, choosing a training program that includes additional courses such as medical massage therapy and sports rehabilitation, helps you to excel in the marketplace and expand your future career options.

Financial Aid

Most students can’t afford to pay for their education out of pocket. Therefore, choosing a school that offers several financial aid options is important. There are federal education loans available, as well as grants for qualified students. Selecting a physical therapy aide program that offers financing options allows you to concentrate on your education, without worrying about how you’re going to pay for it.

If you’re passionate about helping others, becoming a physical therapy aide can open the door for you to enter the exciting field of health and wellness.

Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) offers an extensive Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab program that covers all the bases. In their all inclusive program, you’ll learn everything you need to become a physical therapy aide as well as a sports rehab aide. SOCHi’s comprehensive program includes training in medical massage therapy, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, CPR/first aid certification, and much more!